Edward, Thomas, and Benjamin Johnson of
 New Kent & Hanover Counties, Virginia 
By Bonnie Flythe
fly1776@rcn.com

August 18, 2005

In 1731, 1735 and 1743 two Johnson men, Thomas and Benjamin, appeared in the same processioning precincts in Hanover County, Virginia in the Parish of St. Paul’s. It is thought that they were probably relatives.  A very careful and detailed examination of the few documents available for the late 1600s and 1700s in this area of Virginia provides circumstantial evidence to this effect.  It is also very likely that they are descendants of Edward Johnson of New Kent County. 

 The assistance of Linda Sparks Starr and Rhoda Fone made this report possible and cannot be over emphasized.  More geographical detail than usual will be provided here in order to make clear the reasons for believing in these relationships. The appendix includes abstracts of many documents supportive of these views. 

Hanover County did not exist in 1721 and an examination of the Register of St. Peter’s Parish, New Kent County reveals the birth of a Thomas Johnson on May 5, 1680 (Chamberlayne, St. Peter’s, 363).  The parents were Edward and Elizabeth Johnson.  This couple had several more children: 
Eliz. Dau of Edw. Johnson Eliz b. July 7, bapt. Aug. 6, 1682, 
Penelope dau of Edw Johnson Eliz b. Aug. 4, bapt. Aug. 17, 1684,
Rachell dau of Edw Johnson & Eli his wife b. Dec. 8, bapt. Jan. 2, 1686/7, 

Edward Johnson first appeared in the St. Peter’s Vestry notes on May 4, 1689 in an order for processioning:
Mr. ffirth, Pellom Moore Widdow Williams James Sanders Step:  Mitchell Wm: Bourne  Will: Crump Robt: Chandler Wm: Moss Jno: Ossling Mr: Jarrett Sam: Weaver Jno: Howle Mr. Mitchell Senr. Elex Strange Mr. Batt Thos. Paddison ffran: Hill  Hen: Strainge Rich Allen Hen: Marttin Jno: Tande Wm. Moss Wm Meanly Mr: Hen: Wyatt James Sanders Margreat Pric  Jno: Realy Rich Allen ffran: Warran Hen: Turner Mrs. Izard Mr. Smith *done Tho: Marttin Mr. Claybourne Edw: Morgan Evan Ragglin Chris: Baker Nic: A___ Gilles West Jno Joanes Garett Robt: Elleson Robt: Hughes Peter Marce Jer Brooks for Tucker Tho: Moss Jno: Wakefield Coll Pates Marttin Marttin Tho: Meredie__ Jno Alldridge Wm Beats Tony & Cumbo Edward Harris Lyon Morris Hen Turner Edw: Grosse Wm: Marttin Mr: Hen: Wyatt And : Davis Wm Attkinson Jose: Noon Edw Johnson Lyon: Morisse Peter Mask Tho: Rice Rich: Joanes Dan Britt Char: Lovell Nic: Gentry Abra Venable Rouland Horsley Robt: Lancester Jno: Medlock Renall Allen Jno: Hight Char: Brya__ Char: Bostick Chris: Baker Tho: Moorman Tho: Snead Jam. Moor Edw: Qorill (or Dorill-FGF) Mr. Wm. Bassett Mr: James Moss Char ffleming James Austin Jno: Baughan James Woody Tho: Jeves  Nick: SLossen Tho: Renalls Jno: Parks Senr.: Mr: Jno: Lydd_don_ Tho: Wilkinson Jno. Lewes Renall Allen Wm: Turner Geo: Pargister wid: Butler Benj: Bulkley James Blackwell Young Twitty ……….. (Chamberlayne, St. Peter’s, 20-21)

Land was not processioned every year, but the presence of the same individuals in an area indicates that they were neighbors.  Processioning required a person to meet with others with adjacent land in order to reaffirm the boundaries between each person’s property.  Tracing a man’s land and property can sometimes reveal quite a bit about that individual.  In the absence of other records, this can be one way of distinguishing individuals of the same name from each other.  

The name Edward Johnson appeared in another patent in 1690:
John Underhill.  2317 acs., New Kent co., in St. Peter’s Par. 21 Apr. 1690, p. 78.  Beg at his own land: adj Edward Johnson; on Powhite Swamp; to Beavour Dam Br; on Pickanock Path; adj. Bassett & Austin; down Brandy Br. &c. Trans. of 47 pers:   John Trewe, Jno. Jordan, Phillip Wright, Jervis Salmond, Fra. Plumond, Fra. Fisher, WmRades, Em. Upton, Sarah Waight, Tho. Carier, Jno. Card, Stephen Rogers, Charles Smart, Jno. Sumes, Jno Mehewe (or McHewe), Rich Hollis, Eliza Tatler, Tho. Jones, Jno. Tayler, Wm Griddin, Samll. Pigg, Robert Hall, George Cole Jno. _____, Tho Sawyer, Roger Phillips; & 20 negroes. (Nugent, CP Vol.II, 349)

