Joseph Johnson
* 1835 - 1924 *



" Each life is a miracle that changes the world
and leaves it a better place than it was before "

Ed's great great grandfather, Joseph JOHNSON, was born Oct 26 1835
in Rufforth Yorkshire England.
He was the 3rd eldest of 9 children
born to Thomas JOHNSON and Ann MORTIMER.


Joseph's father, Thomas JOHNSON, was employed at Bilton-in-Ainsty,
5 miles west of Rufforth, hiring his labour out
for Squire John JOLLY, a Rufforth farmer.

Joseph JOHNSON emigrated to Ontario Canada in 1861. In the 1861 Census, he was staying in the home of his brother Thomas & wife Elizabeth.

I think the following bit of background on Thomas likely gives us
a little glimpse into Joseph's early life as well ~

Joseph married Marion CLIMIE on Jan 28 1863 in Plympton Township Lambton Ontario.

Marion was born on May 20 1845 in Plympton Township Lambton Ontario.
She was the daughter of William CLIMIE and Marion PARK.


In the 1871 CENSUS ~
on Lot 2, Concession F of Plympton on 96 acres,
Joseph, farmer, 33 with his wife Marion, 26,
Thomas 7, Mary Ellen 5, Margaret 4 and Marion 1, all born in Ontario.



They had 26 acres improved, 7 acres in pasture and 1 acre in orchards.
That year they produced 10 bushels of wheat,
50 bushels of barley,
120 bushels of oats,
36 bushels of peas,
30 bushels of corn,
9 tons of hay
and 40 bushels of apples.

They had 2 horses, 3 milk cows, 2 other cattle, 5 sheep and 1 pig.
That year they slaughtered 5 pigs
and produced 200 pounds of butter,
36 pounds of wool
and 10 yards of cloth.


In the 1881 CENSUS ~
Joseph JOHNSON 45, carpenter, Marion 35,
Mary Ellen 15, Thomas 17, Margaret 13, Minnie 11, William 9, Anne 6, Rose 4,
Mortimer 10 months, born last May,
and John FRASER 23, servant.


In the 1891 CENSUS ~
Joseph JOHNSON 54, joiner and farmer, Marion 45,
Mary Ellen 24, (Thomas is crossed out probably because he's out on his own now),
Marion 22, William 19, Anney 16, Rose 14,
George 11 (he must have hated being called Mortimer!!),
Ina May 8 and Frederick 5.



In the 1901 CENSUS ~
Joseph JOHNSON 66, born Oct 26 1835 in England, emigrated in 1861,
Marion 55, born May 20, 1845,
George 20, born May 27, 1880,
Ina May 18, born Jul 23 1882
and Frederick 15, born Jan 27 1886.

* * *

Story from the FOREST STANDARD, Jan 21, 1924 ----

One of the pioneer residents of the village passed away early Saturday morning (Jan 19)
in the person of Joseph JOHNSON, aged 89 years.
For some months he had been in failing health
but having had a strong constitution was able to go around the house
until about a week ago when he was confined to bed.

(Joseph had suffered from arteriosclerosis for a number of years)

Mr Johnson was a member of the Anglican faith.

During his active years he was a farmer and a carpenter
and many a building in the village is of his construction.

He is survived by his wife Marion Climie JOHNSON and ten children:
Mrs Barrett and Mrs Daley of Detroit,
Mrs Cagg of Oklahoma,
Mrs John McPhedran of Petrolia,
Mrs James Crawford (Margaret) and Mrs W G Anderson of Camlachie,
Thomas of Petrolia,
William Leslie of Camlachie,
and Fred in the Canadian West.

Funeral will take place from the residence to
Errol Cemetery in Plympton on Monday afternoon, Jan 22 1923.

Marion Climie JOHNSON died in 1930
and is buried beside Joseph and their infant son Walter Leslie
who was born in 1884 and died in 1885.

Return to JOHNSON Direct Ancestor Line
Return to CLIMIE Direct Ancestor Line
MORTIMER Direct Ancestor Line
PARK Direct Ancestor Line


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