Johnston: Generation 2

Some Children of Samuel Johnston & Ruth Baker

Jean Johnston & David Bailey

c. 1737: David was reportedly born in Henrico County, the son of Abraham Bailey and Temperance Cocke.[1]

Jean was supposedly born c. 1741, but this writer has seen no verification.  If her birth date is correct, her parents may have been married as early as 1740.[2]

                7 Dec 1767: David purchased 100 acres on Dunavent Creek in Charlotte County on 7 Dec 1767.[3]  Dunavent Creek was in places less than two miles from Ward's Fork.  It flowed into the Little Roanoke.

                August 1771: Abraham Bailey deeded a slave named Will to David and Jean Bailey, and grandson Johnston Bailey, "son of my son David Bailey, for love and affection".  Witnesses: Abraham Bailey Junior and Peter Bailey.[4]   But Samuel Johnston Bailey, son of David and Jean, supposedly wasn't born until 1783!

                28 Apr 1787: Charlotte County Tax List: David Bailey.

                6 Mar 1799: Caleb Johnston, David Bailey and Jeane his wife, James Johnston, and Patsy Johnston, all children of Samuel Johnston, deceased, were plaintiffs in a suit against William Johnston, Samuel Johnston, and Holcombe Robertson and Ruth his wife.  The defendants, none of whom were residents of VA, were ordered to appear on the first day of court in June, a copy of the order to appear in the Virginia Gazette for the two interim months.  The land . . .

"containing about one hundred and seventeen acres lying on Ward’s fork in the said County of which he was seized with his two negroes  ___ slaves George and Lucy.  Which are too few in number to admit of a division specifically, as in the bill mentioned, to be sold at public auction at twelve months credits, giving notice and taking bond with approved security _  and that the nett proceeds arising from such sale, together with the nett proceeds of the personal property of the said Intestate in the hands of Caleb Johnson, David Bailey, and William Johnson, the administrators, be divided among the several claimants as the Law directs that is to say four sevenths thereof in equal division to each of the Plaintifs Caleb Johnson, Joana (?) the wife of the said David Bailey James Johnson and Patsy Johnson __ and the remaining three sevenths in like equal division to each of the Defendants William Johnson  __ Samuel Johnson and Ruth the wife of the said Holcomb Roberson, who also are the children and representatives of the Intestate Samuel agreeable to the prayer of the said bills __ and John Daniel. Jr, Henry Watkins Thomas C. Elliot and Claiborne Barksdale or any three of them do __ make such sale and division among the several distributees according to their respective rights __ and that they report the same to the Court that a final decree may be made in this suit.  It appearing from the evidence given before the Court that the dividend of each heir __  arising from the sale of the Land would not in their opinion exceed one hundred Dollars . . ."[5]

                19 Apr 1799: The Virginia Argus carried the notice as ordered by the court.[6]

                7 Mar 1825: David's will was proved in court in Charlotte.[7]

Children of Jean Johnston and David Bailey: [8]

James Bailey (1760 – 1828; m. Parthenia Brower)

Mary Cocke Bailey (1773 –    ; m. John Robertson Jun 1794)

Ruth Bailey (1775 –    ; m.1 Jesse Wilkes Mar 1792; m.2 Richard Wilson Feb 1821)

David Bailey (1779 –    ; m. Mildred Johnston 5 Mar 1805)

Samuel Johnston Bailey (1783 – 14 Feb 1862; m. Virginia Sarah Wilson)

Martha Bailey (1785 –    ; m. William Wilkes)

Letitia Bailey (c. 1787 – 1850)     

Holcomb David Bailey (1789 –    ; m. Martha "Patsy" Elizabeth Drinkard 18 Oct 1818)

Jane Bailey (1791 –    ; m. Thomas Holt)

Caleb Johnston

1770: Along with James White and William Todd, Caleb Johnston witnessed a deed from Nathan Adams to David Maddox for 150 acres on the branches of Ward's Fork in Charlotte County, VA, adjoining James Orr, Richard Berry, James Adams, and David Maddox.  The deed was recorded 5 Mar 1770.[9]  James White was married to Mary Johnston, the daughter of William and Anne Brumfield Johnston of Ward's Fork. 

25 Jul 1770: Caleb purchased 120 acres on the branches of Ward's Fork bounded by Read, Cobbs, and Hugh Cratin, from John Butler of Pittsylvania County, VA.  Witnesses: James White, [father] Samuel Johnston, and Gabriel May.[10]  

At an unknown date, Caleb and Samuel Johnston, along with Gabriel May, witnessed a deed from Samuel Davis to Matthews Flournoy for 16 acres on the waters of Ward's Fork.[11]

2 Nov 1772: Caleb Johnson versus Landrum Butler.  William Johnson and James White both served as witnesses for Caleb.[12]

29 May 1773: In Pittsylvania County to the west, Samuel Johnston Junior and John Caldwell witnessed the sale of a horse formerly belonging to Caleb Johnston from Josiah Mann to John Morton of Pittsylvania County.[13]

27 Dec 1784: A Caleb Johnston secured a trust deed to Mathew Mullings for his 374 acres in Halifax County.[14]  Is this our Caleb?  Halifax County was formed from the western portion of Lunenburg in 1752.  In 1784, as now, Charlotte County comprised its eastern boundary, with Pittsylvania on the west.

Caleb Johnston does not appear in the 1787 Charlotte County Tax List.

