Henry S. Johnson is
Ninety today
Today, one of
Simcoe's oldest and most respected citizens, Henry S. Johnson, is
celebrating his 90th birthday. In honor of the occasion, his family
spent Sunday with him at his home, 252 John Street.
Henry
Smith Johnson, the son of David Johnson and Hannah Griffin, was born in
Windham Township, across the road from where the present Bethel School
now stands.
At the
age of thirteen he came to Simcoe in 1869 and here entered the employ of
the Norfolk Reformer as "printer's devil." He continued
with the Reformer for a numbers of years and eventually went into
partnership with the editor, the late H. B. Donly, Mr. Johnson having
charge of the printing department.
In
1886 Mr. Johnson left The Reformer and joined the staff of the local
Registry Office as Deputy Registrar, continuing in this capacity until
1935, a total of 49 years without interruption. During the 49 years he
served under three registrars, A. J. Donly from 1886 to 1908, W. E.
Tisdale until 1914 and Dr. W. M. McGuire until 1935, the latter and Mr.
Johnson leaving the office at the same time.
Becoming
an Odd Fellow the same year in which he went to the Registry Office, Mr.
Johnson has been a prominent member of the Order. He is a member of
Simcoe Lodge No. 161, I.O.O.F., a Past Chief Patriarch of Norfolk
Encampment No. 63, of which he was treasurer for many years; a Past
District Grand Master of Long Point District and a member of Canton
Victoria and of Patriarchs Militant, St. Thomas. It is also interesting
to note that he was the first Noble Grand of Fern Rebakah Lodge.
For
many years Mr. Johnson has been a devoted member of St. James United
Church and for some time was a member of the choir. He served as
secretary of St. James Sunday School and later was teacher of the Bible
class.
A valued member of
the Norfolk Historical Society, Mr. Johnson has been a curator for that
organization over a long period of years. Well versed in local
historical lore, he has written many articles along this line, and has
maintained a keen interest in newspaper work.
Mr.
Johnson's two main hobbies have been gardening and amateur photography.
His garden is one of the finest in Simcoe and he grows several varieties
of lilies, notable Regal lilies, among other things. He still continues
to be interested in photography and his camera usually accompanies him
when he goes away from home.
One
June 4, 1878, Mr. Johnson was married to Frances Abigail Lemon, daughter
of Joseph and Matilda Lemon of Charlotteville, the marriage being
performed in Simcoe with Rev. Donald Sutherland officiating.
Mrs.
Johnson passed away on July 12, 1943, little more than a month after
they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. To this union were born
three children. They are: Harry Augustine Johnson of Woodhouse Gore,
Mrs. W. D. (Bessie) Walcott of Toronto and Miss Enid Johnson at home,
the latter a member of The Reformer staff. Mr. Johnson also has two
grandsons living, Robert and Gerald Johnson of Simcoe. His eldest
grandson, Flt. Sgt. Douglas Johnson, lost his life on air operations
overseas in November, 1942.
