Born in 1919, between Murphy and Hayesville in the Fires Creek area, Garnet Johnson grew up on a family farm during a time when there were no good roads between Murphy and Hayesville. Johnson helped construct the railroad that was built to go to Hayesville, to carry heavy items too large for a horse and buggy. His work entailed cutting down trees to make into railroad ties, for a few dollars a load. He also made handles for tools, some of which are still used on his farm today. In 1933, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps to earn money to help his family. He worked in the Nantahala Section and each month he got $5 for himself, and sent $25 home for the family.
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