Floyd E. Johnson Sr.

Floyd E. Johnson Sr. was born near McClure, Ohio, March 24, 1895, to Andrew and Ida Johnson. He was the 13th child born to them. He graduated from McClure High School in 1914. Then he taught country school for one year. He attended Ohio State University until World War I. He was turned down for the draft because of crooked fingers caused by his hands being frozen as a small boy on the way home from school. He then went to an army enlistment office where he convinced the officer that he had perfect use of his hands. He was accepted as a medical enlistee and assigned to a mobile hospital unit.

Before leaving for active duty, he married Ester Hatcher. After receiving his training, he went to France for active duty. When he returned at the close of the war, he decided he would rather farm than continue his education to become a doctor.

Soon after his return their first son Floyd Eldon, Jr. was born. They had three more sons: William Franklin, Hilmar Wayne, and Thurman Eugene.

Eldon married Zelma Jennings. They have four sons, two granddaughters, two grandsons. In World War II, Eldon was in the infantry stationed in the United States. He is a farmer specializing in registered Guernseys.

Frank married Lillie Boyd and they have four sons and five grandsons. Frank was rejected because of a ruptured ear drum for service in World War II. Frank farms and is a building contractor.

Hilmar married Elaine Fryman. They have three daughters, two sons, two granddaughters, and four grandsons. Hilmar is a supervisor of teachers at Penta Skill Center School. He was with the Air Force in India for three years in World War II.

Thurman married Lavonda Culbertson. They have one daughter and three sons. During World War II, Thurman was with a Navy hospital unit with the Marines in the South Pacific. Thurman lives at Leon, Indiana, and is city editor of the Fort Wayne News Sentinel.

Floyd and Ester lived on rented farms for a while after his return from service. Then for several years farmed for his father, Andrew. In 1935, they bought the old Bohling farm north of McClure. Ida wrote to her brother Harry; "Floyd has bought an 80 acre farm and they are as tickled about it as a boy with a pair of red top boots. You had ought to see his three big boys, just about all one size, and they don't take a back seat for any kind of work."

The love of music continues through this branch of the Johnson family. Floyd was song leader at church for many years. The children and grandchildren have played in the school bands and choruses and in church choirs.

This family has been active in church and community. Floyd has been Sunday School Superintendent and is Master of Bethel Grange.