General Notes: Death record of daughter Lucretia M., information was provided by grandson F.O. Johnson.); 1850 U.S. Census, Leon, Cattaraugus, NY, dwelling 142
From Connewango Pioneers, Cattaraugus county: Stephen Nichols settled on lot 61 in 1820
In 1850 census listed that he could read and write
Stephen married Catharine Runhauge in , , NY. Catharine was born in 1803-1804 in , , NY and died after 1850 in Of Leon, Cattaraugus, NY.
General Notes: Death record of daughter Lucretia M. (Surr name may Sunhauge, or something else, difficult to read the handwriting. Information provided by grandson F.O. Johnson.; 1850 U.S. Census, Leon, Cattaraugus, NY, 142
Listed in 1850 Census as could read and write
Children from this marriage were:
+ 2 F i. Lucretia M. Nichols was born on 25 Mar 1827 in Middlebury Twp., Wyoming, NY, died on 28 Feb 1903 in Belding, Ionia, MI and was buried on 2 Mar 1903 in Greens Cemetery, Belding, Ionia, MI.
3 M ii. Joseph Nichols was born in 1831-1832 in , , NY.
General Notes: 1850 U.S. Census, Leon, Cattaraugus, NY, dwelling 142
Farmer, could read and write.
General Notes: Death record, State of Michigan, Number 335, Registered Number 6; Cemetery index, Greens cemetery, Ionia County, MI [(L. or C.) H. Gretia]; IGI 8617804-27-1396214 (birth location); 1850 Census, Leon, Cattaraugus, NY, 152; death record of son Francis Olin Johnson (mother born Middleberry, NY); Tombstone (Lucret), also age 75 years, 11 months, 3 or 23 days at time of death; 1870 census, Orleans, Ionia, MI 595-58
The Belding Banner, Belding, MI, 5 Mar 1903:
"Lucretia M. Johnson passed away last Saturday at 2:30 p.m., from her home on Bridge street in this city, after about a week's illness of erysipelas, in the 76th year of her age. Lucretia M. Nichols was born in Middleberry, Wyoming county, N. Y., on March 25, 1827. When about three years old, she removed with her parents to New Albion, Cattaraugus county, N. Y., where she resided until 21 years old, when she was married to Alvah Johnson. A few years later, they removed to Waupun, Fond du Lac county, Wis., where they resided about four years. They then returned to Cattaraugus county, N. Y., where they remained about nine years. About 36 years ago they came to Michigan and located on a farm in Orleans township, Ionia county. Her husband, Alvah Johnson, died in 1888, aged 84 years, and his remains were buried in the Green's church cemetery. About four years ago, she purchased a house and lot on Bridge street in this city where she has since resided. Six children were born to this union, four of whom are now living as follows: Francis O. Johnson, of Rapid City, Mich.; Hattie D. Hall of Chadwick; Sophia Bates, of Belding, and Andrew Johnson, of Orleans township. Mrs. Johnson has been a devoted christian for more than half a century and her noble traits of character and sterling worth have won for her love and esteem of all who have had the pleasure of her acquaintance. Funeral services were held at Green's church in Orleans last Monday at 2:00 p.m. conducted by Mrs. J.W. Ayling. Burial in the family lot in the Green's church cemetery."
From death record: parent of 6 children, 4 living at time of death.
NOTES: LDS IGI 8617804-27-1396214 ('Lucretia M. Nichols' to father 'Stephen Nichols' and mother 'Catherine', 'Middlebury Twp., Wyoming, NY')
Lucretia married Alvah Johnson in 1848-1849 in , Cattaraugus, NY. Alvah was born on 4 May 1804 in , Otsego, NY, died on 2 Oct 1888 in Orleans, Ionia, MI and was buried in Greens Cemetery, Belding, Ionia, MI.
General Notes: Death record, State of Michigan, State Office Number 1-359, Registered Number 924; Death record of son Francis Olin Johnson gives birth at Otsego, NY; 1850 U.S. Census, Leon, Cattaraugus, NY, 152 (Alva Johnson, age 49, farmer, born NY); Index of Greens Cemetery, Ionia County, MI; 1870 census Orleans, Ionia, MI 595-58; IGI 861780427-1396214
According to Thelma Louise Rugg: Alvah lived on a diary farm near Jamestown, NY, made cheese. Moved to Belding after Civil War. According to Verna Lu Marie Johnson Alvah was from Leon, NY, Northwest near Buffalo. Also the name Johnson is Swedish. Did not find Alvah Johnson in 1860 census, Orleans, Ionia, MI or 1880 MI Soundex or 1860 census, Leon, Cattaraugus, NY (about 1/3 is unreadable). In 1870 census value of real estate $400 and personal property $300. It is uncertain which children were from Alvah's wife Lucretia Nichols, and which children are from Alvah's earlier marriage.