2 Mar 1789: Caleb served on a jury in Charlotte County.[15]

4 May 1789: He was marked not present for jury duty.[16]

20 Oct 1798: A Caleb Johnson had 374 acres on the Cattail Branch of Sycamore Creek adjoining Mullin and Ward in Pittsylvania County surveyed; and 400 acres on "drau" of Aarons on 2 Apr 1803.[17]   Is this our Caleb?

6 Mar 1799: Caleb Johnston, David Bailey and Jeane his wife, James Johnston, and Patsy Johnston, all children of Samuel Johnston, deceased, were plaintiffs in a suit against William Johnston, Samuel Johnston, and Holcombe Robertson and Ruth his wife.  The defendants, none of whom were residents of VA, were ordered to appear on the first day of court in June, a copy of the order to appear in the Virginia Gazette for the two interim months.  The land . . .

"containing about one hundred and seventeen acres lying on Ward’s fork in the said County of which he was seized with his two negroes  ___ slaves George and Lucy.  Which are too few in number to admit of a division specifically, as in the bill mentioned, to be sold at public auction at twelve months credits, giving notice and taking bond with approved security _  and that the nett proceeds arising from such sale, together with the nett proceeds of the personal property of the said Intestate in the hands of Caleb Johnson, David Bailey, and William Johnson, the administrators, be divided among the several claimants as the Law directs that is to say four sevenths thereof in equal division to each of the Plaintifs Caleb Johnson, Joana (?) the wife of the said David Bailey James Johnson and Patsy Johnson __ and the remaining three sevenths in like equal division to each of the Defendants William Johnson  __ Samuel Johnson and Ruth the wife of the said Holcomb Roberson, who also are the children and representatives of the Intestate Samuel agreeable to the prayer of the said bills __ and John Daniel. Jr, Henry Watkins Thomas C. Elliot and Claiborne Barksdale or any three of them do __ make such sale and division among the several distributees according to their respective rights __ and that they report the same to the Court that a final decree may be made in this suit.  It appearing from the evidence given before the Court that the dividend of each heir __  arising from the sale of the land would not in their opinion exceed one hundred dollars . . ."[18]

19 Apr 1799: The Virginia Argus carried the notice as ordered by the court.[19]

What happened to Caleb after 1799 isn't known.  There was the aforementioned Caleb Johnston who owned 376 acres on Cattail Branch of Sycamore Creek from at least 27 Dec 1784, and 400 acres on Aaron's Creek from at least 2 Apr 1803.  In 1819 a Caleb Johnston died in Mecklenburg County, VA.  The Johnston names mentioned in his will and estate are highly suggestive of the Charlotte County Johnstons, i.e. Mary ("Polly"), Jane, Ruth, and Patsey.[20]  Daughter Mary even married William Henry Bailey.  (Mecklenburg borders both Charlotte and Halifax counties on the southeast.)

William Johnston

William Johnston, son of Samuel, must not be confused with William Johnston, son of Rev. Thomas.  That William was supposedly born c. 1758, married Rebecca Mosely on 22 Dec 1780, and moved to Hancock County, GA in 1799.

2 Nov 1772: Caleb Johnson versus Landrum Butler.  William Johnson and James White both served as witnesses for Caleb.[21]  Was the witness William the son of Samuel and Ruth Baker Johnston; or the much older William who had resided on Ward's Fork from at least 1748, and who didn't die until 1775?

24 Sep 1776: A petition from the residents of Prince Edward County, which adjoined Charlotte County, to the newly independent Virginia Assembly advocating religious disestablishment included the signatures of Robert, William, and Samuel Johnston - all next to each other - as well as numerous Bakers, Ewings, Hannas, Cunninghams, Caldwells, and Thompsons.  The author of the petition was Rev. Caleb Baker Wallace of Cub Creek.  But were these men William and Samuel of Ward's Fork? 

1777: Samuel Johnson, William Johnson, and Joseph Ballenger were listed by Captain Hankins as among those taking the Oath of Allegiance in Pittsylvania County.  Joseph Ballenger was the father of Elizabeth Johnston, Samuel's wife.

20 Oct 1779: William Johnston was granted 326 acres on both sides of Baretree Fork and Chestnut Creek.  It was not the first land owned by William as the patent described the 326 acres as adjoining "a white oak sapling on his old line".[22]   The deed was in Charlotte County, but . . . .

28 Sep 1780: William sold this parcel on Baretree Fork to Samuel Johnston.  The land was now described as lying in Henry County.[23]  The grantee was Samuel Junior.  The actual deed hasn't been found, but the parcel was definitely the same 326 acres granted to William on 20 Oct 1779 and sold by Samuel on 21 Mar 1785.  The descriptions in both 1779 and 1785 are identical.

3 Jun 1782: Along with Andrew Hannah and James Thorp, William witnessed a deed from William Thorpe to Jeremiah Bonner for 198 acres on Ward's Fork.[24]  Because of the land's location and because of Andrew Hannah's participation, I'm assuming this William is ours, as opposed to William, the son of Rev. Thomas.  That assumption is strengthened by the deeds of 1 Jun 1789 and 5 Oct 1789.

7 Nov 1786: Louis Potter versus William Johnson for debt.  The defendant didn't appear, and therefore the judgment of £2.9.3.3 plus court costs was against both William and James Johnson, his security.[25] 

2 May 1787:  On the Charlotte County Tax List, William Johnston is listed with no white males 16-21, 6 blacks above 16, 4 under, 4 horses or mules, and 14 cattle.  He was enumerated on the same day as Samuel and James Johnston, so must have resided close to them.