And again:
James Minge, 2317 acs. New Kent Co., in St. Peter’s Pari., 21 Apr. 1695, p. 430.  Beg at his own land, cor. of Edward Johnson; down Powhite Sw; to Beavor Damm Br.; to Pickanock Path: on Bassett & Asting’s line; down Braidy Br. & c. Granted John Underhill, 21 Apr. 1690, deserted & now granted by order, &c. Imp. Of 47 persons: Pr. Goldsmith, Tho. Mires, Saml Man, Mary Wilson, James Butler, Wm Walter, Richard Farr, Michael Irish, Nath. Hickambotton, Saml Chappell, Gideon Peltier, Mary Goslin, Jno Allen, Edwd Woodsworth, Mary Wright, Wm. Read, Ellin Wench, Hen. Fisher, Edwd Wilson, Will. Smithe, Tho. Mims, Hump. Osborne, Jno. Chest, Jon. Bechem, Jno Bellet, Jno. Ward, Antho. Ballard, Tho. Cobb, Alice Strange, Eliz Davies, Nath Onely, Habbk Book, Wm. Hudson, Wm Taylor, Richd. Seaman: Jack, Mingo, Mary, Growey, Surrat, Dick, Kate, Tom, Kate, George, Peter, Jane.  (Nugent, CP Vol.II, 401)

Edward Johnson on Powhite Swamp was mentioned a final time in a 1698 Patent:
John Dennett, 2317 acs, New Kent Co., in St. Peter’s par., 26 April 1698.  p. 152.  beg. at his own land & land of Edward Johnson; on Powhite Sw: on Pickanock (or Tickanock) Path; to Bassett’s & Astings lines; to Brandy Branch; & c Granted James Minge, 21 Apr. 1695, deserted & now granted by order &c. Imp of 47 pers.  Certificate for 47 Negroes. (Nugent, CP Vol.III, 21)
This land was located just west of the future boundary between St. Paul’s Parish and St. Peter’s Parish.  It later became part of eastern Hanover Co. Powhite Creek flows south into the Chickahominy River. This river did not reach into what is now Louisa County.  It rose slightly north-west of the current city of Richmond and flowed east and formed the boundary between New Kent and Henrico Counties. 

This Edward Johnson may also have been an older son of the Edward and Elizabeth of the Parish Register.  We cannot know for sure.  The St. Peter’s Parish Register does show more entries for an Edward Johnson:
Rebecka dau of Edw Johnson b. Nov. 8 & bapt.  Nov. 11, 1698
Benjamin son of Edw Johnson b. Aug. 17, 1701
The mother of the children was not mentioned and the time gap between the birth of Rachel Johnson in 1686 and Rebecka in 1698 is quite large.  At this time, it is simply not possible to know if the later Edward was the husband of Elizabeth or an unrecorded son of Edward and Elizabeth. 

Edward’s last appearance in the record seems to be in the 1704 Quit Rent rolls for New Kent County (Foley, 135).  He was listed there with 150 acres of land.  Other Johnsons living in the County at the time were Michael, William and John.  It is not known when Edward Johnson of New Kent died- either one, if there were two!

Children of Edward Johnson and Elizabeth ______________

1. Thomas (1680-1742/3)
The decision to establish St Paul’s Parish in New Kent County occurred in 1704. Thomas Johnson first appeared there in 1706.  This was in an order by the St. Paul’s Vestry to Christopher Clark, surveyor for the area, for the making of a new horse bridge.
In Obedience to an order of New Kent County court bearing the date January 28th, 1706/7.  Appointing Christopher Clark Surveyor of a new horse Bridge which should be made over Beaver Dam Swamp, he applying himself to this Vestry for assistance: Its therefore order’d that Alexander McKenny, Thos Caisey, William Hogg, Thomas Bowls, Edward Clark, Thos Bailey, Thos Johnson, Isaac Winston and Nathaniel Hodkison, give their attendance in making the said Bridge. (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 24) 
This indicates that Thomas Johnson was born at least by 1685.  He must have been Edward Johnson’s son born 1680.  Beaverdam Creek was west of Powhite Creek and Brandy Creek and it flowed south into the Chickahominy.  Thomas may have purchased land there as a young man going out on his own or he could have inherited the land, the will or deed have not survived. 

 A 1711 processioning order began to establish the neighbors of Thomas Johnson.
The Lands of Christopher Clark, Wm Hogg, Alex McKensy, John Martin, Tho Johnson, Tho Bowles, being made one precinct of this Christopher Clark, William Hogg were made overseer, who made this return ye Back of the Order viz, November 22, 1711, these are to Certifie that we the within mentioned, have procession’d our Several Lands According to Order Xphr Clark, William Hogg, Alex McKensy, John Martin, Tho Johnson, Thomas Bowles (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 221)
It must be kept in mind that he may have owned more than one tract of land located in several different areas.  The earliest settlers often bought very large tracts of land in order to sell portions to future colonists.  

In 1715, another processioning was ordered:
The lands of Tho Johnson, William Hogg, Alex McKensy, John Martin and Thomas Bowler, being made one precinct of which Thomas Johnson and William Hogg were overseer, made this return 9 br ye 26th 1715.  We the Subscribers have procession’d our lands according to order signed by all persons. (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 233)
This was almost certainly the same land processioned in 1711.  

Thomas Johnson was named in two processioning orders in 1719.   He was an overseer in one of these precincts:
Ordered into one precinct for processioning the lands of Tho Johnson, Wm Hogg, Christopher Clark, Alex McKensy, Jn Martin & Thos Bowles, whereof Tho Johnson and Wm Hogg were Overseer, who made this return viz March 18th 1719 this is to Certifie that we are all agreed and have comply’d with the within Order, Tho Johnson, Rob Allen, Sam Merideth, Alex McKensy. (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 256 )  
  
Thomas Johnson also recorded a grant in July of 1719:
Thomas Johnson 182 acs St. Paul’s Par on brs of Stonehorse Cr, beg at Christopher Clark, by Edward Harris’ plantation on John Crenshaw’s line.  (Nugent, CPV.III, 213 )
This would explain Thomas Johnson’s appearance in the other processioning order in 1719:
Precinct 32. The lands of Jn Williamson, Edw Harris, John Crenshaw, Tho Johnson, Jn Sims and Geo Brock being one precinct of which Jn Williamson and Edw Harris are overseer, who made this return we the Subscribers have processioned our Land according to Order, Edw Harris, John Williamson, John Crenshaw, Geo Brock, Thos Johnson, John Sims. (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 265)
George Brock’s 1719 patent was on a western branch of Stonehorse Creek adjacent John Syme, John Crenshaw and Christopher Clark.  All of these neighbors seem to have lived between Stonehorse Creek, which flows into the Southanna River, and the Chickahominy River. 

