Johney lived in Texas at the time of his death.  I have been researching for information about him and have talked to several cousins from Louisiana.  They pronounce the last name VerZWHYvelt.  The family is from Belgium.  They have promised to get back to me with information about "our" Johney. 

This photo was in the newspaper. Thanks to Dennis Mason for doing the research and finding this article. He was called "Hippee Johney"!