6 Aug 1787: A William Johnson was named to the grand jury; also on 5 Nov 1787, and then on regular juries on 5 Mar 1788, 2 Mar 1789, and 4 May 1789.[26]   But is this our William?

1 Jun 1789: He purchased 200 acres on Ward's Fork from William Thorpe for £170.[27]  The sale was witnessed by Thomas Read.

5 Oct 1789: Along with George Hannah and [cousin] Brooks Baker, William witnessed a deed from Andrew Hannah to William Thorpe for 268 ½ acres on Ward’s Fork adjoining Smith, Turpin, Hannah, Payne, and Glazebrook.[28]  George Hannah was a friend of brother James Johnston.  Brooks Baker, the son of Caleb Baker and Catherine Hodnett, was William's first cousin.

4 Oct 1790: Thomas Southern Whitwell was bound to William Johnson, as Samuel Johnson, his former master, was deceased.[29]

30 Aug 1791: William Price signed his will in Charlotte County, leaving his tract on Ward's Fork to son Samuel.  The witnesses were Thomas Moore, William Johnston, and John Hannah.

6 Mar 1799: Caleb Johnston, David Bailey and Jeane his wife, James Johnston, and Patsy Johnston, all children of Samuel Johnston, deceased, were plaintiffs in a suit against William Johnston, Samuel Johnston, and Holcombe Robertson and Ruth his wife.  The defendants, none of whom were residents of VA, were ordered to appear on the first day of court in June, a copy of the order to appear in the Virginia Gazette for the two interim months.  The land . . .

"containing about one hundred and seventeen acres lying on Ward’s fork in the said County of which he was seized with his two negroes  ___ slaves George and Lucy.  Which are too few in number to admit of a division specifically, as in the bill mentioned, to be sold at public auction at twelve months credits, giving notice and taking bond with approved security _  and that the nett proceeds arising from such sale, together with the nett proceeds of the personal property of the said Intestate in the hands of Caleb Johnson, David Bailey, and William Johnson, the administrators, be divided among the several claimants as the Law directs that is to say four sevenths thereof in equal division to each of the Plaintifs Caleb Johnson, Joana (?) the wife of the said David Bailey James Johnson and Patsy Johnson __ and the remaining three sevenths in like equal division to each of the Defendants William Johnson  __ Samuel Johnson and Ruth the wife of the said Holcomb Roberson, who also are the children and representatives of the Intestate Samuel agreeable to the prayer of the said bills __ and John Daniel. Jr, Henry Watkins Thomas C. Elliot and Claiborne Barksdale or any three of them do __ make such sale and division among the several distributees according to their respective rights __ and that they report the same to the Court that a final decree may be made in this suit.  It appearing from the evidence given before the Court that the dividend of each heir __  arising from the sale of the land would not in their opinion exceed one hundred dollars . . ."[30]

                19 Apr 1799: The Virginia Argus carried the notice as ordered by the court.[31]  It too implied that William no longer resided in VA.

James Johnston & Joice Wells

c. 1757: James Johnston² was born in Lunenburg [now Charlotte] County, Virginia.[32]   In his 1835 pension application, James stated that he was "a Virginian born and raised".[33]

                Joice Wells, the daughter of John Wells and Judith Gravely, was born, most probably in Virginia, c. 1768.  This is based upon her being "aged 77" on 7 Feb 1845 when she appeared before Jabez Gravely in the matter of her Revolutionary widow's pension, and "aged 87" on 13 Apr 1855 when she appeared the second time.

                We know about James’ activities during the Revolutionary War only because of his three pension applications, submitted many years after the events he described.  The first application came on 23 Oct 1826, a second on 16 Dec 1826 (#8727), and finally a successful petition on 14 Dec 1835 (#10999) . . . .

A petition from James Johnston an old revolutionary soldier now a citizen of Henry County, Va to the Hon Representatives of both Houses in the Va. Legislature now in session praying they may grant to him a pension which you will see is justly due to him ever sence the surrender of Cornwallis, Yorktown, Virginia by the evidence of Geo Hannah an old brother soldier that was present with me at the time when I was wounded & also another certificate from Doctor Robertson, who knew me ever since that time & before.  I shall be but short as I am well known by the Virginians that I have been a cripple ever since that time.  I have often been invited by several of the leading carracters of my state to call on the Legislature of Va. for a pension as all other wounded men had done.  My reply was that I strove as hard as any man in America to support our freedom and independence & that it appears that my country was always behind tax on tax & direct tax to support government, tho now my country appears to be much better of[f] at this time & I am got very old & quite past traveling, I think my country men will not think hard of doing something for me now, for if Col. Sam Venable, formly of Prince Edwards County Va. was alive he would say that it was the opinion of the greatest part of the officers at that place that I was princable cause of the down fall of Cornwallis at the Battle of Guilford Court House in N. Carolina, for he stated it in the presence of a number of gentlemen only a few months before he died that I was the cause of fixing the Va. Militia so that they fought as great a battle as any regular troops ever did in America, for he stated what few regulars General Green had left was so disincor [sic]  that they was offen heard to say that Gen'l. Green had better give up for if they was to come in to an action with the British that the militia would all run and leave them to be cut to peaces as they always had done.  I shall say no more, only that I served that tower [tour] in N. Carolina & at Yourktown, VA. about five months as a voulunteer without one cent of pay, for my country was not able to pay there inlisted soldiers.  My petition & papers that was presented winter before last by James Boulden[34] is now in the hands of the Clerk of the Legislature which will have a small sketch of my travil when a regular soldier in the Continental Army.  I remain your humble petitioner.