In 1721, Hanover County was formed and in 1724, Johnson obtained more tracts of land by Patent:
July 9, 1724.  Thomas Johnson 400 acs adj. his corner in Crenshaw’s line & Thomas Grant
The second tract was obtained on the same day:
July 9, 1724. Thomas Johnson 200 acs N side Grassy Sw on John Sutton (Nugent, CPV.III, 266 )
Grassy Swamp is about three miles from Stonehorse Creek and flows into the Chickahominy.  

Another Johnson group had also settled in this area.  A John Johnson owned land near John Sutton in Hanover.  The two Quaker brothers John and Benjamin appear in the same documents along with Edward Johnson’s son Thomas.  Their land was not contiguous, but nearby.  At times, both Johnson groups appeared occasionally in the same processioning records in St. Paul’s Parish.  Processioning groups changed over time as more settlers moved in and purchased land from the few large land owners who had made some of the first acquisitions. 

Quaker records for the Swamp Meeting provide some information about the life spans and children of the two brothers.  Those, combined with the few available patent and Parish records, make it possible to identify these individuals.  Thomas Johnson of the 1724 patents was born about 1680 according to St. Peter’s Parish Registry.  Thomas Johnson, son of John Johnson, the Quaker, was born in 1714 according to the same Registry.  The son of the Quaker could not have purchased these patents in 1724.  He would have been a 10 year old boy.  The article on the Quaker Brothers should be referred to for further information. 

This 1731 patent by Michael Holland illustrates the nearness of the two Johnson family groups:
Aug. 25, 1731. Michael Holland. 6350 acs. Hanover co. adj. Thomas Machum, Robert Allen, John Harlow, Thomas Harlow, John Williamson, Thomas Johnson, Thomas Grant, Mr. George Alves, Thomas Lacy Jr., Roger Williams, Luke Anthony, John Sutton & John Johnson; on Col. Thompson’s line; on a br of Grassy Sw., by a slash of Rock Br.; on S. side Ash Cake Road; & on S. fork of Stony Run.  400 acs. Part granted to Richard & Thomas Watson 24 March 1725; 400 acs. Granted to Benjamin Johnson & John Moody, 400 acs granted Robert Pritty, all of which was conveyed to sd. Holland, 5150 acs. Being waste land. (Nugent, CPV.III, 401 )
John Johnson and his brother Benjamin Johnson seem to have lived in the Grassy Creek area and Thomas Johnson lived near Stonehorse Creek, but owned land near Grassy Creek. 

In 1727, St. Paul’s Parish was divided and the portion west of the Southanna River and Stonehorse Creek became St. Martin’s Parish.  Subsequent appearances of Johnson in the St. Paul’s Parish record seems to indicate that Thomas Johnson continued to live east of Stonehorse Creek.  

A Benjamin Johnson was added to the same 1731 order that included Thomas Johnson
Ordered into one precinct for processioning the lands of Tho Johnson, Benj Johnson, Tho Grant, John Price, John Williamson, Tho Harlow, John Harlow, Wm Harlow and Tho Johnson and John Williamson see the said processioning performed & word for word with the above order. (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 273)
Thomas Grant’s 1723 patent was for land on the E head branches of Stonehorse Creek on the north side of Ash Cake Road adjacent John Crenshaw and Alsop’s path.  John Williamson’s 1724 patent was for a tract next to Thomas Johnson, Charles and Robert Anderson and Thomas Harlow on the south side of a branch of Chickahominy Swamp.  Likewise, Thomas Harlow had patented land in 1724 that was on the north side of Chickahominy Swamp at Horsepen Branch with neighbors Robert Allin, Robert and Charles Anderson and John Harlow. All of this indicates that Thomas and Benjamin Johnson lived between Stonehorse Creek and the Chickahominy in St Paul’s Parish in Hanover County.  This is northwest of present day Richmond, Virginia close to the border with both Henrico & Goochland Counties. 

The Benjamin Johnson who appeared here may be a son of Thomas or a much younger brother, born 1701.   There is no way to know, but I am inclined to think that this Benjamin was the son of Thomas.  Thomas Johnson would have been about 51 years old at this time.  His children would have been reaching adulthood and setting out on their own. 

A road order in 1734 added yet another Johnson name to St. Paul’s Parish:
At a Vestry held for St. Paul’s parish ye 19th 1734.  Ordered that Mr. Thomas Johnson have the following tithables to help clear his road, Charles Johnson, Mr. Holland’s tithables, at Black Haw, William Allens tithables, Rob Allen tithables, Joseph Thompsons tithables, Benj. Bowles tithables, John Harlows tithables, Tho Harlows tithables, Charles Anderson tithables. (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 140)
This Charles Johnson clearly may be a relative of Thomas Johnson, perhaps a son. He may also be the Charles Johnson who married a daughter of William Henley. The Henleys were neighbors of Benjamin Johnson in Henrico County. Black Haw Branch flows into the Chickahominy and is about 1 & ½ miles from Stonehorse Creek. This is a further indication that this Thomas and Charles Johnson were living in an area first occupied by Thomas Johnson in the early 1700s. 

