Richard Johnson was born on October 12, 1931, in Dazey Township, of Barnes County, the son of Carl O. and Emma Johnson.
Richard attended the Ladbury School for two years before the family moved to Hannaford. There he continued his schooling, graduating from high school in 1949. He attended Concordia College for one year and then began farming on the home farm, as a third generation occupant.
Richard married Phyllis Bjugstad at Barron, Wisconsin, May 16, 1953. They had four children: Sandra, married to Dave Kocka, living at Stewart, Minnesota, where she teaches music; Lynn, who married Sonja Overby, farms near Hannaford; Kenley, who married Carol Harrang, is a bank officer at Grand Forks; and Laurie, married to Joe Tweit, living in Grand Forks, is assistant administrator for Grand Forks development. Four grandchildren are part of this family.
Richard and Phyllis continue to farm and live on their farm. They keep involved with community and church activities. With music a very enjoyable part of their lives, they involve themselves in musical functions within their community.
Source: Hannaford Area History North Dakota Centennial 1889 - 1989 Page 172