James Johnston

October 23, 1826[35]

This petition was accompanied by a letter from George Hannah:

By request in a letter received from James Johnston an old revolutionary soldier & now a citizen of Henry County, Va. I do make the following statement.  I certify that in the Revolution was the said Johnston & my self both served a tower [tour] the greatest part of the time in General Washington's Life Guards & my self  in the 7^th Va. Regiment of Infantry . . [His account verifies that of James below, then continues] . . . the next day when all the wounded was about to be sent to the hospital Johnston stated to the officers that he was a free and volunteer man at that place & that he would rather die than goe in that nasty lousy hospital so they agreed that he should stay where he pleased & he called for me as a favorite friend to wait on him & I did so and the army was in a few days after that disbanded from that place & we stayed about ten days when the said Johnston told me if we continued there any longer we should perish for we was without money or provisions & he told me to goe & make him an easy pair of crutches & he thought he could travel a little & I did so & we set out & I suppose we got between 4 and 5 miles a day & after so long a time we got to Richmond & thare his father met him with a carriage & took him in.  It might be travling made it worse for every morning it apeard to be a gill [sic] of matter in the bandage on his knee.  I heard several doctors say if he got well he would have to be shore to cary a stiff knee to his grave & I suppose it was so, for when I saw him last he travled in a very hobbling manner, tho I have seen him but seldom since for we went to different parts of the country to live.  Given under my hand this 3 day of August 1826.

George Hannah[36]

                And by one from John Robertson:

I do certify that I was requested as a physician to examine an old wound in the knee of James Johnston, an old revolutionary soldier now citizen of Henry County Virginia & to make a true report of his present situation.  It is my opinion and I think would be the opinion of 9 of every ten men in Virginia to say that he ought to of had a pension ever since the Revolution War because he states to me that he got the wound at the surrender of Cornwallis' York Town, VA, which I do suppose to be the truth for I see the said Johnston on his way to that place & he told me he was then set out as a volunteer to assist the Americans to ketch Cornwallis & he was a sound well man & I well remember he had traveled in a very halting situation ever since that time.  By the appearance of his knee at this time there is no person but what would think it was impossible for any man to travel or to get his living by his labour as he always has been oblige to do . . . Given under my hand and seal this 27 day of December 1826.

John Robertson

And one from Edward Eanes[37]:

I do certify that in the Revolutionary War I was called out on a tour of duty with the Virginia Militia to the assistance of Gen'l. Green when he was drove by the British from the south to North Carolina & I was attached to Col. Cook's Regiment of Virginia Militia when I became well acquainted with the same James Johnston that is now a citizen of Henry County, Va. who had joined the said Cook's Regiment as a volunteer and continued until he received an appointment as an adjutant to Col. Mumford's Regiment of Va. Militia & there he continued till after the Battle of Guilford Court House, N. Carolina.  Then Cornwallis run away and left us all to shift for ourselves.  Then we all returnd back to Virginia.  I do not recall how long we was all out on that tour.  Given under my hand this 26^th day of December 1826. 

This was apparently not signed, but that Edward Eanes made oath to the above was attested to by Jabez Smith, Justice of the Peace, Pittsylvania County. 

The pension was not granted, but James returned the favor to Edward Eanes by testifying for him in Pittsylvania County on 15 May 1834:

"while on his way to join General Green's army in distress when driven by the British through the two Carolinas into Virginia at Cole's Ferry, Charlotte county, Va, he [James] came up with a large parcel of militia.  He stepped up and told them the situation of the Americans and not to wait to be called out on a tour of duty but to step out and enlist as Green's distress might be long or short.  Capt. Thomas spencer stepped out and called out for volunteers to enlist and he very soon enlisted seventy-odd men.  Edward Eanes, now of Pittsylvania County, was the first man enlisted.  He often saw him [Eanes] in North Carolina where they fought the British at Guilford Court House.  They gave Cornwallis such a drubbing that he ran off between two days.  Then all the militia were discharged for want of provisions."[38]

In 1835, James made a second attempt for his own pension.

