Andrew Johnson was the youngest son of Samuel and Margaret Johnson. Andrew was born on 4th June 1891 in Drumballyhagan, Tobermore, County Londonderry. They were a farming family. Andrew’s mother died in 1904 when he was 13 years old. Andrew worked on the farm until he emigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1911. Andrew joined Toronto Police Force. Andrew Johnson enlisted in August 1915. Sergeant Andrew Johnson was serving with the 75th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) when he was killed in action 9th April 1917.
Further Information
Andrew Johnson was the youngest son of Samuel and Margaret Johnson. Samuel ‘Johnston’ married Margaret Wilson on 26th October 1882 in the Magherafelt district.
Andrew was born on 4th June 1891 in Drumballyhagan, Tobermore, County Londonderry.
Family: Samuel Johnson, Margret Johnson, John Johnson (born 7th August 1883), Mary Johnson (born 2nd March 1885), Isabella Johnson (born 27th February 1887), Samuel Johnson (born 13th April 1889), Andrew Johnson (born 4th June 1891), Margaret Johnson (born 3rd May 1893), Robert Johnson (born 16th April 1895, died 15th February 1896), Elizabeth Johnson (born 15th January 1897).
The 1901 census lists Andrew as age 10 living with the family at house 5 in Drumballyhagan, Tobermore, County Londonderry. They were a farming family.
Andrew’s mother, Margaret Johnson, died on 3rd October 1904 in Maghera. She was 45 years old. Andrew was 13 years old.
The 1911 census lists Andrew as age 19 living with the family at house 1 in Drumballyhagan, Tobermore, Londonderry. His father was a widower. Andrew worked on the farm.
Andrew emigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1911.
He was a member of the Orange Order, the Oddfellows, and Dale Presbyterian Church.
Andrew joined Toronto Police Force. He was with No. 6 Station.
Andrew had a brother in a munitions factory in Toronto. One brother and four sisters were at home in Ireland.
Andrew Johnson enlisted on 15th August 1915 in Toronto. He gave his next of kin as Maggie Johnson, Derry, Ireland. This was presumably his sister.
Andrew Johnson was a Private with the 83rd Battalion of the Canadian Infantry initially.
Sergeant Andrew Johnson was serving with the 75th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) when he was killed in action 9th April 1917. He was 27 years old.
The Canadian Circumstances of Death Register records that Sergeant Andrew Johnson was killed in action on 9th April 1917. Whilst taking part on the attack on Vimy Ridge, he was shot through the right hip. Owing to the heavy shell fire, it was impossible to take him to the rear. His body was recovered a few days later.
From the Toronto Star dated 23rd June 1917: Toronto Policeman killed
According to official work received by Mrs Coulhard, 64 Brock Avenue, Private Andrew Johnson was killed in action on 9th April. He enlisted for overseas service in 1915, and had been in France for many months. He was born in Maghera, County Derry, Ireland, and had resided in Toronto for four years. Prior to enlistment he was a member of Toronto police Force at No. 6 Station. He was a member of the Orange Order, the Oddfellows, and Dale Presbyterian Church. One brother is in a munitions factory in Toronto, and one brother and four sisters are at home in Ireland.
Sergeant Andrew Johnson has no known grave and is commemorated on Vimy Memorial.