L. H. Everts, "History of Cattaraugus County, New York", 1879, page 486, 487, 489, 492:
"The second regular tavern was open by Amasa Green about 1830, in a frame house on lot 42, near the Leon Mills. In an enlarge condition this house is yet standing, though used as a dwelling, the last tavern having been kept, in 1868 ... Alvah Johnson ... and others were the keepers."
"In 1833 [In Leon] there were 11 principal roads and 22 districts. The overseers were: ... #5 Alvah Johnson"
"John Johnson, lot 42, value $25; Alvah Johnson lot 49, value $25"
"In the war of 1812 a great many had participated ... Daniel Johnson"
notes of Earl Wilbur Rugg: "shoemaker"
The years 1883-1894 are missing from the Belding, MI newspaper so could not find an obituary. The following years do exist: 13 Nov 1877 - 20 Nov 1877, 19 Jun 1879 - 4 May 1882, 2 May 1895 - 11 May 1887, 26 Mar 1878, 25 Jun 1878, 18 Mar 1897 - 1974+.
NOTES: 8617804-27-1396214 ('Alvah_ Horatio Johnson', born: 4 May 1804, 'Leon, Cattaraugus, NY')
Marriage Notes: from Lucretia obituaary married age 21
Children from this marriage were:
4 F i. Armaiza Johnson was born in 1846-1847 in Of Leon, Cattaraugus, NY and died before 1903.
General Notes: 1850 census, Leon, Cattaraugus, NY, 152. (or Arnraiza, or Arniaiza, or Arnianza); IGI 820371-721451130
in mother's obituary already died, but name not given
5 F ii. Catharine Johnson was born in 1850 in Of Leon, Cattaraugus, NY and died before 1903.
General Notes: 1850 census, Leon, Cattaraugus, NY, 152. (age 2 months); IGI 820371-721451130
from mother's obituary already died, name not listed
+ 6 M iii. Francis Olin Johnson was born on 5 Nov 1851 in Leon, Cattaraugus, NY, died on 2 Jan 1928 in Clearwater Twp., Kalkaska, MI and was buried on 5 Jan 1928 in Clearwater Cem., Rapid City, Kalkaska, MI.
+ 7 F iv. Harriet D. Johnson was born in 1854-1855 in , , NY and died after 1927 in Of Belding, Ionia, MI.
8 F v. Sophia Johnson was born in 1859-1860 in , , NY and died after 1927 in Of Ionia, Ionia, MI.
General Notes: notes of Thelma Louise Rugg, notes of Verna Lu Marie Johnson; 1870 census, Orleans, Ionia, MI 595-58; obituary of brother's Frank & Andrew Johnson
notes of Verna Lu Marie Johnson sourced from her father Alvah Horatio Johnson (Dorat McPherson, Packerd are listed but can't tell if another spouse or her children. Leo and Eva also listed which may be kids of Sophia's brother Andrew, or Sophia's kids, or kids of Packerd)
Cemetery index, North Plains Cemetery, Olmstead Road, Ionia County, MI (Adelia Johnson, 348-7; Alma Johnson, 348-6; Anthony Raymond Johnson, 60 years, 20 Dec 1959, 348-1; George Alfred Johnson, 348-2; John Johnson, 348-8; Sophia Johnson, 67 years, 16 Nov 1925, 348-3)
Sophia married Bates.
General Notes: obituary of father in-law Andrew Johnson
+ 9 M vi. Andrew Johnson was born in 1865 in , , NY, died on 5 Mar 1926 in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw, MI and was buried in Greens Cemetery, Belding, Ionia, MI.
