Etc. -- Henry Smith Johnson turns 90
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A partial transcription of a pages 1 and 8 article in the 9 Aug 1945 issue of the Simcoe Reformer. [Some paragraph breaks inserted by the transcriber.]

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.


 Henry Smith Johnson



Also see:
 an earlier profile


Also see:
his obituary

 
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