I do inform the Honorable Legislature of Virginia that I have a just claim as a revolutionary character & I do expect Va. is where I am to make application because I am a Virginian born & raised.  Shortly after the R.W. ended it was put in the public for all the soldiers belonging to the United States to apply to the Auditor of their own state & he would issue to them a warrant agreeable to their services to bare interest at 6 percent till paid.  Now I must step back a little ways to inform your Honors how I came to fail giting of mine.  It would take abundance of time & paper to inform you of every circumstance, therefore I shall be as short as possible.  The third day of May 1777 when Gen'l. Washington's Head Quarters was at Middle Brook in New Jersey I was attached from the 14 [th] Va. Regiment to Gen'l. Washington's Life Guards where I continued as a three year soldier in that Guard out 77, 78 & 79.  I do inform you that your great friend Gen'l. Fayette & my self both came in to the family of Gen'l. Washington in one week.  It is well known that Gen'l. Washington's Life Guards was never exposed in no battle except it was their wish to volunteer & joine sum other troops.  My self and 65 others of the guards volunteered the morning of the day of the battle of Brandaywine & joined the troops that Fayette had that day to command and Fayette got wounded – and the next day Gen'l. Washington sent me with Fayette to a little Dutch town called Bethleham 55 miles from Philadelphia & there I stayed with him till he said he was well & we returned to Gen'l. Washington's H. Quarters at Valley Forge.  Then a mediatly Fayette asked Gen'l. Washington for 7 or 8 hundred volunteers to goe out a reconiting [reconnoitering] on the enemy's lines – the British then in Philadelphia and Jermantown.  Myself & 60 odd of the Guards joined the command & Fayette & he marched us across the Skuylkill River & went to a place cald Barronhill & that night the Tories informed the British where we was & the British got within three quarters of a mile before we found it out and we made the greatest retreat that ever man made in America.  We only lost 5 waiters & one negro & theire  horses.  When the British left Philadelphia Gen'l. Washington ordered old Morgain to call out for volunteers to joine his rifle men & push on after them & trye to harras them & keep them from travling fast as Gen'l. W. could over take them.  Myself & 75 others of the Guards joined Morgain.  I was 17 days & nights then that my cartridge box was never off my neck.  Then we fought the Monmouth Battle.  Then there was nothing of consequence turned up till my three years was ended.  Then there was an officer by the name of Colefax that had been a bout 2 years in the Foot Guards with me that was a bout to take the command of Gen'l. Washington's Horse Guards.  It had been formly commanded by Capt. Lewis, a nephew of Gen'l. Washington.  He told me if I would inlist with him for the war he would give me a certificate that I should be returned in the Virginia Line of Cavalry as a Sergeant.  Also for my 80 dollars bounty & my land bounty I also inlisted & rec. my certificate.  Also I had the promis of a furlough for 2 months when I cald for it & never could till the year 1781.

I informed you that I never cald for my furlough till the year 81 and it was a lucky circumstance for America I did not, for it is well known by all the old people that all the best troops belonging to America was then at that time in the hands of the British as prisoners of war.  When I got as far as Prince Edward court house - was on my way on furlough from the north there - I heard that Gen'l. Green was drove by Cornwallis through all the southern states in to Virginia.  Then in stead of going & staying two months with my father & mother that I had not seen since the 15 day of November 1776 I turned out & recruited as volunteers 12 old Continental soldiers that had served as three year soldiers to the north under the eye of Gen'l. Washington that was well trained to the military duty & we a mediately marched right off to the assistance of Gen'l. Green.  And as soon as I got there I went my self to Gen'l. Green & informed him that the militia had been cald out so offin and always conducted by nothing but raw undecipled [sic] officers that new nothing of the military duty & as soon as they see the Red Coats they was all off and sum times never fire a gun.  I told Green that I had prepaired as many old veterans that was well acquainted with the subordination of war that would supply the place of every Virginia regiment as an adjutant & we would shoe him that we would do as great things as any Continental troops.  It was so pleasing to Green that in two howers we all new our post.  I my self took the charge as an adjutant of Col. Mumford's Regiment from Virginia, the two majors was Skipwith and Hubbard.  That night at roll call Green issued the most butiful orders I ever heard from the mouth of a man, stating to the militia that it was absolutely necessary to be taught the military duty that he had prepaired men for that purpose & he hoped thay would not think hard to be cald out three or four times a day – tho we had very liddle time to spare to be taugh for Green was obliged to fight or run for in a very liddle time we should all perish for there was nothing to be got to live on.  Now we will soon shoe you what good I done at the battle of Guilford.  The North Carolina militia was fixed in front of the Virginia militia and commanded by nothing but raw militia officers & as soon as they see the Red Coats they were all off & it was said many of them never fired a gun.  Then the next line was Va. militia & it is well known they stood the fire as well as any Continental troop, for it is well known that the rifle men & the Va. militia & cavalry was chiefly all that was engaged that day and Cornwallice confessed he never was so doubed [sic] in America.  As soon as Corwallice found out that Green's regular troops was all fresh & several regiments had never fired a gun he took to his scrapers [sic] a bout midnight & got over Deep River before we could overtake him.  O what glorious news had happened by the project of one old soldier.  Only a few days agoe poore Green was running before Cornwallice & now Cornwallice is running before Green.  Col. Shipwith was heird to say that if Johnston had not come to the Battle of Guilford with his old Continental soldiers there would have been an other Gatses [probably referring to the disastrous loss at Camden, SC] defeat because Green's regular troop could not be prevailed on to fight thay was so disincouraged by being defeated so often.  Now as soon as [Corn] Wallice was gone Green was obliged to discharge us or else we should all perish for a number of soldiers would faint and fall on the road for want of provision.  Then I returned back to stay a few days with my father & mother, then in Charlotte County Virginia.  Now I shall turn over & shoe you how I lost my papers.

As soon as I returned from the Guilford battle & rested a few days with my father & mother I heard of the distress of Fayette in Virginia.  Arnold & Phillips was a raising him at a sad rate & destroying & doing great damage in Va.  I took right of[f] to Fayette ['s] assistance & as soon as Cornwallice came to Virginia & fixed him self in Yorktown we strove hard to keep him there till Gen'l. Washington come & when the Gen'l. come I could see by Gen'l. Washington's looks that he was uneasy.  Gen'l. Washington well knew that if Clinton was to come round from the north with his big fleight [fleet] he would soon let Cornwallice out of his pen.  There was a flag soon sent to know wheather Cornwallice would surrender.  The word came back no.  Then Gen'l Washington determining that night to take two of their nearest redouts by storm, Fayette & Hambleton was to command the Americans & the French to storm the other, and I never failed putting my self by the side of Fayette in time of danger & before I got to the redout a bullet took me in the joint of my left knee, which has ever prevented me from doing military duty from that day till this day.  Then thay cramed me in a nasty place they cald an hospital where I was much confined & not able to help my self & sum Roge stold my knapsack that contained my three years discharge & also my certificate shoeing the terms of inlisting for the war.  It was very hard for me to louse my just reward be cause my papers was lost.  All others of my brother soldiers that had there papers got there interest warrant & also came on the pension when I did in the year 28.  It is well known by men that is yet a live that I strove as hard to save your freedom & independence as any other soldier in America.  My 80 dollars bounty for the war & U. States bounty land I have never yet got.  I am told there was 8 or 9 James Johnson belonged to the armies from Va. in the Revolution War.  I believe there was one besides me belonged to the Va. Cavalry.  I shall just submit to your Honors to use your own pleasures.

