St. Williams:
Mrs. Harley Gray was hostess to a surprise birthday party on Thursday
night in honor of her father, Izettus Johnson who was celebrating his
96th birthday. More than 20 relatives sat down to a bountiful chicken
dinner.
Mr. Johnson was the recipient of
many useful gifts and messages of congratulations from friends and
relatives of the community and from a nephew, James
E. Johnson, who is spending the winter in Florida.
Mr. Johnson is enjoying good
health and takes his daily walks around the village. He is a member of
the Baptist Church. He is a native of Norfolk County, a son of the late
Jeremiah Johnson and Ann Edwards and the fifth and last surviving member
of a family of eight children.
In 1871 he married Samathia [sic]
Paterson, who passed away in 1919. To them were born nine children, six
of whom are living. They are William Johnson of Simcoe, Frank Johnson of
St. Williams, Mrs. Cecil Butler of Ingersoll, Mrs. Harley Gray, Mrs.
Arthur Price of St. Williams and Mrs. Harry Short, Pontiac, Michigan. He
has 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He was born on the Johnson
homestead and farmed on the same farm until he retired in 1919. Since
then he has resided with his daughter, Mrs. Harley Gray. Mr. Johnson who
is the oldest resident in St. Williams, attributes his longevity to his
years of hard work.
Out-of-town guests who attended
the birthday party were Mr. and Mrs. William Johnson, Mrs. Wilbert
McGuire, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Duncan of Simcoe.
