A story about Herb Johnson

1945 David Allen was called for draft and charged for not reporting. He was sentenced to 3 yrs federal prison in Tallahassee, Fla.  A few months later Herb was also sent there with a same sentence; 3 yrs from Rome Ga.

Herb was asked if he would work in the Hospital and he accepted. I chose to work in construction to learn a trade. Herb made a better choice. About 6 months later Herb told me that they needed another hand in the operating room. So I applied and was accepted. By then Herb had become very proficient in operating room procedures. My first day Herb showed me all around and told me what our duties involved showing where medications were stored.  Then he had to go to lunch and one of us had to be on hand as long as the surgeon was there.  The Doctor called me to prepare a syringe pack to give an inmate a shot of Novocain in his shoulder.  So I was on hand to help; first a very small needle and then one about 3” long and a size of a lead pencil.  First needle no problem.  Large needle the inmate fainted.

Herb was just getting back as I was bringing the used needle to be cleaned. He asked what we were doing.  I said giving Novocain shot. He said with this holding up a small container that was plainly labeled Distilled H20!  Herb said tell the Dr so I went by the door out of sight of the patient and held the bottle up and pointed to the label.  He looked puzzled, then raised his eyes and turned to the patient and said let me try it again.  I think we can get it this time. The patient said No thanks Doc! The patient said I think I feel better and left.  A few months later the Doc told that story to a Dr visiting and said it was the best cure I ever did.  He never came back to sick call.       

There were other experiences but time doesn't permit.

But how did Herb get from Rome GA to LA California? I went and joined my mother and brother Jim in the special pioneer work in Quincy Fla. My Brother and I went up to Ga. to a Cir Assembly and Herb was there so we got reconnected. Going back to Quincy Fla.  My brother’s motor broke down causing us to go into debt. We decided to go to California as we could get twice the wages we would in Fla. Called Herb and invited him to come along.  He said “I don't have any money” then added “maybe if I collect my fuller brush route I could get $25.00.”  We said “that’s all you need!”  So we picked up Herb and headed west.  Go west young man!

With my brother and a 1943 dodge coupe loaded with camping gear we headed for route 66. Each night we would find a quiet spot and set up camp for the night, fix a meal and sleep till early morning.  One night we set tent about 5 ft from the railroad tracks.  Places we spent sometimes such as Painted Desert, meteor creator, Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and on to Los Angeles.  Found a small apt 1 bedroom for $25 a month.  My brother and I worked in a bakery working nights but Herb couldn't seem to find work. We of course kept busy in the service and doing convention work.  Thousands came from the east and many came out such as Herb's wife’s family.  Herb was getting sort of home sick so when he spotted Judy he came to life again.   Soon they married, Herb worked with Judy's family as a painter.  That's where he picked up the trade.  Moved back to Alabama and did very well spiritually and financially. We both spent some years in the special pioneer work including circuit work and have kept in touch over the years.

I'll miss him but look forward to the resurrection and will hand him a paint brush.

David Allen – A long time Friend & Brother