General Notes: Death record, State of Michigan, Number 40-429. (Information provided by son Guy V. Johnson.); 1870 census, Orleans, Ionia, MI 595-58; 1880 census, Orleans, Ionia, MI 33-342; IGI 861780427-1396214; IGI M518463-960509
The Belding, Michigan Banner News, Belding, MI, 12 Jan 1928 and
The Leader and the Kalkaskian, Kalkaska, MI, 12 Jan 1928:
"Francis Olin Johnson, better known as Frank, or F.O., was born at Leon, Cattaraugus county, New York, on November 5, 1851, and passed away at Rapid City, Michigan, January 2, 1928 at the age of 76 years, 1 month, and 29 days. He married Augusta F. Chapin on March 29, 1875. At an early age he learned the carpenter trade, which occupation he hollowed principally through life, contracting and building in counties of Ionia and Montcalm, Michigan. He was a resident of Belding, Michigan, 18 years, and in 1902 moved to Clearwater township, Kalkaska county, where he engaged in farming some. He always led a very active industrious life, having built and improved five homes for himself and family, sharing his homes with others, proving himself a good husband, a good father, a good grandfather, a good brother and a good citizen. He has been a member of Silk City Lodge No. 447 I.O.O.F., Belding, Michigan, for over 25 years. He leaves a widow, Augusta F., one son, Guy V., of Rapid City, Michigan; three grand children, Cecil T. Johnson, Greenville, Michigan; Mrs. Marguerite M. Rugg, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Alvah H. Johnson, Rapid City, Michigan; two sister. Mrs. Hattie H. Hall, Belding, Michigan; Mrs. Sophia Bates, Ionia, Michigan; and many relatives and friends, to mourn their loss. His many kind deeds will live in memory."
1880 Census listed as carpenter. According to Thelma Louise Rugg, Frank was a carpenter, contractor, and farmer. He was also an unfailing source of song & good humor. His son Guy (born 1875) owned a 80 acre farm in the SW corner of section 2 in Rapid River Twp, Kalkaska County, MI. It is located on the east side of Manley Road, 1/4 of mile south of Zimmerman Road. Guy's father, Frank, built the large barn located on the farm. The farm was latter owned by Guy's son Alvah (born 1908). The farm was a vacation home for Alvah who lived in Royal Oak, MI during the 1940's. In August 1948 Alvah broke his back as a result of sliding off the house roof while working on it. He latter fully recovered, but it prevented him from returning to work in Royal Oak. As a result, he was forced to live on the farm. He remained their until his death in 1971, at which time the farm was sold by his spouse Thelma. The farm was a favorite place to spend the weekends by Alvah's grandchildren, including myself, Richard Moran. As of 1991 the red barn, with white trim still stands in excellent shape. In 1991 I had the chance to walk through the back woods of the farm. Many of the pine stumps from the 1850/1870's logging still stand. The roads from the logging era still remain, but now have large trees in the middle of them. They are identifiable by the 6 inch deep wheel ruts that sometimes have a tiny stream flowing down them fed by springs. He had worked on the construction of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MI.
notes of Earl Wilbur Rugg: "born in Jamestown, N.Y., silkmill employee, Belding farmer, carpenter"
on the 1899 county map of Kalkaska is P. Smith owned the farm. Oral Johson family history stated that Mrs. Smith was buried on the farm.
NOTES: IGI M518463-960509 ('Francis O. Johnson' to 'Augusta Chapin'); IGI 8617804-27-1396214 ('Francis Olin Johnson' father 'Alvah_ Johnson' mother 'Lucretia Nichols'); personal notes of Thelma Louise Rugg says he was born near Jamestown, NY
Francis married Augusta Fidelia Chapin, daughter of Horatio E. Chapin and Elizabeth R. Lindsley, on 29 Mar 1875 in , Ionia, MI. Augusta was born on 12 May 1854 in Grattan Twp., Kent, MI, died on 13 Oct 1945 in Belding, Ionia, MI and was buried on 15 Oct 1945 in Greene Cem., Belding, Ionia, MI.
General Notes: Death record Ionia County, MI, #18337, page 187; Birth record of son Guy Victor Johnson, Montcalm County, MI number 59-11348; Obituary in Belding MI, newspaper; 1880 census Orleans, Ionia, MI 33-342
The Michigan web online index: 1870 US census, Augusta Chapin, Cannon township, Kent, MI, page 127
Verna Lu Marie Johnson has a oil lamp that she had electrified that was owned by Augusta.