I am very respectfully your obedient Servant

James Johnston

Henry County, Virg.

For the year 1835

"Drew pay until his death under Revolutionary Claims No. 787".

In summary, James claimed service in 14th VA Regiment, from which he was detached at Middlebrook, NJ to General Washington's Life Guards for the next three years.  During that time he fought at Brandywine, stayed with the wounded LaFayette at Bethlehem, was at Valley Forge, and fought at the Battle of Monmouth.  He then was made Cavalry Sergeant.  He was on furlough for 2 months in 1781 when he volunteered for the Battle of Guilford Court House, rounding up 12 other vets to fight with him.  Returning to his parents' home in Charlotte County, he heard of Cornwallis and volunteered once again for Yorktown.  At the latter he was shot in the knee.  Refusing to go into the hospital, he and George Hannah stayed there about ten days, then set out for home.  He walked on crutches to Richmond, able to make only 4 or 5 miles per day; but thankfully his father met him there with a carriage.

Apparently James also received a bounty warrant before his death for __60 acres.[39]

Dr. John Chiles Edwards wrote to his nieces that: "I remember my Grandfather Johnston well.  He was made a Free Mason by George Washington while in the Army . . . ."[40]

7 Oct 1782: The inventory of the Thomas Allday estate taken by George Hannah and Samuel and James Johnston was recorded.[41]   Perrin Allday owned land on Ward's Fork.  But was this another James Johnston, rather than James, the son of Samuel Johnston?   One possibility, of course, is the James Johnston who died in 1816.

24 Mar 1783: A James Johnson witnessed a deed from Alex McKeen to John King on Marrowbone Creek in Henry County, VA.[42]  Was this the James Johnson who had signed the Oath of Allegiance in 1777?  Are we talking one James Johnston or two?

7 Jan 1787: A James Johnson was bondsman for the marriage of George Pratley to Lydia Dodson in Pittsylvania County, VA.[43]  The ceremony was performed by Baptist minister Lazarus Dodson.

2 May 1787 Charlotte County Tax List A:  A "James Johnson" was listed with 0 males 16-26, 0 slaves, 3 horses, 0 cows.  Samuel Johnston was charged with the tax.[44]   

7 May 1787: A James Johnston served on jury duty.[45]

1787: The Charlotte County Court ruled that Aggy Harbord, a single woman, delivered two male bastard children, one on 18 Jun 1786 and one on 19 Sep 1787, by James Johnston.  James was ordered to appear as the court did not wish the infants to become public charges.[46]  There is a Harbord [often Herbert] very close to James’ father Samuel Johnston in the 1787 Tax List.  This James Johnston is presumed to be ours, and certainly explains his rather late marriage to Joyce Wells.

2 Mar 1789: James Johnston was found guilty of "living in fornication with Agnes Herbert".[47]   Interestingly, a William Johnson was one of the 18 Apr 1789: James purchased 230 acres on Turkey Cock Creek in Henry County from John Cunningham.  John Cunningham adjoined Sam Johnston and that surname was also represented on Ward's Fork.  Witnesses: Samuel Johnson and [Sam's brother-in-law] Achilles Ballenger.  On that same day, James Johnson and Achillis Ballenger witnessed a deed from Samuel Johnson to Henry Laurance.[48]  (According to Michelle Erbeck, a descendant, this land has remained in the possession of the family to the present day, being passed from James and Joyce Johnston to George Washington and Paulina, William Thomas and Mattie, George and Grace, and finally, in 1997 by George and Shirley Lewis Johnston.

 24 Aug 1790: James Jonston married Joice Wells in Henry County, VA, the ceremony being performed by Carter Tarrant, "Baptist Minister".[49]  Carter was the brother of Reuben Tarrant, husband of Charity Ballenger, Elizabeth Ballenger Johnston's sister.   But Joice Johnston claimed before Justice of the Peace on 7 Feb 1845 and again on 13 Apr 1855 that they were married by Carter Tarrant on 23 Apr 1789, and at least one researcher, Patty Ament, claims the marriage date was 24 Aug 1789.

3 Apr 1790 Tax List, Henry County, VA: James Johnston ("Leatherwood") was listed with 1 white tithe, 2 horses.  There is also a James Johnson listed next to David and John Johnston with 1 tithe and 1 horse.[50].   

7 Nov 1792: Along with Samuel and Alijah Hughs, James witnessed a deed from Samuel Johnson and William Lawrence to Henry Lawrence.[51]

After 1792: James witnessed a deed in Henry County from John and Peggy Gravely to William Lawrence on Leatherwood Creek.  Then on 4 Dec 1793 he witnessed a deed from the same Gravelys to Henry Laurence, also on Leatherwood Creek.[52]  Peggy Gravely was Elizabeth Ballenger Johnston's sister.

