William Johnson (b. ca. 1841) was the son of Sarah Johnson and James Johnson, a farmer in Nelson County, Virginia. At the time of the 1860 Census, the couple had twelve children living at home. Their four oldest sons served in the Confederate Army. Alexander (b. ca. 1839), Samuel (b. ca. 1840), and William all mustered into service as privates in Co. G, 19th Virginia Infantry on May 20, 1861. William and Fred both appear to have survived the war.