Belding, MI newspaper article: "Plans Birthday Open House. Mrs. Augusta Johnson, who has been seriously ill for past week at her home on Lewis street, is considerably improved and had as her guest several days this week her grandson, Alvah Johnson, of Royal Oak and a cousin, Mrs. Rev. Amos Wagley of Burnips, who is visting for several days. Mrs. Johnson is being cared for by her granddaughter, Mrs. Earl Rugg of Grand Rapids, who is assisting another grandson's wife, Mrs. Cecil Johnson, who has spent the winter months with the aged lady. Mrs. Johnson will be 91 years old on May 12th and is eagerly looking forward to the birthday anniversary which she hopes to celebrate at an open house, her health permitting the party plans. With her for the anniversary celebration this year will be her three grandchildren and five great grandchildren if all goes well and Mrs. Johnson continues to improve as she has in the past few days." Belding, MI newspaper article: "Many Greet Lady On 91th Birthday. With her bed banked by gifts, groups of floral plants and other remembrances, Mrs. Augusta Johnson smiled happily on Saturday, May 12 and stated "My 91st birthday was the biggest and happiest of them all." Her day was cheered when she felt able to sit up long enough to officiate at the cutting of her birthday cake, and enjoy the "Happy Birthday" song of her son Guy and her three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. [Article 12 May 1945] The day was made even more happy by a host of relatives and friends who filed in and out of her residence at 314 Lewis street to greet and cheer her with their thoughtful words and remembrances." Belding, Mi newspaper article: "Final Rites For Local Nonagenarian. Mrs. Augusta Johnson, aged 91 years, passed away Saturday at her home at 314 Lewis St. following an illness of several months and she had been cared for by her loving son and grandchildren. She was born in Grattan township, the daughter of Orantis Chaffan and had lived in this vicinity the greater part of her life. She is survived by her son, Guy; three grandchildren and five great grandchildren . Funeral services were held at the Fitzjohn Funeral Home Monday at 2 o'clock, Rev. Amos Wagley of Potterville officiating and burial was in Greene cemetery. Pallbearers were Leo McPherson, Henry Slocum, Ben Donovan, Leo Weiller, Frank Rowley and H. S. Rowley." According to death record died from valvular heart regurgitation and old age.
notes of Earl Wilbur Rugg: "born 12 May 1853"
NOTES: submitted by Jeanne Johnson, 'Augusta Fidelia Chaplin, born May 1853'; Bapt, endw, seal: cleared
Children from this marriage were:
10 M i. Guy Victor Johnson was born on 21 Dec 1875 in Fairplains Twp., Montcalm, MI, died on 14 Jan 1954 in Belmont, Kent, MI and was buried in Greens Cemetery, Belding, Ionia, MI.
General Notes: Birth record, State of Michigan, State Office Number 59-11348; death personal knowledge of Thelma Louise Rugg; 1880 census Orleans, Ionia, MI 33-342
Leader and Kalkaskian, Kalkaska, MI, 28 Jan 1954:
"Former Rapid City Man dies at Belmont. Guy V. Johnson, former resident of Rapid City, died January 14, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Earl Rugg, of Belmont. He was 78 years old.
Surviving besides the daughter are two sons, Cecil of Union City, and Alvah of Alden. Services were held in Belding Sunday, Jan. 17, at 2:30 with burial in Green cemetery."
The Belding and Banner News, Belding, MI, 21 Jan 1954:
"Former Resident Succumbs Thursday at Daughter's Home. Guy V. Johnson, 78, passed away very suddenly late Thursday night at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Earl Rugg, following a heart attack, which he has suffered earlier in the day. Mr. Johnson had been a resident of this city most of his life making his home here with his mother, Mrs. Augusta F. Johnson at 314 Lewis until her death several years ago. Last April he went to live with his daughter, Mrs. Rugg in Plainfield township. He was born Dec 21., 1875 in Montcalm county. Survivors include the daughter, Mrs. Rugg; two sons, Cecil Johnson of Union City and Alvah Johnson, Rapid City; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Funeral services were held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. from the Fitzjohn Funeral Home with Rev. Wilbur Kirby officiating. Pall bearers were Leo McPherson, Frank Rowley, Bert Cummings, H. S. Dowley, Stanley Middlebrook and Sim Donovan. Burial was in Green cemetery."
From Joylene Rugg the grave is unmarked, but once had a stone marking the site.
According to Verna Lu Marie Johnson: Divorced about 1916. From Daughter Marguerite purchased farm on Manley road after hearing about it from a friend.
notes of Earl Wilbur Rugg: "born in Grattan twp, Kent, MI, farmer, cabinet worker, Ford's in Detroit (tested first liberty plane motors)"
NOTES: IGI 8617804-32-1396214 ('Guy Victor Johnson' father 'Francis Olan Johnson' mother 'Augusta Fidelia Chaplin', '21 Dec 1875', 'Fairplain Twp, Montcalm, MI')
Guy married Verna Isabelle McLaughlin, daughter of Albert McLaughlin and Mary Elizabeth Burns, in , , MI. The marriage ended in divorce. Verna was born on 1 Jan 1883 in Rowland Twp., Isabelle, MI, died on 17 Nov 1966 in Mt. Clemens, Macomb, MI and was buried on 21 Nov 1966 in White Chapel Cem, Troy, Oakland, MI Another name for Verna was Puss McLaughlin.
