Elias H. Johns
Elias H. Johns was born in Fauquier County, Virginia, June 11th, 1834. His parents, Elias and Adaline, removed to Ohio in 1852, and came to Allen County in 1866. Mr. J. was engaged in the war of the Rebellion, and when the war closed came to this county, and commenced the grocery business, which he still continues. His wife is Julia A. E., daughter of William and Rebecca Cheney, who came from Marion County in 1864, and whose children are Julia, Samuel, Amanda, Ebenezer, Francis, and Henry. Julia was born in Union County, 7th Nov., 1837. Mr. Johns has four brothers--Thomas, Samuel, Nathaniel, and Lewis, and one sister, Eliza. The children of Elias and Julia A. E. Johns are, Sarah A., Henrietta (deceased), Silas H., and Septa J.
From 1875 Historical Atlas of Allen County, Ohio by H H Hardesty & Co. Publishers, Chicago.
Elias H. Johns, one of the honored retired residents of Lima, was for a great many years prominently identified with the city's business interests and public affairs. Mr. Johns was born in Fauquier County, Virginia, June 11, 1834, and is a son of Elias and Adaline (Otley) Johns.
The Johns family were among the pioneers of Washington township, Union County, Ohio, removing there from Charlestown, Virginia. The father of our subject was a man of enterprising spirit. When he located in Washington township, in 1852, he erected the first hewed-log house there, When his life approached middle age, he removed from the farm to the village of Essex and there engaged in mercantile business.
Elias H. Johns obtained is education in Virginia prior to the removal of the family to Ohio and from the age of 18 years until his enlistment in the Union Army he followed school teaching. Mr. Johns was one of the first patriotic young men of his neighborhood to respond to the call for troops in 1861, becoming a member of Company B, Second Battalion, 18th Reg., United States Infantry. With all the loyal enthusiasm of the time he entered the service and nobly performed a soldier's duty and almost gave up his life for his country. On the terrible battle-ground of Stone River, he with scores of his comrades fell, and such were the prevailing conditions that he was left to suffer without surgical care for a number of hours. His life was in the balance when he was taken to a hospital. From December until the following September he was under treatment in army hospitals at Murfreesboro, Nashville, Louisville and Camp Dennison. From the effects of that dreadful day of battle, Mr. Johns never fully recovered, although the day came when he was able to take a position in the recruiting service, in which he spent the remainder of his term of enlistment, being honorably discharged in 1864. In spite of the injuries suffered when just in the flower of his manhood, Mr. Johns has survived many of his comrades and, approaching the evening of life, he is still vigorous of mind and body, and in most entertaining manner can recall those days which must always possess vital interest for every true American.
After his return from his army service, Mr. Johns came in the same year to Lima and entered into business, opening up a grocery which he continued to operate until 1879, when he became associated with Townsend & Moser for four years, and later with the late Judge Hughes, in the manufacture of furniture. Close attention to business and careful investments have provided Mr. Johns with ample competency, which his leisure permits him to enjoy. He owns considerable property here, including his pleasant home at No. 222 South Pierce street.
In 1857 Mr. Johns was married to Elizabeth Cheney, of Union County, Ohio, a daughter of William Cheney, who was a farmer all his life. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Johns, two are now living, namely: Silas H., who is assistant superintendent of the Prudential Life Insurance Company's agency at Lima; and Septa J., who is a wife of W. A. Hall, a journalist, of Racine, Wisconsin.
Mr. Johns has always been an active and interested citizen and for a number of years was a valuable member of the City Council. His advice was always considered as he was known to be a practical, reliable public-spirited man. He is a member of Mart Armstrong Post, No. 202, G. A. R., and of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. He has for many years been prominent in the York rite bodies of the Masonic order and at present is secretary of Garett Wykoff Lodge, No. 585, F. & A. M. He is past master of the Blue Lodge, past high priest of the Chapter, past thrice illustrious master of the Council and past eminent commander of the Commandery.
From History of Allen County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 2, Edited & Compiled by Charles C. Miller, Ph. D.; Richmond & Arnold, Publishers, Chicago, 1906