Matthew Johnson (1805 - 1885)

Born 1805 in Sligo, Ireland

Husband of Ellen (Boyd) Johnson — married about 1825 in Ireland

Descendants

Died 23 Mar 1885 at about age 80 in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada

Biography

Matthew was born in 1805^[1]. He passed away in 1885.

The Orillia Packet, June 8, 1877- ORO- The golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Johnson, who reside near Bass Lake, was celebrated on the 12th instant. Their descendants- children, grand children, and great grand children- number 70, of whom there were 54 present, as well as a number of neighbours and friends. After tea, Mr. McCallum presided over the ceremonious part of the festivities, namely, the presentation of two china cups to the old couple by Mr. R. Baird, on behalf of their children, and short addresses by Mr. William Thompson and the chairman.

The Orillia Packet, March 27, 1885- The death of Matthew Johnson removes another of our pioneers. Along with James Coleman, he came out from County Sligo, Ireland in 1831, and they settled side by side on the 14th concession of Oro, Mr. Johnson choosing the 7th lot, where he has since resided in view of beautiful Bass Lake. He helped the first settlers of Oro and Orillia to build their shanties, and then assisted by his wife and daughters, turned to the subjugation of the wilderness. For some years has been affected by partial paralysis, which considerably weakened mind as well as body. But he passed his time in cheerfulness and content, and gratefully received the assiduous attentions of his affectionate and faithful wife, now in her 78th year. He is survived by six daughters, all married and settled in the next township, with the exception of the wife of Mr. Ferguson, Priceville, who is School superintendent of the County of Grey; two sons, one of whom, Edward, occupies the old homestead, fifty three grand and twenty three great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Methodist Church.

Burial

Saint Andrews and Saint James Cemetery , Orillia, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada

Sources

1. ↑ A source for this information is needed.

• Matthew Johnson (Unknown-1885) on Find A Grave: Memorial #99370491 retrieved 04 April 2018

• 1871 Census of Canada. Religion: Weslyan Methodist. Oro, Simcoe North, Ontario. Matthew, 66. Ellen, 63.