This deed of gift provides the identity of one of the children of Thomas:
June 7. 1734.-Thomas Johnson, of St. Paul’s, to his daughter Semiramis Paullet, 200 a. on Stone-horse Creek. (Davis, Hanover)
This land was probably part or all of Thomas’ 1719 patent land.  Semiramis was not a daughter of Thomas Johnson and Ann Meriwether of King William County.  Richard Chapman’s letter book stated very clearly that Thomas was the father of three sons and two daughters.  Thomas and Ann were the parents of Jane and Ann Johnson according to Ann Meriwether Johnson’s 1734 guardian bonds.  Richard Chapman married the daughter Jane.  In addition, the processioning lists and neighbor’s patents consistently show this Thomas Johnson next to a Benjamin Johnson.  Thomas and Ann Johnson did not have a relative Benjamin Johnson. 

Another road order of 1734 included:
At a Vestry held for St. Paul’s parish 19th 1734.  Ordered that Benj. Johnson have the Tithables of John Price, Thos. Grant, Edw’d Harris, David Alvis, Thos. Winpenny, Wm Hix, Wm Cawthon, Nicho. Gentry, Jno Ross and Laurence Forguson to assist him in clearing the road whereof he is surveyor. (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s,141 )
This Thomas may have purchased more land in 1735.  The record indicates that the tract was 100 acres that Alexander Snead had given to his son Jacob Snead near Licking Hole Branch.  

According to the St. Paul’s Vestry in 1735, Benjamin Johnson was assigned the tithables of John Price, Tho. Grant, Edward Harris, David Alvis, Tho Winpenney, Wm Hix, Wm Cawthon, Nich Gentry, John Ross and Laurence Forguson to clear the road. Also in 1735, Thomas Johnson was ordered to procession the lands of Benj. Johnson, Thos. Grant, John Price, John Williamson, & Cha. Anderson.  The Harlows are not mentioned, but Thomas and Benjamin do seem to be living in the same area as in 1731. 1739 was the year of another similar processioning order.   

An undated 1743 processioning order lists Thomas Johnson thusly:
Ordered into one precinct for processioning the lands of Tho Johnson, Benj. Johnson, Tho. Grant, John Price, John Williamson, Tho Harlow, Charles Anderson and that John Williamson and William Allen see the said processioning performed. (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 304)
However, Thomas Johnson died some time in late 1742 or early 1743. The processioning order may have been issued just before Thomas Johnson’s demise.  He had served as a vestryman for St. Paul’s Parish in 1734 and Vestry Warden in 1737.  Then, the Vestry recorded this:
At a Vestry held for St. Paul’s Parish ye 5th day of April 1743 Mr. Thomas Booth is Elected a Vestry man in the room of Thos Johnson, Deceased and the Clerk is ordered to give him notice thereof to attend ye meeting of ye next vestry. (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 170)  
This Thomas Johnson was not Thomas Johnson, the Quaker of Hanover nor was he Thomas, the son of Col. Richard Johnson.  A Quaker would not be a Vestryman for the established church and the Col.’s son, a resident of King William County, had died many years before. 

The 1751 processioning order was as follows:
At a Vestry held for St. Paul’s Parish Sept. 30, 1751 Processioning Lands for Jno Williamson, Benjamin Johnson, Robert Ellett, Edw Humfees, Tho. Harlow and that Johnson see the said Procession is done. (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 314)
Thomas Johnson had disappeared, but Benjamin Johnson had taken over some of his responsibilities. 

His widow seems to be on the processioning list of 1755:
At a Vestry held for St. Paul’s Parish November 17th 1755.  Ordered into the one precinct for processioning the lands of John Williamson, Benjamin Johnson, the Widdow Johnson, Thomas Grant, Richard Allen, Robert Ellett, Edward Humfrees, John Humfrees, John Price, Thomas Harlow, Charles Anderson and that John Williamson and Benjamin Johnson see the said processioning performed and return their proceedings according to law. (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 344)

This was repeated in 1763, 
At a Vestry held for St. Pauls Parish November 30th 1763.  Ordered into the one precinct for processioning the Lands.  John Williamson, Benjamin Johnson, the Widdow Johnson, Thomas Grant, Richard Allen, Robert Ellett, Edward Humfrees, Edmund Humfrees, John Humfrees, John Price, Thomas Harlow, Charles Anderson and that Daniel Grant and John Anderson see the Said Processioning performed and return their proceedings according to Law (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 417)
This seems to imply that Thomas Johnson, though deceased, had left some tithables on his property.  These could be sons or slaves, but his widow was head of household. The identity of Thomas Johnson wife is completely unknown. Benjamin Johnson died between 1763 and 1767.  

The Thomas Johnson of Stonehorse Creek could not be the husband of Ann Meriwether.  It is unlikely that he was connected to the line of Col. Richard Johnson.  The Colonel’s descendants named Thomas do not conform to what we know about the Stonehorse Creek Thomas Johnson.  Major Thomas Johnson lived in Caroline County through the 1750s, Thomas Johnson the Sheriff was too young to be listed in 1735 and the same objection would apply to Thomas Johnson Minor. 

