Biography:
Benjamin Oliver Johnson
15/07/1837 –09/08/1888
Benjamin Oliver Johnson
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Plot x299 Benjamin Oliver Johnson (1837-1888)
Benjamin was born 15 July 1837 at Hay House, Earl’s Colne, Essex. His father was a gentleman farmer.
In June 1855 Benjamin (“gentleman” according to the newspaper report) purchased a commission as ensign in the 11th Regiment of Foot. At the same time his brother Joseph was an ensign in the 95th. This was the time of the Crimean War (October 1853-February 1856) but the 11th Regiment of Foot does not appear to have been involved.
The family moved to Park Hall, Great Bardfield, Essex where his father died in 1857.
The 1861 census records him living with his widowed mother who had taken over her late husband’s estate and was a “Landed proprietor and farmer of 300 acres employing 12 men 4 boys.” Living with her was her unmarried daughter Mary Ann, son Henry, a solicitor, and Benjamin, by then a lieutenant in the “11th Regiment of the Line of Infantry.”
Benjamin sold his commission that year and retired on half-pay. However, in February 1862 he purchased a commission as lieutenant in the 68th Regiment of Foot. In 1863 the regiment was sent to New Zealand to fight the Maoris, but Benjamin does not appear to have been involved.
Benjamin retired from the Army in 1864.
In 1871 he was living with his mother, sister Mary Ann and brother Joseph at 10, Stowe Road, Hammersmith. Joseph was serving as a captain in the 12th Foot. Benjamin was still there with his mother and sister ten years later.
At some point he and Mary Ann moved to Berkhamsted where she died in 1886.
Benjamin died 9 August 1888 aged 51 and is buried here with her.
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Plot x299 Benjamin Oliver Johnson (1837-1888)
Benjamin was born 15 July 1837 at Hay House, Earl’s Colne, Essex. His father was a gentleman farmer.
In June 1855 Benjamin (“gentleman” according to the newspaper report) purchased a commission as ensign in the 11th Regiment of Foot. At the same time his brother Joseph was an ensign in the 95th. This was the time of the Crimean War (October 1853-February 1856) but the 11th Regiment of Foot does not appear to have been involved.
The family moved to Park Hall, Great Bardfield, Essex where his father died in 1857.
The 1861 census records him living with his widowed mother who had taken over her late husband’s estate and was a “Landed proprietor and farmer of 300 acres employing 12 men 4 boys.” Living with her was her unmarried daughter Mary Ann, son Henry, a solicitor, and Benjamin, by then a lieutenant in the “11th Regiment of the Line of Infantry.”
Benjamin sold his commission that year and retired on half-pay. However, in February 1862 he purchased a commission as lieutenant in the 68th Regiment of Foot. In 1863 the regiment was sent to New Zealand to fight the Maoris, but Benjamin does not appear to have been involved.
Benjamin retired from the Army in 1864.
In 1871 he was living with his mother, sister Mary Ann and brother Joseph at 10, Stowe Road, Hammersmith. Joseph was serving as a captain in the 12th Foot. Benjamin was still there with his mother and sister ten years later.
At some point he and Mary Ann moved to Berkhamsted where she died in 1886.
Benjamin died 9 August 1888 aged 51 and is buried here with her.
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