The Descendants of William & Sarah Johnson of Hanover

& Louisa Counties, Virginia

By Bonnie Flythe

fly1776@rcn.com

©

Feb. 11, 2009

William Johnson lived in a part of Hanover County that became Louisa County. According to Louisa County Court documents, he died in 1741, but his birth date is unknown. At the time of his demise, he was the father of six children, the oldest born about 1725. This indicates that William was born at least by 1704 or earlier.

He owned property near some descendants of Col. Richard Johnson and a James Johnson. The William described here could not be Col. Richard Johnson’s son William because when the Colonel’s son Richard wrote his will on Dec. 13, 1733 his brother William was already deceased. Therefore, William’s parentage will be left unspecified here. The identity of William’s wife Sarah is also not known. The records of Hanover County have been so thoroughly destroyed that any record of her parentage & marriage are gone. Sarah’s activities after her husband’s death are described here.

In 1746, David Johnson, son of William and Sarah, took his mother to court in Louisa County in a dispute over his father’s estate. David must have recently come of age and was probably born about 1725:

28 May 1746 On motion of Bartellot Anderson in behalf of David Johnson to a Division of the Estate of Wm. Johnson, dec’d.; ord that Richard Johnson, Roger Thompson, Thomas Underwood, Joseph Shelton & Pouncey Anderson or any 3 of them do settle, divide and lay off the sd. Estate between the widow and the children of sd. Dec’d. (Sparacio, Louisa Co., VA Order Bk. 1742-1748, p. 190)

At a Court held for Louisa County on Tuesday the xxvith day of August 1746

David Johnson agst Sarah Johnson.  Petition  Continued to next Court. (Sparacio, Louisa Co VA Orders 1744-1747, 198)

Louisa County Court 26th May 1747

David Johnson agst Sarah Johson Petition. The former Order continued and the Auditors mentioned therein to settle divide and set aside the widow’s Thirds. (Sparacio, Louisa Co., VA Order Bk. 1744-1747, p. 228)

There were more continuances and it seems that Sarah was not willing to part with any of her deceased husband’s possessions. Apparently, William died intestate & that would have given Sarah a right to 1/3 of all real & personal property of her husband’s. She seems to have desired it all!

By 1748, Sarah must have distributed at least some of William’s property. David was still petitioning the court for something, but we do not know specifically what he wanted from his mother.

Louisa County 24th May 1748 David Johnson agt Sarah Johnson, Petition The Report being this day returned, it is ordered that the same be recorded and that this suit be dismist. (Sparacio, Louisa Co., VA Order Bk. 1744-1748, p. 267)

By 1766, Sarah Johnson was deceased. Her son David undertook the administration of her estate.

Louisa County Court 14th July 1766

David Johnson came into Court and made Oath that Sarah Johnson, deced., died without making any Will so far as he knows or believes and having taken the Oath of an Administrator and entered into Bond with sufficient security, administration is granted him on the Decedent’s Estate. (Sparacio, Louisa Co., VA Orders….. 1760-1774, p. 2)

David moved quickly and presented the appropriate documents to the court soon after his appointment.

Louisa County Court 9th Sept. 1766

The Inventory and Appraisment of the Estate of Sarah Johnson, deced., was returned and admitted to Record. (Sparacio, Louisa Co., VA Orders….. 1760-1774, p. 20)

Sarah may have purchased land before she died. The exact date of her death is not known. It was described in a 1783 court case as occurring some time in 1760. This may be a copy error. At any rate, if the Sarah Johnson purchasing this land was not the widow of William, then we do not know who she was:

12-Jan-1765 Richard Johnson of Hanover Co. and Doretha his wife to Sarah Johnson of Louisa L128 for land and plantation of Richard Johnson in St. Martins parish, Louisa County adj. Sarah Johnson and Robert Tenhams corner in Richard Johnson now Thomas Johnson line, along David Johnson's line containing 200 acres granted by patent 16 June 1737 to Lanslott Crost late of Hanover and by Crost sold to Edward Arnold, by Arnold sold to Benjamin Arnold and by sd. Benjamin Arnold to sd. Richard Johnson. Sig. Richard Johnson. wit. William Johnson, Richard Johnson, Isham Johnson. (VaGenWeb, Lo.Co. DB: C, Page: 256)

Richard and Thomas Johnson were descendants of Colonel Richard Johnson and are described in other articles. The neighbor in this deed, Robert Tenham, did have a daughter, Sarah Johnson. She however was alive and still a Johnson in 1783 when her sister Elizabeth Tenham remembered Sarah in her will. Therefore, this Sarah Tenham Johnson was not the mother of David and his siblings.