Children of Thomas Johnson and ________________

•	A. Semiramis. (ca. 1714-bef. 1747Lo.Co.)
This daughter was probably born about 1714.  From the wording of Thomas Johnson’s deed of gift, it is obvious that she married a Paulette.  This is further confirmed by the following: 
7 Aug. 1735.  THOMAS PAULET of St. Pauls Par., Hanover Co., planter, to Richard Watson of same, planter, 15 lbs. currt. money; 100 a. in St. Martins Par. beginning on the sourth side of the South Ana against the mouth of Beaver Creek . . . several paupau bushes . . . maples on the South Anna up the same and across Theophilus Watson's corner spanish oak saplin on the north side of sd. River along Watsons line to his corner oak thence by a line of marked trees to a corner Spanish oak on the south Anna, up the same. No wit.  Signed:  Thomas Paulet.  7 Aug. 1735 ack. by Thomas Paulet also SEMIRAMIS PAULETT the wife of sd. Thomas relinquished her right of dower. (Davis, Hanover County, Virginia Court Records, 294-5) 

Thomas Paulette and Semiramis moved to Louisa County where Semiramis died before 1747.  In that year, Thomas Paulette married Elizabeth Christmas.  Thomas Paulette did not forget his daughter:
28-Nov-1752  I, Thomas Paulett of Fredericsville Par., Louisa Co., for Good will and fatherly love to my daughter, Ann Clarke, one Negroe woman name Jude and her increase. Wit; William Trimmear, Isaac Clark. sig. Thomas Paulett (Lo.DB A,  487)
The child Ann was apparently the only surviving child of Semiramis and Thomas Paulette.  She apparently married John Clark, but they are untraced. 

Probable Children of Thomas Johnson and ________________

It should be understood that there is no documentary evidence at all that the following children were Thomas Johnson’s.  Circumstantial evidence supports this relationship, but a claim of direct factual proof of this relationship should be avoided 

•	B. Benjamin (ca. 1710-1763-67)
Benjamin Johnson is to be found in the Vestry’s processioning records of St. Paul’s Parish Hanover County in 1731:
Ordered into one precinct for processioning the lands of Tho Johnson, Benj. Johnson, Tho Grant, John Price, John Williamson, Tho Harlow, John Harlow, Wm Harlow and Tho Johnson and John Williamson see the said processioning performed & word for word with the above Order. (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 273)
Simply from the appearance of Benjamin Johnson’s name in the list, we can be assured that he was born before 1710.

In 1734, Benjamin Johnson appears this time in a vestry road order:
At a Vestry held for St. Pauls Parish ye 19th 1734.  Ordered that Benj. Johnson have the tithables of Jn. Price, Tho. Grant, Edward Harris, David Alvis, Tho Winpenney, Wm Hix, Wm Cawthon, Nich Genrty, Jn Ross and Laurence Forguson to assist him in Clearing the road where he is surveyor. (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 141)
This list of neighbors was more extensive than the processioning order, but no doubt these men all owned property along a road and would all have an interest in maintaining it. Road orders in rural areas would probably have more names attached.  It would appear that this is the same Benj. Johnson mentioned in the processioning order of 1731.  The processioning order for 1735/36 seems to continue the pattern:
Ordered into one precinct for processioning the Lands of Tho. Johnson, Benj. Johnson, Tho. Grant, John Price, John Williamson, Cha Anderson, Tho Johnson and John Williamson to see the said processioning performed. (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 287)  
Of course, it is possible that Benjamin Johnson owned land in other parts of the county and he does seem to have owned land in Henrico County according to records there. 

A Benjamin Johnson first appeared in the records of Henrico County in 1738 when he purchased land from William Street. (Weisiger, Henrico Deeds…, 71) The deed was recorded at the June Court, 1738, but the text of the actual deed has not survived so it is not possible to locate the land. 

In 1743, St. Paul’s Parish once again ordered processioning:
Ordered into one precinct for processioning the lands of Tho Johnson, Benj Johnson, Tho Grant, John Price, John Williamson, Tho Harlow, Charles Anderson and that John Williamson and William Allen see the said processioning performed. (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 304)
Robert Anderson of Hanover and Charles Anderson of King William had patented 400 acres in Hanover between the “head branches of Chicohominy Swamp and Stonehorse Creek.” in 1723.   

In 1744, Benjamin again purchased land in Henrico County, this time from John Martin. (Weisiger, Henrico Deeds…., 93) Like the previous purchase, the content of the actual deed has not survived, just a notation of the recording of the instrument.  John Martin consistently appears as a neighbor of Benjamin for many years.  In 1730, John Martin had sold 200 acres in St. James Parish to William Street.  It was described as being on a branch of Tuckahoe Creek, called Lickinhole Branch adjacent the land of Leonard Henley and Michael Thomas. In addition, Benjamin mentioned the land that he purchased from William Street in a deed giving land to one of his grown sons in 1763. 

Then, in 1745 he was a witness to a deed in Henrico county:
Sept. 21, 1745.  Nicholas Pryer of County & Parish of Henrico, to Henry Woodey of Hanover, Co. for L40, 170 acres in Henrico Parish at head of Drinking Hole branch of Tuckahoe Creek, where said Nicolas now lives, purchased of John Martin. Wit: Wm Street, Benja (B) Johnson, Sarah (S) Johnson.  Signed: Nicholas (N) Pryer.  Rec. 1st. Mon. Oct. 1745 (Weisiger, Henrico Deeds…, 17)

Tuckahoe Creek forms the boundary between Goochland and Henrico County and some of the eastern branches feeding into the Creek are in Henrico. 

