Today, I had the opportunity to visit the Orange Johnson House in Worthington, Ohio. They were celebrating the 200th birthday of Mary (July 12) and the 250th birthday of Thomas Worthington, our sixth governor (July 16). The historical home featured antiques from this time period and there were docents, dressed in costume, around the home in each of the rooms. They gave us explanations about the home and the room we were in. Mary’s family, Orange and Achsa (nee Maynard), herself and her brother were the second family to occupy this home. The original back portion of the home was built in 1811 by Arora Buttles. The Johnson family moved in around 1816 and added a second portion which we can still see today. The design of the house came with interesting features, due to the new addition. This included a three or four step entryway from brother’s room to the sister’s room (which originally was a window). Outside of the family bedrooms was a porch that connected all the bedrooms.

Mary’s father was one of the first settlers to Worthington and a wealthy man. He sent his daughter to be educated at the Worthington Female Seminary, where she would study to become a teacher. Mary had many suitors, with well-mannered rejection letters. There are many letters you can find at the home, which are transcribed. There are also copies of the original ones in a glass showcase. However, even though they were transcribed, they were not edited, thus it can be complicated to read. She would go on to marry a friend of her father’s, Frank Sessions. They moved to Broad Street, which is the same property/land which now houses the Columbus Museum of Art. Some of Mary and Frank’s art work were donated to this museum, as they were avid art collectors.

Mary travelled quite a bit with her husband. One of these places was Europe. She was also at the inauguration of President Harrison. Mary died in 1919 at the age of 96 in her beloved home above.

Mary and her cousin Helene.

Mary’s burial place at Greenlawn Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio:

Of course, you will have to go to the home to see much better versions of these photos, up close and personal. You won’t regret it!