Late Mrs. Johnson; Link With Hekes War

Northern Advocate, 13 July 1938, Page 6

Late Mrs. Johnson; Link With Hekes War

One of the earliest links with Northland's pioneer history has been severed with the passing at the Opotiki Hospital yesterday of Mrs Jessie Mair Johnson, aged 94, who was probably until her death, the oldest living woman born in Northland.

The daughter of the late Mr and Mrs C. H. Holman, Mrs Johnson was born - at Whangarei in the area that is now Devon Street, and was embroiled in the warfare of Hone Heke, when the latter's warriors broke into her parents’ home. Making a quick exit, Mrs Johnson’s mother carried her baby to the water’s edge, and, with a number of other women and children, set sail for Auckland in a small boat with practically no provisions. Eight days later they arrived in what is now the Queen City, almost starving after their arduous journey; Married First Government Surveyor. When 12 years old Mrs Johnson was sent to Sydney to be educated, and on her return seven years later married the late Mr John Grant Johnson, who was Northland's first Government surveyor. Until the death of her husband, 64 years ago. they made their home at the top of Kamo Hill on the property now occupied by Mr J. Finlayson. Mrs Johnson continued to reside at Whangarei, with short intervals spent at Auckland, until 1035. when she went to Opotiki to live with her only daughter. Mrs E. A. Holman. Long-Lived Family. Mrs Johnson's mother reached the venerable age of 93. while today there lives in Wanganui a sister about 80, and a brother in Auckland. Mr W. A. Holyman, of Herne Bay, who is 75. In addition to her daughter, at Opotiki, the late Mrs Johnson is survived by two sons. Mr W. Grant Johnson, of Kamo, and Mr J. H. Johnson, of Perth, Western Australia.