Orange Johnson House, ca 1905

Front north view of the Orange Johnson House, with streetcar tracks on High Street visible. The Orange Johnson House was built in 1811 and expanded in 1819. The rear portion of the house was built in 1811 in simple pioneer style. The front portion, built in 1819, is a good example of Federal style architecture. The entryway features an elliptical fanlight over the door. The building was slated for destruction in the 1960’s but was saved by the concerted efforts of Worthington Historical Society. It is now a museum. The original working fireplace is used for open hearth cooking demonstrations. It is the oldest residential structure on its original foundation open to the public in Franklin County. Orange Johnson (b. February 7, 1790 – d. November 28, 1876), was a comb maker by trade from Connecticut. Johnson migrated to Ohio in 1814, attracted to the Worthington Manufacturing Company, friends and family. Like many other frontiersmen, Johnson had multiple talents. He was also a mechanic, farmer, manufacturer, contractor and banker. In 1827 Johnson orangebecame superintendent and incorporator of the Sandusky to Columbus Turnpike. During that time he developed banking contacts, and became a stock holder in the Clinton bank in Columbus. He also became president of the Xenia to Columbus Railroad, builder of the Johnson block, the Sessions block, and a partner in the Commercial National Bank in Columbus. In 1815 Orange married Achsa Maynard (b. Apr 7, 1791 d. May 21, 1882) of Worthington.

Contributor: Worthington Historical Society

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