Thomas W. Johnson, a well-known breeder of choice imported swine and other live stock, is a native of Sims township, Grant county, Indiana, where his entire life has been passed. He was born April 29, 1863, and is a son of Theodorick and Elizabeth (Hubbard) Johnson, of whom and of whose ancestors some interesting facts may here he related.

        Theodorick Johnson was a native of North Carolina and was married in Ohio. He was one of the first immigrants to and settlers of Grant county, Indiana, where, about 1834, he entered the one hundred and twenty acres of government land which he cleared up and occupied until his death, which occurred February 14, 1877. He had ancestors who were inhabitants of this country in the colonial days, and some of whom were heroes in the war of the Revolution, and others who were patriots in the war of 1812, sometimes called the "second Revolution," for the reason that Great Britain insisted on holding sway over her subjects to the third generation and claimed the right of search of American merchantman on the high seas for its so-called subjects, although American born, and this tyrannous conduct led to the second war, in which the United States again curbed the pride and checked the arbitrary acts of the mother country.

        Mrs. Elizabeth (Hubbard) Johnson is also of English descent, her mother when five years old having been brought to America by her parents who settled in the state of Maryland. Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson is still living on the old homestead in Sims township, Grant county, Indiana, and is a lady venerable in years and venerated by all who know her.

        To the marriage of Theodorick and Elizabeth (Hubbard) Johnson were born the following children, who were named in order of birth as follows: John; Sarah Jane, wife of John Bradley; James B.; William; Mary Ann married Henry Roy; Theodorick; Emanuel; Lemuel; Elizabeth, wife of James Creviston; Thomas W., the subject of this sketch; and Margaret, who is now Mrs. Edward Willcotts.

        Thomas W. Johnson attended the district schools of Sims township until twenty years of age, availing himself, of course, of the winter seasons, while the summers were devoted to the cultivation of the home farm and to such other work as is usually called for from the farmer's lad. After completing his education Mr. Johnson began his career as an agriculturist and breeder of live stock, giving especial attention to the higher grades of swine, for the breeding of which he has achieved a widespread reputation. At the time of this writing he has about one hundred and eighty head of choice Duroc Jersey swine, which he has reared for breeding purposes, shipping only the "culls" to market for consumption.

        January 1, 1887, Mr. Johnson married Miss Ellora Loring, daughter of Hudson and Sarah (Beason) Loring, to which union two children were born, viz.: John Paul, December 11, 1888, and Freddie L., who was born March 18, 1898, and died August 18th in the same year. Mrs. Johnson untimely expired March 25, 1898, leaving Mr. Johnson a disconsolate widower.