William and Sarah were the parents of two sons, David and William, and four daughters, Jane, Elizabeth, Frances, and Anne. This is demonstrated in a series of suits filed in Louisa Court between 1769 and 1783.

Children of William Johnson and Sarah Johnson

I. David (William 1)

David was probably born about 1725 and died in Louisa County before 1787. In 1757, he sold land in St. Martin’s Parish to a James Johnson:

22-Feb-1757 David Johnson of St. Martin's Par., Louisa co., to James Johnson of same. L96 currt. money. 186 acres in St. Martin's Par... corner in pine in Benjamin Arnold's line. Sig. David Johnson. 22 Feb 1757 acknowledged by David Johnson.. Mary his wife, declared her consent. (VaGenWeb, Lo.Co.DB-B, 132)

On the same day, he sold the same amount of land in the same Parish to a William Johnson. Both tracts of land may have been purchased by David’s father William. The William Johnson could be David’s brother William, but the identity of the James Johnson is not known.

David’s will mentioned his deceased father-in-law Christopher Berryman. According to Berryman descendants, Christopher Berryman and Martha Call married in Feb 5, 1729 in Abingdon Parish, Gloucester County. Apparently David married their daughter, Mary Berryman, before 1757. The Rev. Douglas recorded the birth of their son Thomas Johnson as happening on Jan. 11, 1769. Many of the other children must have been born before that date. Mary Berryman’s brother Isaac married David Johnson’s sister, Sarah.

In 1760, David purchased a very large tract of land:

24-Jan-1760. Richard Johnson and Dorothy his wife of Hanover to David Johnson of Louisa L155 currt. money for 720 acres by patent on Maidlins Folly and branches thereof adj. William Johnson, upper fork of Maidlins folly, Robert Dupriests. Sig. Richard Johnson. wit. John Boswell, Richard Anderson, Robert Wilson, Nicholas Johnson, Thomas Johnson, Jr (VaGenWeb, Lo.Co. DB-C, 12)

A 1765 Louisa County deed from Thomas Johnson, Jr. to Pouncey Anderson of Hanover County mentions David Johnson, Richard Johnson, James Johnson and William Johnson as neighboring land owners.

Years after his mother’s death, David was a defendant in a chancery case in Louisa County. These court documents provide us with the names of the heirs of William Johnson and Sarah Johnson:

4 March 1769.To the sheriff of Louisa we command that you summon David Johnson to appear before your justices 2nd Monday next to answer a bill in Chancery exhibited against him by Saml. Hamilton and Jane, his wife, John Palmer and Elizabeth, his wife, William Strong and Frances, his wife, James Moss and Anne, his wife, and Wm. Johnson. (Abercrombie, Louisa County, Virginia Judgm, [74] reel 132 frame 1002)

The complainants, Jane, Elizabeth, Frances, Ann, and William, were the other children of William and Sarah Johnson.

David Johnson was obviously the eldest son and presented the court with this response to the summons:

11 Sept 1770 Johnson ads Hamilton The answer of David Johnson deft. to the bill of complaint of Samuel Hamilton and Jane his wife, William Johnson and other complaints. The said deft. now and at all times hereafter saving and reserving to himself all the advantage of exceptions to the many uncertainties and insufficiencies in the said complainant's bill of complaint for answer thereunto as unto so much thereof as the said deft. is advised materially concerns him, he answereth and saith that the sd. William Johnson, his father, departed this life about the year 1741, intestate, possessed of sundry Negro slaves and personal estate as may appear by an inventory and appraisement there of hereto annexed to which for more certainty he refers. That the sd. Sarah was at the time of her death possessed of three Negro slaves to wit, Peter, Ben and Abby which on the death of her said husband were allotted to her as her dower together with two other Negroes to wit Harry and John which last two Negroes died in the lifetime of the said Sarah. That this deft. being heir at law to his said father did not on the death of his said mother pay any part of the appraised value of the said dower slaves to the said complainants as he was and is still advised that he is not by law obliged so to do but that as to the personal estate of his said father or mother the said complainants have received their part as this deft. believes and doubts not but this he is able to prove the same. This deft. demi[?] combination in the bill charged without that etc.. David Johnson before Waddy Thomson. (Abercrombie, Louisa County, Virginia Judgm, [74] reel 132 frame 1002)

David was successful in his answer to the complainants. His relationship with his siblings may have suffered because of this. In subsequent years, he is not associated with them in court documents:

Louisa County Court 11th Aug 1772- Samuel Hamilton and Others Complts. Against David Johnson, Defendt. In Chancery. This day came the parties by their Attorneys and upon hearing the Bill and Answer it is the opinion of the Court that the Dower slaves of Sarah Johnson, deced., are the property of the Defendt., David Johnson, and the Complainants cannot compel the Deft to pay any part of their value under the Acts of Assembly; From which Judgment the Complts. Prays an Appeal which is denied them till the other claims are argued and settled. (Sparacio, Louisa Co., VA Orders 1760-1774, p.47)

In the 1767 tithable list for Louisa County, David appeared in St. Martin’s Parish as an owner of 1520 acres. John Scott and George Matlock were also living in his household. The names of the three of the slaves mentioned by David in his reply to the court suit of 1769 were also on the list. In the next year, John Scott was gone, but Jno Matlock had joined David’s household. George Matlock was also in David’s household from 1771 to 1775 when he was listed as David’s overseer. Mary Matlock, daughter of John Matlock, had married Benjamin Johnson in Hanover County before 1733. Nothing is known of the relationship of their couple to David Johnson if there was one.

David continued to live on the St. Martin’s Parish property and purchased more land:

12-Apr-1770 Jas. Johnson of St. Martins Par., Louisa Co., Planter, and Sarah his wife to David. Johnson of same; L100 curr. Money, 192 acres land and Plantation on both sides of Elk Swamp in St. Martins Par; ... lands of Pouncy Anderson, William Johnson, William Priddy and the sd. David Johnson. Sig. James Johnson, and Sarah Johnson (X) Wit. John Scott, John Higgason, George Matlock (VaGenWeb, Lo. Co., DB: D, Page: 246)

William Johnson also appeared on the tithables list in 1774 in David’s household. He was probably David’s brother or son. It is not possible to tell which at this time. Christopher Johnson was listed with this household in 1777. Christopher, son of David, was probably at least 16 years old at that time. In 1778, David’s overseer was William Ryan and by 1778, David Johnson owned 1900 acres of land.

David’s siblings, however, had not given up. They filed another chancery case over their mother’s estate some time in 1783:

