I am preparing an autobiography of Johnson. He was a close friend of John
Ray and did pioneering work in ornithology, botany and fishes. However, his
contribution remains to be properly recognised. He was born at Earby in the
township of Newsham near Richmond in North Yorkshire. He attended Sedburgh
School from where he went to Cambridge. He left without a degree. I have
been unable to establish the circumstances surrounding his leaving. It may
have had something to do with the Civil War. Help on this would be
particularly welcome. From 1656 until his death he was Vicar of Brignall
which is not far from Earby.
One antiquarian has the Johnson family going back to the 15th. century with
its own coat of arms but I have reason to doubt this.
Contributors to the New DNB will be able to find my entry for Johnson which
supplies more information.
Any help with Johnson's autobiography will be most welcome including any
possible sources that I may not have examined.
Thank you.
Frank Horsman
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