The township was named for Richard M. Johnson, a military officer and later vice president of the United States.

The township's first white settlers were brothers George, William and Charles Thomas who arrived in 1839 and for two years were the only residents.

The township's early social and business center was Burget's Corner two and a half miles north of Scircleville which had a general store and a post office that remained in operation for over 30 years.

Berlin, another early settlement platted in 1847 in the southeastern part of the township, also faded into extinction during the 19th century.

[6] The township contains seven cemeteries: Bacon, Baker, Merrit, Plummer, Prairie Chapel, Scott and Stroup.