Mr. Johnson is the oldest known surviving whaleman, according to the Whaling Museum in New Bedford. After first joining the A. M. Nicholson at age 14, he spent 26 years at sea on freighters, tankers, and passenger ships. He visited most of the world’s major seaports. After World War II he worked as a chef for some of New England’s finest resorts for some 20 years. He is now retired and living in Cleveland, Ohio.
