
“Harry Johnson of Nauvoo appealed to county officers today to search for his father, Frank Johnson, 69, of West Side, who has been missing since March 19.”
“William Spriggs of Dry Run told county officers that he saw Mr. Johnson walking toward the Scioto river bridge.”1

“Apprehension that their father, Henry Franklin Johnson, 69, of Dry Run, met death in the Scioto river was expressed today by members of the Johnson family. A coat and hat found on the river bank near the N&W Railway bridge over the Scioto river was identified as belonging to him by members of the family.”

“Mr. Johnson disappeared March 19 after walking away from a farm on Dry Run, where he lived with Edward Thacker. Mr. Thacker found the coat and hat Thursday. Upon finding of the clothing, relatives and friends began searching the river for the body.”
“When last seen the missing man was walking through the bottoms towards the bridge. He left home in good spirits and was in good health. When first reported missing his children believed he was visiting relatives and did not become alarmed.”
“Mr. Johnson has six children, Clarence, Chauncey, Harry, Mark2, Albert, Nelle, and Mrs. Lavina Wallace3. His wife, Mrs. Cora Johnson, lives on Campbell avenue. The sons head the searching party and continued the search today.”4
Missing Man’s Body Recovered

“Funeral services for Frank Johnson, 69, of Dry Run, farmer, whose body was recovered from the Scioto river Thursday afternoon were conducted at 11:30 AM today at Friendship.”
“Mr. Johnson disappeared three weeks ago and was last seen walking through the bottoms from Dry Run toward the Scioto river. A few days later his coat and hat were found on the river bank near the Norfolk & Western Railway bridge north of the city.”

“Thursday afternoon, James Dameron and John Hood of 614-616 Ninth street, found the body floating in the river back of the Ohio Stove Company plant, 11th and Washington streets. Identification was made by two sons, Clarence and Clark Johnson. Relatives expressed belief that Mr. Johnson ended his life because of ill health.”
“Funeral services were conducted in the Friendship church and burial was made in Friendship cemetery under direction of McKenzie.”
“Mr. Johnson was born April 7, 1865 in Adams county and had spent most of his life farming in Scioto county.”
“He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Cora Johnson, and nine children: Leslie of Wilmington, Mrs. Lloyd Miracle of Dayton, Chauncey, Harry, Clark, Clarence, Mrs. William Waller, Albert and Nellie. Four children preceded him in death. He also leaves two brothers, James of Rome and Dorm of Sandy Springs, and two sisters, Ella of Wheelersburg and Myrtle of Fullerton, and 16 grandchildren.”5
Ohio Certificate of Death for Henry Franklin Johnson6

- Aid of officers sought. (1934a, March 29). Portsmouth Times, p. 22.
- Clark Mearle Johnson
- Lovana Lee Johnson Waller
- River searched for man’s body. (1934, March 30). Portsmouth Times, p. 8.
- Missing man’s body recovered. (1934b, April 13). Portsmouth Times, p. 1.
- “Ohio, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9PKF-9CQJ?view=explore : Jun 26, 2024), image 108 of 3304; Ohio Historical Society (Columbus, Ohio).