John was the son of Marshall Johnson and Sarah Jennings. He married Margaret Daniel Nash. The Johnson homeplace was on Harris Hollow Road, behind "Glen Eyrie," a few miles northwest of (Little) Washington, Rappahannock Co., Virginia.

From a tribute given at the funeral of John W. Johnson:
"John W. Johnson, when quite a young man, came from one of the eastern counties of Virginia. So marked were his energies and business qualities that he was soon promoted to manager of the George Pearis George estate [Tazewell Co., VA]." (From published tribute) After he and Margaret Nash married, Margaret's father gave them the "Brown Tract," on the Bluestone near Falls Mills.

"As a private, John served in the Confederate Army, Co. "I", 16th Virginia Cavalry. He enlisted on October 9, 1862, but left the war in 1863. According to his military papers, John was 5'4" tall, with dark complexion, black eyes, black hair and whiskers.

"He became an elder in the Disciples of Christ Church, Falls Mills, VA, and was a farmer and prosperous cattle dealer. According to a granddaughter, John was a very nice man but was authoritative, and wife Margaret feared his displeasure. He loved riding his horse and kept a bottle of apple-jack in his backpocket.

Obituary, "Bluefield Daily Telegraph," July 9, 1907:
"AGED EX-CONFEDERATE CRUSHED UNDER WHEELS
"John W. Johnson, of Graham, Run Down by Train While on His Way to Funeral.
"NEARLY TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS FOUND IN POCKET.
John W. Johnson, aged 85 years, an ex-Confederate soldier and prominent farmer, residing near Falls Mills, met with instant death yesterday afternoon under the wheels of a Norfolk and Western engine. The accident occured one mile west of Graham at about 1:30 o'clock. A pathetic feature connected with the tragedy was the fact that Mr. Johnson was on his way to attend the funeral of Grady Graham, the young man who died at St. Luke's hospital Monday and who had been a neighbor of the victim of yesterday's sad accident.
"Mr. Johnson on Monday visited his daughter, Mrs. William Shufflebarger at Graham, remaining over night, and yesterday decided to attend the funeral of young Graham. His daughter protested against his making the trip alone, especially walking the distance. The old gentleman started once, but returned to the house. Later, however, he decided to make the trip and started walking along the railroad on the eastbound track. He stepped on to the westbound track to avoid a train approaching at the time, stepping directly in front of a westbound light engine.
John W. Johnson was favorably known throughout this section, having resided here for years and being the possessor of one of the finest farms in this section, from which he accumulated a considerable fortune. He was eccentric in some of his habits, though always pleasant and affable to those with whom he came in contact. When he met with the accident yesterday, $1,960 in cash was found on his person, it having been his custom for years to carry a considerable sum of money on his person. The surviving members of the family are Mrs. William Shufflebarger of Graham, Mrs. F.D. Mooring of Flat Top Yards, Mrs. William Calfee, John Johnson, William Johnson and Mrs. Annie R. Goolsby of Huntington, Andy Johnson and Ella Benson."

"As a neighbor, he was hospitable and accommodating. as a husband and fathher, he was kind, lenient and affectionate. Responsive to the call of the sick and suffering, he is worthy to live in the hearts of love he leaves behind, and to live in these is not to die."
(Published testimony"

Gravestone Inscription: "These Precious Ones From Us Are Gone; The Voices We Loved Are Stilled; A Place Is Vacant In Our Home Which Never Can Be Filled."