To worshipful Court of Louisa County sitting in Chancery humbly complaining shew unto your worships your orator and oratrixs Samuel Hamilton and Jane his wife, Isaac Berryman and Sarah his wife John Palmer and Elizabeth his wife, James Moss and Anne his wife, William Strong and Frances his wife and Wm. Johnson. that your oratrixs Jane, Sarah, Elizabeth, Anne and Frances and your orator William are the children of Sarah Johnson dec'd, and your orators Sam, Isaac, John, James and William are intermarryed respectively with your oratrixs who are the daughters of the said Sarah. That some time about the [blank] I760 the said Sarah departed this life without having made any will or disposition of her estate and your orators and oratrixs shew that [blank] Johnson the father of your orator and oratrix William Johnson had departed this life many years before the said Sarah whom he left his widow and your orator and oratrix shew that the said William Johnson, dec'd., at the time of his death was possessed of a very considerable estate both real and personal and your orators are informed and hope to prove the sd. Sarah rec'd, from her said husband's estate a considerable number of slaves and your orators further shew that the said Sarah, after the death of your orators' father, acquired a very considerable estate both real and personal and died possessed as well of sundry slaves and personal estate which were the property of her said husband as of sundry slaves chattels and debts which she the said Sarah acquired after the death of her said husband and that soon after the death of the said Sarah Johnson without any will as aforesaid, David Johnson deft. to this complaint, obtained the administration of the said Sarah's estate and took possession thereof And your orators well hoped that after the said deft. had made out a proper and fair inventory and appraisement of the slaves of which the said Sarah died possessed and also of the personal estate after the debts of the said Sarah were paid that they should receive from the said deft., a distributee's share of the value of the said slaves and share of the personal estate. But not so it is that the said deft. combining and confederating and refuses to pay your orators any part of the value of the said slaves or deliver up the due proportion of the personal estate. To the end therefore is all the premises and especially may set forth and discover what estate the said Sarah died possessed of what part of it was of her husband's estate and what part thereof acquired by her since his death? What debts did she owe and what was owing to her? What profits have arisen to the said deft. from the said slaves since the death of the said Sarah? And that the said deft., may be decreed to make out a fair. full, distinct and just account of his administration of the said estate and may be decreed to deliver and pay to your orators respectively their full and equal distributive shares of the said Sarah's estate as well that which she rec'd, from her said husband's estate as that which she acquired since his death together with interest on such sums of money as may be found due to your orators and that they may be fully relieved in the premises according to Equity and good conscience. Dismissed July 1783. (Abercrombie, Louisa County, Virginia Judgm, [75] reel 132 frame 1002)

The case was dismissed & we do not know if David ever compensated his brother and sisters.

David died about 1787 in Louisa and left a will:

5 Nov. 1787 David Johnson,
Will David Johnson, to my four sons Christopher, David, Thomas and Berryman tract I now live on and several tracts joining including all land in Louisa containing 1900 acres to be equally divided. To sons David, Thomas and Berryman Johnson and daughters Mary, Kesia and Elizabeth Johnson eighteen (18) Negroes, 6 of which are 8-10 year; six of which are 14-21 years and six of which are 21-45 years. To son Christopher Negroes 2-045 years; to daughter Sarah Anderson 6s. To sons Christopher and
Thomas 1/10 of residue of my estate during life of daughter Sarah Anderson and at her death equally divided between her children To daughter Martha Wood 1/10 part and then to her children. To sons Wm., Christopher, [it was difficult to tell from reading this whether there is one son named Wm. Christopher or 2 sons one named William and one named Christopher] David, Thomas and Berryman and daughters Mary, Kezia and Elizabeth Johnson residue of estate including legacy left me by my dec'd. father in law Christopher Berryman. To daughters my lodging room and room above while they remain single and then to my sons. Wit. Benjamin West, John Johnson, Christopher Isbell, Thomas Wood. Rec. 17 Feb. 1780??????. (VaGenWeb, Lo.Co. WB 3, 192)

David’s wife Mary predeceased him.

 

Children of David Johnson and Mary Berrryman

Sarah was probably born about 1752. She married Benjamin Anderson on Sept. 7, 1773 in Louisa County (Jones, 9).

Martha was probably born about 1754. She married Rene Woodson (of Albemarle), Feb. 2, 1775 with a Wm Johnson as security (Williams, 115)

Christopher Johnson, born circa 1755, married Elizabeth Dabney on Feb. 22, 1777 in Louisa County. (Jones, 28) This was also the first year that Christopher appeared on the tithables list of his father. Elizabeth Dabney was the daughter of James and Judith Anderson Dabney. Pouncy Anderson’s 1781 will mentioned their daughter Ann Anderson Johnson:

24 Jan. 1781. Will of Pouncy Anderson of St. Martins Parish, debts to be paid. To beloved wife Elizabeth Anderson. . to son Richard Anderson.. to son Michael ..my daughter Judith Dabney..

