Rural Diary Archive
Rural Diary Archive

Adelbert “Deb” Watson Johnson

A sepia-tone portrait of a young Adelbert Watson Johnson, dressed formally with a serious expression, captured in the late 19th century.
Coverage Dates: 1890 to 1900
County: Wellington
Township: Maryborough
Lot: 8
Concession: 9
Gender: Male
Year of Birth: 1865
Year of Death: 1937
Ethnicity: English
Occupation: Farmer
Relationships: 
Father: Peter Johnson
Mother: Clarissa Cumming
Wife: Edith Adelia Short
Sisters: Effie, Addie
Brother: Norman
Archive: Archival and Special Collections, University of Guelph
Posted on Rural Diary Archive: Yes
Age During Diary: 35-45
Biography: 
Deb begins his diary as a young man working on his father’s 100-acre farm, known as “Shady Rill”. As his dad ages, Deb takes over Shady Rill, while his younger brother works 50 acres next door. In 1894 Deb marries, and in 1896 his son Ross is born but dies just over a year later. A sad time ensues, but the couple have more children and a busy household to keep them occupied. Deb sings in a men’s quartet and is very active in the community, attending meetings for the School Board, Farmers’ Institute, Cheese Factory, Fire Insurance Co., church affairs and political matters.
 
Image of a a page from Deb’s diary. Image showcases strong cursive writing with black ink on brown pages.
A page from Deb’s 1897 diary
Wedding photo of Adelbert Watson Johnson and his wife Edith. Dressed formally with a serious expression.
Edith and Deb’s wedding photo, 1894.
Left to Right: Maude and Frank Short, Sarah Johnson nee Hodge, Deb and Edith Johnson and unknown lady. Front: Grace holding unknown baby and Frank Johnson about age 3, c. 1906.
Left to Right: Maude and Frank Short, Sarah Johnson nee Hodge, Deb and Edith Johnson and unknown lady. Front: Grace holding unknown baby and Frank Johnson about age 3, c. 1906.  

Photos courtesy of Muriel G. Steeb

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