7. Harriet D. Johnson (Lucretia M. Nichols2, Stephen1) was born in 1854-1855 in , , NY and died after 1927 in Of Belding, Ionia, MI. Another name for Harriet was Hattie H. Johnson.General Notes: Death record, State of Michigan, State File Number 67059, Local File Number 926; Beatrice McLaughlin bible (also called Vernie); personal knowledge of Albert Irving McLaughlin; IGI 1553470-8600012
notes of Earl Wilbur Rugg: "born in Blanchard, MI, homemaker"
NOTES: death record indicates born in Blanchard, MI; IGI 'born 1 Jan 1885, Blanchard, Isabella, MI'
General Notes: notes of Verna Lu Marie Johnson (Hattie Hall Johnson) (Hall may be husband's last name); 1870 census, Orleans, Ionia, MI 595-58; obituary of brother's Andrew & Frank Johnson and mother Lucretia.
Harriet married Hall.
General Notes: obituary of father in-law Andrew Johnson
Children from this marriage were:
11 F i. Bertha Hall .
General Notes: notes of Verna Lu Marie Johnson sourced from her father Alvah Horatio Johnson
12 F ii. Ella Hall .
General Notes: notes of Verna Lu Marie Johnson sourced her father Alvah Horatio Johnson
13 U iii. Hall
9. Andrew Johnson (Lucretia M. Nichols2, Stephen1) was born in 1865 in , , NY, died on 5 Mar 1926 in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw, MI and was buried in Greens Cemetery, Belding, Ionia, MI.General Notes: notes of Verna Lu Marie Johnson sourced from her father Alvah Horatio Johnson
General Notes: notes of Thelma Louise Rugg; notes Verna Lu Marie Johnson; 1870 census, Orleans, Ionia, MI 595-58
notes of Verna Lu Marie Johnson sourced from her father Alvah Horatio Johnson (Leo, Eva are listed which are probably children. Could also be the children or grandchildren of sister Sophia)
Belding Banner newspaper, Belding, Ionia, MI, 10 Mar 1926:
"Andrew Johnson, aged 60 years, died at a hospital at Ann Arbor, Friday morning at about three o'clock, following an operation for ulcers of the stomach. Undertaker Bruce Fales was called and went down and brought the body home and prepared it for burial. The funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon under the auspices of the Masonic order, of which Mr. Johnson was a member, with Rev. H.S. Ellis officiating and the remains were placed in the mausoleum at River Ridge cemetery. Mr. Johnson was for many years a resident of Orleans township and this city and he is very well known here where his many friends were deeply grieved to hear of his untimely death. Several years ago, together with Mrs. Johnson, he made a trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, where they made an extended visit with their daughter, Mrs. Edward Denhart. Returning to this city he bought the Hetherington home at the corner of Hanover and Washington streets and has resided there since that time. Surviving are the widow, a daughter, Mrs. Denhart, living in South Africa, a brother, Frank Johnson, of Rapid City; two sisters, Mrs. Hattie Hall, of this city, and Mrs. Isaac Bates, of Ionia."
From notes of Thelma Louise Rugg: He made money in the Stock Market. He had one daughter. Hunted big game in South Africa. Cemetery index, Greens Cemetery, Ionia County, MI (Andrew Johnson, 1865-1926); cemetery index, Hurd Cemetery, Orleans Twp., Ionia City, MI (ci-1) (Andrew Johnson, 3 Oct 1897, lot 103, 69 years; Benjamin Johnson, 1891, lot 103; Earl Johnson (child of), 9 Mar 1883, lot 104; Jane Johnson, 10 Feb 1910, lot 103, 77 years) Tombstone.
Andrew married Belle.
General Notes: notes of Verna Lu Marie Johnson sourced from her father (this could be possibly the daughter of Andrew instead of his wife)
Children from this marriage were:
14 F i. Johnson was born in 1885-1920 in , , , USA and died after 1926.
General Notes: notes of Thelma Louise Rugg; obituary of father Andrew Johnson
living in South Africa in 1926
notes of Verna Lu Marie Johnson sourced from her father (hard to read name, could be Ovay, Onag, Oray, Onug, listed as college grad)
Johnson married Edward Denhart.
General Notes: obituary of father in-law Andrew Johnson