In 1751, Benj. Johnson was mentioned in a Henrico County deed from William Prier to William Harding as follows:
Oct. 7, 1751.  William Prier of Albemarle Co. to William Harding for 5 pounds, 208 acres (also described as 280 acres) being part of greater tract of land granted William Laffoon by patent and is the upper part of said tract; bounded upon the branches of Drinking Hole and the head branches of the Chickahominy and adj. Evan Shoemaker, Benjamin Johnson, John Martin and Simond Ligon.  Wit: Christopher John Thomas, James Conaway, William Lawless, Jesse Ellis (TVF, Vol. 8, #4)
In 1753, Benjamin Johnson was mentioned as a neighbor in two Henrico deeds, one from Evan Shoemaker to Samuel Gleadowe and one from William Harding to Stephen Spurlock.  Both deeds indicate that Benjamin Johnson owned land near Tuckahoe Creek and Pounce’s Road. 

In 1755, Benjamin Johnson appeared again in the processioning records of St. Paul’s Parish:
At a Vestry held for St. Paul’s Parish November 17th 1755.  Ordered into the one precinct for processioning the lands of John Williamson, Benjamin Johnson, the Widdow Johnson, Thomas Grant, Richard Allen, Robert Ellett, Edward Humfrees, John Humfrees, John Price, Thomas Harlow, Charles Anderson and the John Williamson and Benjamin Johnson see the Said Processioning performed and return their proceeding according to law. (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 344)   
Also in 1755, Another Henrico County deed recorded the sale of 175 acres from Henry Woody to William Henley adjacent to Benjamin Johnson, Leonard Henley and John Martin. The Henley name is of interest because of the July 29, 1800 Fluvanna County will of William Henley.  This mentioned a grandson named William Henley Johnson and a son-in-law Charles Johnson. 

Benjamin Johnson may not have moved to Henrico County yet because he was requested to see to it that the parish line be processioned at the upper end of the parish in 1759. (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 376)  

An order very similar to the 1755 processioning order appeared in the St. Paul’s Vestry book in 1763.  This is also the year when a very important document was signed and recorded in Henrico County:
Dec. 20, 1763.  Benjamin Johnson and Alee, his wife, of Hanover County for 5 shillings and natural affection to our son Benjamin Johnson and Elizabeth his wife, part of 150 acres now in possession of them and by a line agreed on by said Benjamin and Michael Johnson, my son; which tract was purchased of William Street by deed, all cattle, horses, hogs and sheep now in his possession and also one-third of the Negroes now in possession of said son Benjamin Johnson and wife, to be equally divided among my three children Michael, Benjamin and Sarah Johnson.  Wit: Robert Anderson, Henry Anderson, Stephen (s) Lacy.  Signed: Benjamin (B) Johnson, Alee (+) Johnson (TVF, Vol. 8, #4)

This provides evidence of the identities of the children of Benjamin Johnson.  The children may not all be the children of his wife Alee.  An early deed (1745) was witnessed by Sarah Johnson not Alee Johnson.  This does not prove that Sarah was the wife of Benjamin.  She could have been his mother or sister.  However, I am inclined to think at this time that she was his wife. 
Dec. 20, 1763.  Benjamin Johnson, Sr. and Alee, his wife of Hanover county for 5 shillings and natural affection to our son Michael Johnson, 130 acres now in his possession, which tract was purchased of William Lafoon by deed. Wit: Robert Anderson, Henry Anderson, Stephen (S) Lacy.  Signed: Benjamin (B) Johnson, Alee (+) Johnson.  (TVF, Vol. 8, #4)

It appears that Benjamin Johnson signed virtual deeds of gift to his two sons in 1763 because of his advanced age.  He died between 1763 and 1767 leaving at least three children.  There does not appear to be a will recorded.  

By 1767, the Vestry orders showed the following:
At a Vestry held for St. Paul’s Parish September 30th 1767. Ordered into the one precinct for processioning the lands of John Williamson deceased, Benjamin Johnson Deceased, the Widdow Johnson, Thomas Grant, Richard Allen, Robert Elliett, Edward Humfrees, Edmund Humfrees, John Humfrees, John Price, Tho. Harlow, Charles Anderson and that John Anderson and John Hinds see the Said processioning performed and return their proceedings according to Law (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 457)  

The children of Benjamin Johnson and  Sarah/ Alee Johnson

•	I. Benjamin (ca. 1736-?)
By 1757, this son appears in the records of Henrico County as an adult.  He was probably born before 1736 and may be a son of Sarah.  His marriage is also indicated by the following:
1 Oct 1757 Evan Shoemaker and Judith, his wife, to Benjamin Johnson Jr. and Elizabeth his wife, for 3 pounds and 5 shillings, 123 acres adj Benjamin Johnson, Hardwick and Burdit. Wit: Leonard Henley, Leonard Henley Jr., Molly Henley
(TVF,Vol 10, Number 1  May / June 2001, 46)
Elizabeth Johnson’s maiden name is not known.  Because of the wording of this deed, it appears possible that Benjamin’s wife she was a Shoemaker or Berks.  Evan Shoemaker’s wife was Judith Berks.  However, Evan and Judith were having children themselves at the time of this deed according to the Rev. Douglas. (Jones, Douglas Reg., 293)   

The Johnson couple does appear to have retained some of their father’s land in Hanover, but it is not known at this time where they lived. 
12 Nov 1771 precinct 27:  lands John Anderson, John Hines, John Williamson dec'd, Benja Johnson, Thomas Grant, Robert Elliott, Edmund Humphrey's, Edward Humphreys, Charles Anderson, William Ford, Mary Bowles Sen'r, Deborah Bowles, Mary Bowles Junr, John Jones, Elijah Liggon, Jane Walker and Thomas Harris with Anderson and Hines oversee … (Chamberlayne, St. Paul’s, 495)  

Henrico records have not been extensively searched for this couple. However, a Henrico county Chancery case, filed in 1816 may shed some light on the fate of this Benjamin Johnson.: 
1816-017  Henrico County  	
Plaintiffs: Infant(s) of Benjamin Johnson by ETC.  vs.  Defendants: Michael Johnson and Sarah Johnson
Benjamin Johnson, an infant under the age of twenty one years of age and an orphan of Benjamin Johnson, deceased, by John Winn, his guardian and best friend.  Against  Michael Johnson and Sarah Johnson.
Note: A division of slaves between said plaintiff and Michael and Sarah Johnson also orphans of the said Benjamin Johnson, deceased.

