Near Benoit in Bolivar County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

William Fisher Johnson

Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 25, 2020

1. William Fisher Johnson Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In the early morning hours of March 31, 1912, William Fisher Johnson (1876~1916) helped rescue flood victims after swollen rivers and lakes in Bolivar County caused a levee break just south of Beulah. According to Walter Sillers, using his gas powered boat, Johnson and his crew rescued fifty~eight people from the flood waters. Sillers recounted that Johnson and his crew rescued a family of ten from their home moments before it was swept off its blocks and torn apart by the raging waters.

Erected 2010 by Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Heroes. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi State Historical Marker Program series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 31, 1912.

Location. 33° 37.06′ N, 91° 3.528′ W. Marker is near Benoit, Mississippi, in Bolivar County. Marker is on State Highway 1, 1.1 miles north of Lake Vista Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Benoit MS 38725, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

flies. Mississippi River Blues: The 1927 Flood (approx. 1.9 miles away); Eddie Taylor (approx. 3.7 miles away); Eddie Shaw (approx. 3.7 miles away); Winterville Mounds (approx. 9.1 miles away); Symbols Tell Stories (approx. 9.1 miles away); Winterville (approx. 9.1 miles away); Lockheed T-33A (approx. 10.2 miles away); History of the 51-6601 (approx. 10.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Benoit.

Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 25, 2020

2. William Fisher Johnson Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2020, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 198 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 16, 2020, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.