Johnson Low
Johnson Low, farmer, sections 19 and 20, Clinton Township, is a son of Charles and Lanor (Richardson) Low, natives of Canada. They were married in that country and came to this country in 1856, settling in Clinton Township, where the father died Nov. 5, 1863. He was of Scotch extraction, and held an officer’s position in the British Army. His wife still survives, and is still a resident of Clinton Township. They were the parents of ten children, namely: William R., John S., Tameran, Mary J., Charles, Caroline, James, Johnson, George and Wolford. Of the ten children, John S., Mary J., Caroline, James and George are deceased. James was a soldier in the late Civil War, doing duty in the 105th Ill. Vol. Inf., and died at Gallatin, Sumner Co., Tenn., in 1863.
John Low, the subject of this biographical notice, was born in Canada, May 16, 1842. He received his education in the common schools of Canada and Illinois, coming to this State when 14 years of age with his parents. He lived with them in Clinton Township, assisting on the farm until his father’s death, when he purchased the homestead of 120 acres and on which he is at present residing.
Mr. Low enlisted in the Second Illinois Light Artillery, Sept. 16, 1861k, and was in his country’s service for 18 1/2 months. He was in the battle of Fort Donelson, Tenn., Feb. 16, 1862, in which the Union forces, commanded by Gen. Grant and Com. Foote, had 446 killed, 1735 wounded and 150 taken prisoners, but captured six forts, 65 guns, and 17,500 small arms. He was also in other battles and skirmishes of less import, and was honorable discharged at Memphis, Tenn. On receiving his discharge he immediately returned home.
Mr. Low was married Dec. 25, 1866, in McDonough Co., IL, to Miss Kate, daughter of Joseph and Delia (Overton)Long, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in McDonough County at an early day. They had ten children, namely: Albert, Clarkson, John G., Mary E., Kate Joanna, Susan, Bessie, Lilly and Brainard.
Mrs. Low was born in Hancock Co., IL, Aug. 25, 1851, and of the issue of her marriage to Mr. Low there are seven children, all living, namely: Caddie V., born Jan. 23, 1868; William R., born Aug. 20, 1870; Sue F., born Oct. 29, 1873; Johnson, born Sept. 30, 1875; James R., born Sept. 5, 1878; Katie, born Feb. 3, 1883; and Charles H., born Dec. 9, 1884.
Politically, Mr. Low affiliates with the Republican Party. Three of his brothers, William R., James and Wolford, were soldiers in the late Civil War.
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of DeKalb Co.