Marriage records of Henrico County show a Jane Johnson marrying a Thomas Puryear in 1785.  Benjamin Johnson was surety for the marriage.  In 1807, Polly Johnson, daughter of Benjamin Johnson, married John Winn. (Lindsay, Marriages of..,  70,94)

The exact nature of these relationships is not known, but future research may clarify them.  

•	II. Michael (ca. 1741-1785Hen.Co.)
Michael Johnson was born before 1741, implying that his mother may have been Sarah Johnson not Alee Johnson.  By 1762, he was appointed to appraise the estate of Sarah Harlow in Henrico County 

Although inheriting farm land from his father, Michael purchased more land in the late 1760s:
3 Dec 1768 Stephen Spurlock and Agnes to Michael Johnson, all of Henrico, for 10 pounds and 15 shillings, 60 acres at the head of an eastern branch of Tuckahoe known as Wildcat Branch adj. Said Johnson, William Lawless, Benjamin Johnson, Philemon Williams and the road called Pouncey's Tract. Wit: David Bowles, Leonard Henry Jr., Benjamin Johnson (TVF,Volume 11, Number 2 Aug / Sept 2002, 110)
Pouncy’s Tract Road still exists and is in the north western portion of Henrico County near Hanover.
6 June 1769 William Lawless to Michael Johnson for 32 pounds and 10 shillings, 134 acres on the branches of Eastern Tuckahoe; adj Benjamin Johnson, William Henley, William Wade, Augustine Woody, William Harding and Michael Johnson. Wit: David Bowles, Elijah Bowles, Benjamin Johnson (TVF,Volume 11, Number 2 Aug / Sept 2002, 116)
In both of these deeds, Michael Johnson was purchasing land near his brother Benjamin. 

Michael died some time after writing his will on Dec. 23, 1785:
Dec. 23, 1785.  Will of Michael Johnson.  Henrico co.  “sick and weak, perfect sense and sound Memory”.  Item to sons Benjamin Johnson, David Johnson, Thomas Johnson, James Johnson, William Johnson, daughters Alice Johnson, Martha Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Frances Johnson and Jane Johnson all lands to be sold and money equally divided.  Legacy given deceased wife by her father also divided.  Those of age may choose guardians, others under care of executors.  Executors: Benjamin Johnson, David Johnson, John Miller, John Hughes.  Wit: Winney (X) Bowles, Martha (X) Bowles, David Bowles.  Signed: Michael Johnson.  Prob. Henrico Ct. no date.  Securities: John Price & William Gathright. (TVF, Vol. 7)

His estate records in Henrico County have not been searched, but a 1799 Chancery court Case contained information about his children:
	1799-027  Henrico County.	
Plaintiffs: Dev(s) of Michael Johnson   vs Defendants: Exr. of Michael Johnson

Sarah Johnson, William Johnson and Jane Johnson infants under the age of twenty one years of age by John Miller their guardian and an old friend, James Johnson, Benjamin Matthews & Elsie his wife, Edward Matthews & Martha his wife, William Johnson and Frances his wife and Thomas Johnson which said Sarah, William, Jane, James, Elcy, Martha, Frances and Thomas are some of the children and divisees of Michael Johnson, deceased.
			Against

Benjamin Johnson, son and executor of the said Michael Johnson, deceased and administrator of David Johnson, deceased, who was also a son of said Michael Johnson, deceased.
Note: The estate was very large including twenty six slaves.

Children of Michael and Elizabeth Johnson

o	1. Benjamin (bef. 1764-    )
Benjamin married Mary Henley in 1785 in Henrico Co.
o	2. Elsie (ca. 1770-    )
Elsie married Benjamin Matthews in 1791 in Goochland Co.
o	3. Martha 
She married Edward Matthews 
o	4. James
o	5. Frances
o	6. Thomas
o	7. Sarah
o	8. David (   -bef. 1799)
o	9. William 
o	10. Jane
Jane married Wm. Maddox in 1802 in Goochland County.  Ed. Matthews was her guardian. 
•	III. Sarah
Nothing is known about her.

2. Elizabeth
She was born July 7, 1682 and baptized on Aug. 6 of that year.  She is untraced.

3. Penelope
Penelope was born on Aug. 4, 1684 and was baptized on Aug. 17, 1684.  She married Christopher Clark. 

4. Rachell
She was born on Dec. 8, 1686 and was baptized on Jan. 2.  Rachell’s fate is unknown.

Children of Edward Johnson and ____________________

1. Rebecka
She was born on Nov. 8, 1698 and baptized on Nov. 11 of that year.  She is untraced. 

2. Benjamin
He was born on Aug. 17, 1701.  His fate is unknown. 

Appendix

Cavaliers and Pioneers: Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants volume three: 1695-1732, abstracted by Nell Marion Nugent, VA State Library, Richmond, 1986

[214]  GEORGE BROCK 300 acs (New Land) New Kent Co. in St Paul's Parish; on W br Stonehorse Creek; adj. John Syme's (Sim's); John Crenshaw & Christopher Clark; 11 July 1719, page 436. 

