Andrew Johnson

Andrew Johnson was born in Udavalla, Sweden, in 1849. When he was 21 years of age, he could legally take the name he would bear the rest of his life, as the oldest son of John (Halvardson).

In 1870, because of hard times in his native land, he and a friend decided to come to the United States to a new life. They packed all the food they would have to eat on their journey in big sacks. Then they started to walk to the port where they would board a ship for America. His mother stood outside watching them go and she was crying. Andrew did not know why she was crying. He would come back to Sweden when he had made his fortune. But she knew she would never see her son again. He was so seasick on the journey, that when they landed in New York, he vowed he would never sail the ocean again.

When they landed, they had just enough money to buy their train tickets to Genoa, Ohio, where an old neighbor from Sweden lived. They ran out of food and were very hungry when they arrived at Genoa. They fried to talk to the station agent, but he just shook his head and pointed down the street. They went where he pointed and found the old neighbor at work in his blacksmith shop. He was very glad to see them. They asked him if they could find work. He told them, "Yes, but first you must come homewith me and see my wife." She cooked a wonderful supper for them, for which they were so thankful.

The friend took them to see a man who was getting out big timber. Andrew worked there for some time. Then he heard of the big trees in the big Black Swamp in Henry County. In 1873, he decided to come here to find work in the woods. When he arrived, he went to the log cabin in the woods, where Cyrus DeTray, his wife Elizabeth, two daughters and five sons lived. Cyrus was a hunter of deer.

When Andrew arrived the boys and one girl, Mary, were at home. Ida, the oldest, was across the Maumee River working for the Robert Showman family. Andrew said, "I thought Mary was nice, but the brothers, Grant, Truman, Edwin, Victor and Henry told me, 'Wait 'til Ida comes home, she's nicer'; I waited and she was." Charles Forest (Fob) DeTray was born later.

Six years after he left Sweden, Andrew married Ida, October 27, 1876. They bought the farm south of McClure when only two acres were cleared and the rest of it was trees and water. Their first home was a log cabin. Later the farm buildings and home that are still there were built. Sixteen children were born, eight boys and eight girls: Oscar, Lottie (Kelly), Frank, Albert, Mazie (Crawford), Ethel, Victor, Olive (Beavers), Wayne, Howard, Esma, Maud (Couch), Floyd, Hilma, Jewel (Pittman, Zeis), Bernard. Now, only four of them are living: Mrs. Maud Couch of Malinta; Floyd E., Sr., of McClure; Mrs. Jewel Zeis of Ridgeville Corners; and Dr. B. L. of Long Beach, California.

When Andrew left Sweden, he brought his accordion with him. He played lovely Swedish music so much for his family that this probably encouraged all of them to be interested in music. At some time in their life most of them sang for the church, either in a choir, as song leader, soloist or any combination of parts. Esma, the only crippled child in the family was church organist and pianist for many years in the McClure United Brethren Church. Maud served in this capacity many years also. Probably the last of the original family to serve the music in this church was Jewel, who for approximately 25 years served as choir director. Their talents were called upon for many community meetings, churches, institutes, granges, and funerals.

Sundays were always special, beginning with church first. Then, there was always a big dinner. Ida stayed home and started dinner, never knowing how many would be there. Andrew would invite someone home to dinner telling them, "Ida will be looking for you." After the children were away from home, they and their children were always welcome for Sunday dinner, as well as any of Ida's brothers’ or sisters’ families. Dinner began with Andrew saying grace, then there would be anywhere from two to four table sittings, with the younger children last. After dinner there was much conversation and singing around the piano for the rest of the afternoon.

[Photo, p. 274] Floyd E. Johnson Sr. Family. Back row: Franklin, Thurman, Hilmar, Eldon; front row: Mother Ester, Father Floyd.

The last Sunday in June the Johnson DeTray reunion is held at the farm with a well-spread dinner table, much visiting, program and games for the youngsters. The cousins are keeping in touch by having several get-togethers each year, parties and camp outs. The living descendants of Andrew and Ida now number approximately 250. This includes 4 children, 20 grandchildren, 108 great grandchildren and 118 great great grandchildren.

The old Johnson farm still belongs to a Johnson family. A great grandson Eric Andrew Johnson, wife Becky, and their son Nathan Andrew live in the old homestead. He is the son of William F. Sr., and Lillie Johnson.

Submitted by Floyd Johnson, Sr.