8 May 1794: James was granted a bounty warrant for 100 acres for his military service. 

12 Aug 1795: James was witness to a deed from Elizabeth Morton to James Morton.[53]

23 Jul 1796: He witnessed a deed from William Bayles to John Wells on Turkey Cock Creek.[54]   Might the surname have actually been "Bailey"?

                6 Mar 1799: Caleb Johnston, David Bailey and Jeane his wife, James Johnston, and Patsy Johnston, all children of Samuel Johnston, deceased, were plaintiffs in a suit against William Johnston, Samuel Johnston, and Holcombe Robertson and Ruth his wife.  The defendants, none of whom were residents of VA, were ordered to appear on the first day of court in June, a copy of the order to appear in the Virginia Gazette for the two interim months.  The land . . .

"containing about one hundred and seventeen acres lying on Ward’s fork in the said County of which he was seized with his two negroes  ___ slaves George and Lucy.  Which are too few in number to admit of a division specifically, as in the bill mentioned, to be sold at public auction at twelve months credits, giving notice and taking bond with approved security _  and that the nett proceeds arising from such sale, together with the nett proceeds of the personal property of the said Intestate in the hands of Caleb Johnson, David Bailey, and William Johnson, the administrators, be divided among the several claimants as the Law directs that is to say four sevenths thereof in equal division to each of the Plaintifs Caleb Johnson, Joana (?) the wife of the said David Bailey James Johnson and Patsy Johnson __ and the remaining three sevenths in like equal division to each of the Defendants William Johnson  __ Samuel Johnson and Ruth the wife of the said Holcomb Roberson, who also are the children and representatives of the Intestate Samuel agreeable to the prayer of the said bills __ and John Daniel. Jr, Henry Watkins Thomas C. Elliot and Claiborne Barksdale or any three of them do __ make such sale and division among the several distributees according to their respective rights __ and that they report the same to the Court that a final decree may be made in this suit.  It appearing from the evidence given before the Court that the dividend of each heir __  arising from the sale of the land would not in their opinion exceed one hundred dollars . . ."[55]

19 Apr 1799: The Virginia Argus carried the notice as ordered by the court.[56]

1800 Tax List, Henry County, VA: James was shown with 2 white tithes, and 3 horses.  He was the only Johnston or Johnson listed.

6 Sep 1802: He witnessed a power of attorney from James Hunt to Edward Nunnely.[57]

20 May 1803: James Johnson was appointed one of the appraisers, along with Thomas Dickerson and Henry Lawrence, of the James Hunt estate.[58]

17 Feb 1820: James Johnston "and Joicy his wife", Catherine Morton, Mathew Wells, Jabez Gravley "and Judith his wife", and Cato _____ Wells were summoned to Henry County chancery court  to answer a bill brought against them by Barna Wells.  It was apparently executed "on Dickerson Johnston & wife, Gravley & wife, M. Wells & Morton."[58a] 

1830 Census, Henry County, VA: James Johnson is listed with 2 males 20-30, 1 70-80; 1 20-30, 1 60-70.[59]

20 Oct 1834: James Johnson and William T. Gauldin declared that Edward Eanes had been a soldier during the Revolutionary War, as he stated.

7 Jul 1836: James testified in neighboring Pittsylvania County that "Edward Eanes, then a citizen of Charlotte and now a resident of Pittsylvania County, was on a tour under Capt. Spencer for three months and was at the action fought at Guilford, NC.

1840 Census, Henry County, VA: James Johnson is shown with 1 male 80-90; 1 female 70-80; 3 slaves.  They're listed between [son] George W. Johnston and [daughter] Lucy B. Riddle.  One portion of the census lists military pensioners.  In it, is James Johnson, age 84, blind.[60]

30 Apr 1841: James died in Henry County.[61]  On 7 Feb 1845 Joice Johnston stated that James died 13 Apr 1841, but on 13 Apr 1855 she claimed that he died "at his residence" in Henry County on 30 Apr 1842.

7 Feb 1845: "Joice Johnston, a resident of Turkey Cock in the County of Henry and State of Virginia . . .aged 77" appeared before Jabez Gravely, J. P. in the matter of a widow's pension.  She swore that she "was the widow of James Johnston, a Sergeant of Dragoons in the Virginia Line, who had been paid a pension of $15 per month, that she had married James on 23 Apr 1789, that he had died on 30 Apr 1841, and that she had not remarried. She September 1847: Joicy wrote [actually dictated] a letter to Lucy Carter in Missouri:

My dear nephews and nieces,

I received your letter dated 29^th of April, and it seemed it would break my heart to hear of my dear blood dying, and I could not see none of them and talk with them.  I have been distressed day and night in weeping over your misfortunes since we have been separated.  And now I am called again to weep for my dear babe who died on Tuesday morning the 24 of August at 3 o'clock in the morning.  Oh, my dear baby George Washington is no more.  He was one of the best sons to me all the days he lived.  He never disobeyed me in his life, but it was delight to honour, please, reverence and adore his aged mother.  He was loved by all and he will be missed by all as a physician.  He was loved not only for his skill but for his kindness and charity.  As a neighbour, he was loved by all; we all mourn because he is gone.  Oh, how can I endure such a trouble.  Not that I am troubled about the things of this world, for I have much to share of them.  Neither have I much reason to complain about my health, though I never feel well, nor do I expect to enjoy any more health in this life.