[215] JOHN SIMS 200 acs (N.L.) New Kent Co. in St Paul's Par on brs of Stonehorse Cr; adj. George Brock, in Christopher Clark's line 11 July 1719 p. 439

Richard Allin Jr. 346 acs NK Co. St. Paul’s Parish on upper side Stony Run; a little above Hans Hendrick’s line; on mouth of the Cattail Br. p. 438, Bk10 (V3, 214)

[248] ROBERT ANDERSON of Hanover Co. and CHARLES ANDERSON of King Wm Co. 400 acs (N.L.) Hanover Co. bet. Head brs of Chicohominy Swamp & Stonehorse Creek; adj. John Sims; & John Williamson, Patent Book 11, page 277.  5 Sept 1723

[259]  THOMAS GRANT of New Kent Co. 400 acs (N.L.) Hanover co; on E head branches of Stone Horse Cr; adj. John Crenshaw, on N side Ash Cake Road; by Alsop's path 20 Feb 1723, Patent Book 11, page 324

[210] CHRISTOPHER CLARK 387 acs  (N.L.) New Kent Co. in St Paul's Parish, page 413 Patent Book 10 adj. Ed. Harris & his own land. 

[348] THOMAS ROWLAND 400 acs (N. L.) Hanover co. both side Ash Cake Road; adj Henry Kirby, Thomas Rowland; Charles Moreman & Moore's line; on Licking Hole Sw 28 Sept 1728, Patent Bk 13 p. 315

[265] JOHN HARLOW 400 ac (N.L.) Hanover Co. on both sides N fork Chicohominy Sw adj. Robert Allin's line 9 July 1724 p. 30, Patent Bk 12

JOHN CASSEY 400 acs (N.L.) Hanover Co. beg. in Richard Allin's line, to Mr. Bowle's' parth; 9 July 1724, p. 33

JOHN WILLIAMSON 400 acs (N.L.) Hanover Co. adj. Thomas Johnson, Charles & Robert Anderson & Thomas Harlow on South side of a br of Chichohominy Sw 9 July 1724 p. 34

THOMAS HARLOW 400 acs (N.L.) Hanover co. on N side Chichohominy Sw at the Horsepen (Br) adj. Robert Allin, Robert & Charles Anderson & John Harlow, 9 July 1724 p. 34.

Chamberlayne, C.G. The Vestry Book of St. Paul's Parish Hanover County, Virginia: 1706 - 1786  (Baltimore: Clearfield Co., 1999.):

[287] 18 Oct 1735 precinct 7:  land Thos Johnson, Benja Johnson, Thos Grant, John Price, John Williamson, Chas Anderson, Thos Johnson and John Williamson to oversee 

[294] 11 Sept 1739 precinct  7: land of Thos Johnston, Benjamin  Johnston, Thos Grant, John Price, John Williamson, Thos Harlow, Charles Anderson & that Thos Johnston & Williamson oversee

[page 138]  (p. 117) At a Vestry held for St Pauls Parish May ye 4th 1734, 
Mr. Tho's Johnson is Elected a Vestryman for this parish in the room of Mr. Jno Garland Deceas'd.

[147]  At a Vestry held for St Pauls psh May 24th 1737
Order'd that Mr. Tho;s Johnson and Mr John Holden serve as Church Wardens, instead of Wm Meriwether, and Mr John Bowles Gent:

[170]  (p. 137 vestrybook) At a Vestry held for St Pauls Parish y:e  5:th day of April 1743

Mr Thomas Booth is Elected a Vestry man in the room of Thos Johnson, Deceas'd, and the Clerk is ordered to give him notice thereof to attend ye meeting of ye next vestry.
[376]  19 Nov 1759  John Williamson and Benjamin Johnson continued overseers 8th 

 [377] (26) John Williamson and Benjamin Johnson do see the parish line processioned at the upper end of the parish

Bibliography

Chamberlayne, C.G. The Vestry Book of St. Paul's Parish Hanover County, Virginia: 1706 - 1786  (Baltimore: Clearfield Co., 1999.)
Chamberlayne, C.G., The Vestry Book and Register of Saint Peter's New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia: From 1684 – 1786 (Richmond, Va.: The Library Board, 1973) 
Davis, Rosalie Edith, Hanover County, Virginia Court Records 1733-1735: Deeds, Wills and Inventories,
Foley, Louise Pledge Heath, Early Virginia Families Along the James River Their Deep Roots and Tangled Branches Henrico County-Goochland County, Vol. I, (Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1983)
Jones, W. Mac, The Douglas Register, (Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1977)
Lindsay, Joyce H., Marriages of Henrico County, Virginia 1680-1808 (Easley, SC., Southern Historical Press, 1983)
Nugent , Nell Marion,  Cavaliers and Pioneers: Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants VolumeOne: 1695-1732, (Richmond: VA State Library,1992)
Nugent , Nell Marion,  Cavaliers and Pioneers: Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants VolumeTwo: 1666-1695, (Richmond: VA State Library,1977)
Nugent , Nell Marion,  Cavaliers and Pioneers: Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants VolumeThree: 1695-1732, (Richmond: VA State Library,1979)
Tidewater Virginia Families,Vol 7,10, & 11 
Virginia State Library and Archives, Goochland County, Virginia Chancery Case #1799-027
Virginia State Library and Archives, Goochland County, Virginia Chancery Case #1816-17
Weisiger, Benjamin B. Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia.  Part One, 1654-1737(Richmond, Va.: Benjamin B. Weisiger, 1976)
Weisiger, Benjamin B. Henrico County, Virginia Deeds 1737-1750 (Richmond, Va.: Benjamin B. Weisiger, 1985)

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