Former Pendleton surveyor celebrates 95 years with family

By Steve Flairty

GRANTS LICK — A few Saturdays ago, Suzanne and I traveled to the Grant’s Lick area, in the southern part of Campbell County, for a surprise celebration for “Uncle Howard” Johnston’s 95th birthday. Being there and seeing old friends and family members captured pleasant memories from my youth.

The party occurred at the Fairlane Baptist Church on Highway 27, a stone’s throw from where I lived from ages 6 to 10. The family, later moved several miles northward to Claryville to live and tend a small farm.

But first, some words about Uncle Howard, who was the husband of my deceased “Aunt Mae,” twin sister of Alma Faye, my deceased mother. Close family members, for whatever reason, know Howard as “Johnson,” including me, but I digress.

Since the 1960s, Howard has worked as both a full-time, and more recently at his advanced age, as a part-time land surveyor. Until recently, he was Pendleton County’s official land surveyor.

He has practiced his profession in all parts of Kentucky and has been recognized by his peers with professional awards. 

Uncle Howard is a bridge to my past growing up in northern Kentucky. 

He has an amazing memory for people and places in Campbell and Pendleton counties. He remembers names, family lineages, and seems to know every thornbush and cedar tree growing on their acreages.

I’ve used him as a resource for my articles more than once. He frequently brings me up to date with the lives of adults that I knew a half century ago as a child. All that and the connection with Aunt Mae make him a significant part of my thoughts.

On that Saturday, with 32 of us being present, we waited as he was moved by daughter Carolee’s husband, Pete, on a wheelchair through the opened glass doors. Entering, Uncle Howard — never at a loss for words — was at a loss for words. . .

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