Benjamin Johnson, Sr. was born in Edgecombe County. (Parents unknown). He had a brother, Harvey Johnson, who was a minister. It is not known how many sisters and brothers they had.
Benjamin met and married Mary Jane Taylor. To this union eight children were born. They were June, Carrie, Daisy, Samuel, Mattie Lula, Nettie, Benjamin, Maggie and Ida Johnson. Benjamin and Mary Jane were living on Flagmack farm, which is located near Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Benjamin Sr. died a young man, before 1920 or a little after. After Benjamin’s death Mary Jane remained on the farm raising her children. She also raised Willard Green Johnson. After the children had grown up and left home, Mary Jane continued to work on the farm with her son Samuel, who remained at home. It is also known that Mary Jane lived on the Joe Mills’ farm. In the winter Mary Jane did domestic work, as there wasn’t much to do on the farm.
Mary Jane was born in 1864 in Edgecombe County (parents unknown). She was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Mary Jane was always giving her children advice when she saw that they were making a mistake involving their life and family.
Mary Jane was a kind and pleasant person. She became blind because of cataract, and Willard took care of her. The other children and grandchildren would come in to help Willard with the day-to-day care giving. When Willard married Johnnie Frank Robinson, Mary Jane was welcomed in the new home. Mary Jane continued to live with Willard and Frank until her death on January 31, 1940. She was buried in the “By George” cemetery, and was 76 years old.