Roy JOHNS was born Nov 10, 1888 in the rural community of Chili, Monroe Co, New York. His father Edward R. JOHNS was an immigrant from Wales and his mother Marion or "Mary" KNICKERBOCKER was a local girl. Roy had a twin brother Ray who died in infancy. Records and family reports are clear that Roy did not have a middle name.
Roy and his siblings grew up on a farm. Roy's eight siblings were: Stuart (1865-1938), Bert W. (1866-1952), Fred (1868 - 1940), Edward Jr. (1875-1964), Hartwell (1876 – unknown), Grace (twin 1882-1976), Gilbert (twin 1882- unknown), Ray (twin 1885-1886).
Roy was still living at home in the 1900 census at age 15, but by 1904 he had moved to Detroit, Michigan. On July 30, 1904, at age 18, he enlisted in the Marines. He served in Panama during the building of the Panama Canal and for a brief time in Cuba. He was discharged July 30, 1908.
Around 1910 Roy started working for the Chicago Great Western Railway. He worked the Chicago to Oelwein, Iowa run and was a fireman. Roy met Blanche Peters during his lay overs in Stockton, IL and they were married April 15, 1913. Roy and Blanche made Stockton their home and had three children: Unnamed infant (1916-1916), Evelyn (1918-2000), and Harry (1919-2004). Around 1922 Roy lost a lower leg in a switching maneuver accident at the East Stockton rail yard. After the accident Roy wore a wooden prosthesis for the rest of his life. He was no longer able to work as a fireman but continued to work for the railroad in other capacities until he retired in 1952.
After retirement Roy moved to San Diego without Blanche, but he maintained contact with the family by letters and cards. In April 1960 he moved back to Stockton due to failing health and lived with his son Harry. Blanche helped with his care until his death Jun 3, 1960. Roy is buried next to Blanche at Ladies Union Cemetery.
Written by: Wendy Fjelstad, granddaughter

Roy JOHNS was born Nov 10, 1888 in the rural community of Chili, Monroe Co, New York. His father Edward R. JOHNS was an immigrant from Wales and his mother Marion or "Mary" KNICKERBOCKER was a local girl. Roy had a twin brother Ray who died in infancy. Records and family reports are clear that Roy did not have a middle name.
Roy and his siblings grew up on a farm. Roy's eight siblings were: Stuart (1865-1938), Bert W. (1866-1952), Fred (1868 - 1940), Edward Jr. (1875-1964), Hartwell (1876 – unknown), Grace (twin 1882-1976), Gilbert (twin 1882- unknown), Ray (twin 1885-1886).
Roy was still living at home in the 1900 census at age 15, but by 1904 he had moved to Detroit, Michigan. On July 30, 1904, at age 18, he enlisted in the Marines. He served in Panama during the building of the Panama Canal and for a brief time in Cuba. He was discharged July 30, 1908.
Around 1910 Roy started working for the Chicago Great Western Railway. He worked the Chicago to Oelwein, Iowa run and was a fireman. Roy met Blanche Peters during his lay overs in Stockton, IL and they were married April 15, 1913. Roy and Blanche made Stockton their home and had three children: Unnamed infant (1916-1916), Evelyn (1918-2000), and Harry (1919-2004). Around 1922 Roy lost a lower leg in a switching maneuver accident at the East Stockton rail yard. After the accident Roy wore a wooden prosthesis for the rest of his life. He was no longer able to work as a fireman but continued to work for the railroad in other capacities until he retired in 1952.
After retirement Roy moved to San Diego without Blanche, but he maintained contact with the family by letters and cards. In April 1960 he moved back to Stockton due to failing health and lived with his son Harry. Blanche helped with his care until his death Jun 3, 1960. Roy is buried next to Blanche at Ladies Union Cemetery.
Written by: Wendy Fjelstad, granddaughter