To beloved granddaughter Mary Anderson daughter of Richard and Mary Anderson …to beloved Judith Anderson dau. of Richard and Mary Anderson …to grandson Richard son of Richard and Mary …to granddau. Christian Anderson dau. Richard and Mary Anderson …to granddau. Jane Anderson daughter of Richard and Mary Anderson…,

to grandson Thomas Meriwether Anderson son of Michael and Sarah Anderson…; to granddau. Ann Anderson ..to grandson Pouncy Anderson..; to grandson Reuben Anderson ..to grandson William Anderson …to grandson Edmond Anderson …to grandson Richard Anderson all dau. & sons of Michael & Sarah Anderson.

to granddau. Elizabeth Johnson daughter of James and Judith Dabney ..to granddau. Cecily Dabney..; to granddau Ann Anderson Dabney ..to grandson William Dabney..; to granddaughter Mary Dabney..; to granddaughter Charity Dabney –all children of James & Judith Dabney.

to great granddaughter Ann Anderson Johnson daughter Christopher and Elizabeth Johnson

Exors wife and Elizabeth Anderson, son Richard and Michael and son in law James Dabney. wit. Nathan Sims, Mary Sims, Samuel Dabney. Sig. Pouncey Anderson Rec. 13 Aug. 1781 (Va.GenWeb,Lo.WB 2, 379)

A few years after his father’s demise, Christopher was selling his inheritance:

07-Nov-1789 Christopher Johnson and Elizabeth his wife of Louisa to John Richardson of Hanover for L500 for 700 acres near the head of Folly branches being part of the tract whereon my deceased father David Johnson lived, the same falling to my lot in the division of the tract of my father amongst my brothers viz. Thomas, David, Berryman and myself beginning at David Johnson, dec'd. crossing Cub Creek road to Digges. Sig. Christopher Johnson and Elizabeth Johnson. Wit. David Richardson, William Richardson, Mitchell Martin. (VaGenWeb, Lo.Co.,DB-F, 564)

In 1805, James Dabney wrote his will in Louisa & mentioned his daughter:

09-Dec-1805 Will of James Dabney I have already given to my daughter Eliza. Johnson 5 Negroes and 360 acres of land, I have already given to my daughter Cecilia Shelton 7 Negroes; I have already given to my daughter Ann Anderson Hardin 7 Negroes, I have already given my son William Dabney 4 Negroes. I now give my daughter Charity Dabney Negroes Jeffery, Fanny, Matt, Joanna, Nanny, Hannah and her child Patrick. To my beloved wife Negroes Jonathan, Patt, Massie, Will and Pattys other youngest child with Pattys future increase, Amy and her child named Pleasant and feather beds, furniture, cattle, etc. Also lend wife Ben and Tarlton and after her decease to be divided amongst my children equally taking into account legacies already given to my six children. The part lent to my daughters Eliz. Johnson and Ann Anderson Hardin shall be only lent to them and at their death equally divided among their children. My lands I lend to my beloved wife all that part that lies above the road commonly known as Parson Todd's road on both sides Cub creek at the upper end of the land above the mill...corner with myself and James Byars, Cleviars Duke, John Armstrong and John Richardsons line and after my wife's death to my daughter Charity and her heirs. I also lend my water grist mill to my wife and furniture and after her death my silver to my son William and silver spoons to daughter Charity after wife's death. I give my water grist mill and still house & 10 acres of land adjoining to my son William. My land lying below Parsons road, Cub Creek, both sides Taylors Creek road, adjoining John Richardson, John Foster, Wm. Armstrong, Saml. Dabney, Lancelott Minor and Elisha Purrington to my daughter Mary Hollum and her heirs. The part allotted to my dau. Elizabeth Johnson to be divided among her children and part allotted to my daughter Ann Anderson Hardin to be divided among her children and the other parts to be divided between my son William Dabney and my daughter Cecelia Shelton. 28 Nov. 1799. James Dabney. wit. Elisha Purrington, J. Sharp, Dabney Gibson. Presented 14 Oct. 1805 and recorded 9 Dec. 1805. (VaGenWeb, Lo.Co., W B: 5, Page: 206)