Your Aunt Lucy and her family are all well and doing well.  She sends her love to you, all her children too.  Your uncle James Jefferson is doing business for Mr. Carter.  He and his family is well and also doing well, and they wish to be remembered by you all.  Crop is very good.  My corn is perhaps better than I ever had it.  Nothing more, but I remain your affectionate grandmother until death, Joicy Johnston.

Write to me when you rid this.

30 Jul 1850 Census, Henry County, VA: Joice Johnston 82, born VA, with real property valued at $180; John Evans 4.  She was enumerated next to her widowed daughter-in-law Polina Johnston.  Who is young John Evans?

13 Apr 1855: She applied for a bounty grant, stating that she'd been married to James Johnston by Carter Torrance, a Baptist minister, on 23 Apr 1789, and that husband James died at home on 30 Apr 1842.  She was vouched for by Pleasant W. and Margaret W. Grigg.

11 Feb 1856: Joice died in Henry County.

James and Joice Wells Johnston are buried in the Johnston Cemetery off Blue Knob Road on property still owned by their descendants.  In May of 2011 the Sons of the American Revolution held a ceremony dedicating the gravesite.   See photo.  NEW 19 Jun 2012

Children of James and Joice Wells Johnston:

Martha Johnston (May 1791 – Oct 1845; m. John Edwards m. 26 Sep 1807)

John Wells Johnston (5 Jan 1793 – 11 Nov 1855; m. Nancy Berry 25 Sep 1821)

James Jefferson Johnston (1795/1802 – 1875   ; m. Rebecca Eanes 2 Aug 1823)

Lucy Baker Johnston (1799 – 15 Jun 1858; m. Thomas G. Riddle 9 Jun 1821)

George Washington Johnston (c. 1808 – 24 Aug 1847; m. Paulina R. Parrish 18 Oct 1830)

David Johnston (c. 1811 – c. 1885; m. Cassandra A. Watson 31 Dec 1832)

Ruth Johnston & Holcomb Robertson

19 Apr 1787 Tax List, Charlotte County, VA: Halcomb Roberson.

1 Oct 1787 Halcombe Roberson testified "viva voce" in case of Elizabeth Farmer versus Joel Farmer in Chancery Court.[62]  "Viva voce" simply refers to an oral testimony.

27 Jan 1788: Ruth Johnston and Holcomb Roberson were married, with father Samuel Johnston as surety.[63]

6 Mar 1799: Caleb Johnston, David Bailey and Jeane his wife, James Johnston, and Patsy Johnston, all children of Samuel Johnston, deceased, were plaintiffs in a suit against William Johnston, Samuel Johnston, and Holcombe Robertson and Ruth his wife.  The defendants, none of whom were residents of VA, were ordered to appear on the first day of court in June, a copy of the order to appear in the Virginia Gazette for the two interim months.  The land . . .

"containing about one hundred and seventeen acres lying on Ward’s fork in the said County of which he was seized with his two negroes  ___ slaves George and Lucy.  Which are too few in number to admit of a division specifically, as in the bill mentioned, to be sold at public auction at twelve months credits, giving notice and taking bond with approved security _  and that the nett proceeds arising from such sale, together with the nett proceeds of the personal property of the said Intestate in the hands of Caleb Johnson, David Bailey, and William Johnson, the administrators, be divided among the several claimants as the Law directs that is to say four sevenths thereof in equal division to each of the Plaintifs Caleb Johnson, Joana (?) the wife of the said David Bailey James Johnson and Patsy Johnson __ and the remaining three sevenths in like equal division to each of the Defendants William Johnson  __ Samuel Johnson and Ruth the wife of the said Holcomb Roberson, who also are the children and representatives of the Intestate Samuel agreeable to the prayer of the said bills __ and John Daniel. Jr, Henry Watkins Thomas C. Elliot and Claiborne Barksdale or any three of them do __ make such sale and division among the several distributees according to their respective rights __ and that they report the same to the Court that a final decree may be made in this suit.  It appearing from the evidence given before the Court that the dividend of each heir __  arising from the sale of the land would not in their opinion exceed one hundred dollars . . ."[64]

19 Apr 1799: The Virginia Argus carried the notice as ordered by the court.[65]

21 Nov 1807: Holcomb Robertson was granted 200 acres on the waters of White Oak Creek in Pulaski County, KY.[66]

1810 Census, Pulaski County, KY: Halcum Robertson was listed with 1 male under 10, 1 26-45; 1 female under 10, 1 26-45.   He was listed next to Edward Robertson.[67]

August 1817: Along with Martin Turpen Junior and John Trimble, he was security on bond of William Trimble, who was ordered to support his illegitimate child Christina Floyd, daughter of Margaret Floyd.[68]   The surname was written as both Robertson and Roberson in the court records.

1820 Census, Somerset, Pulaski County, KY: Holcomb Robertson was shown with 2 males under 10, 1 over 45; 1 female 10-15, 1 26-44, 1 over 45.  The Robertsons were enumerated next to Edward Robertson.

3 Oct 1825: Holcomb had 50 acres surveyed on Wolf Creek in Pulaski County.[69]

This researcher was unable to find the family in Pulaski County in 1830.

If you have material about any individuals included in Nancy's Dead Relatives, can add well-documented family lines, have corrections and/or comments, or wish to establish a link to or from this site, please contact me at nancy@nancysdeadrelatives.com.  However, the decision whether or not to include any submitted material is the webmaster's (mine) alone. 

Nancy Denty Breidenthal

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