By 1808, Elizabeth Dabney Johnson was deceased and her children made a claim on James Dabney’s estate:

20 Jan. 1808 State of South Carolina District of Union, We David Johnson, James D. Johnson and John Murrell and Thomas Johnson of Spartenburg District state aforesaid appoint Christopher Johnson our lawful attorney to demand and receive from Capt. John Edwards exor. of James Dabney, dec'd. of Louisa County, Virginia, a legacy left to us by sd. James Dabney in his will; a tract of land to be sold and divided equally between our mothers children and also that part of the said estate of James Dabney lent to our mother Eliz. Johnson during her life and then to us after her death. Sig. David Johnson, Jno. Murrell, Thomas Johnson, James D. Johnson. wit. Wm. Kibbun, Wm. Price, Saml. Morrow, W. Lancaster. Rec. 11 April 1808 (VaGenWeb, Lo.Co.,DB: L, Page: 90)

The date of Christopher’s demise, after 1808, is not known, but he was the father of the following children.

Children of Christopher and Elizabeth Dabney Johnson

m. John Murrell

The fate of this daughter is not known.

This daughter was probably born about 1769. She married James Johnson, son of James and Sarah Tenham Johnson of Louisa County, on April 24, 1790. She and her husband apparently tried to sue her brothers Christopher and Thomas Johnson, but this item seems indicate that Christopher Johnson had moved away:

In Chancery. May 17, 1792. James Johnson & Kesia his wife, pltfs agt. Christopher Johnson and Thomas Johnson, execs. of David Johnson, decd.; It appears that Christopher Johnson is not an inhabitant of this county. 18th Cent. Newspapers (VaGenWeb, Louisa Co., VGGA 25 Jul. 1792)

This James and Kesia were still in Louisa County in 1801:

Date: 25-Dec-1801 James Johnson and Keziah his wife of Louisa to William Richardson of Hanover L300 tract on Folly Swamp cont. 147 acres adj. sd. William Richardson, Thomas Harden, Lewis Turner, Hunters Road. Sig. James Johnson, Keziah Johnson. wit. Austin B. Cosby, Samuel Richardson, John (x) Mallory. (VaGenWeb,Lo.DB-J, 270)

They have not been traced after that date.

David was born by about 1768, but the date of his demise is not known. He apparently sold his inheritance soon after his father’s death:

08-Dec-1789 David Johnson of Louisa to Henry Joice of Hanover co. L160 for 400 acres bounded by Elizabeth Anderson, Berryman Johnson, Benjamin West and John West commonly called the old place. Said Johnson is indebted to Henry Joice in the sum of L119-3-10. Intent of this deed is to secure payment. Sig. David Johnson. (Lo.DB-F, 491)

By 1794, David Johnson married Francisca Anderson, daughter of John Anderson of the Taylor’s Creek area of Hanover County at an unknown date probably in that County. (Cocke, William Ronald III, Hanover County Chancery Wills and Notes, 3) Anderson’s will survived in the Chancery records of Hanover:

April 19, 1800. Will of John Anderson. To dau. Patsey A. Anderson, son John B. Anderson, dau. Sally Pulliam, dau. Susannah A. Johnson "all my right and interest in the tract of land my son Harmond died possessed of in South Carolina, Union county,….." He then left legacies to his daughters Sally Pulliam, Matilda Richardson, Francisca Johnson and Augusta Ann Johnson. Exec.: son John B. Anderson, Jennings Pulliam, friend Walter Hisholm, Jr. and David Chisholm. Signed: John Anderson. Wit: Thomas Chisholm, Sally Chisholm, Ann Chisholm, David Chisholm, Jr. Walter Chisholm, Jr. (Cocke, Hanover County…, 3)

The husband of Susannah A. Johnson is not known, but considering the fact that some of the sons of David Johnson also moved to Union County, South Carolina, it is very likely that Susannah had married one of them.

In 1794, they both signed a deed for the sale of more land:

14-Apr-1794 David Johnson and Francisca his wife of Louisa to Thomas Anderson of same L194.10 for 194 acres on Pamonkey River, sd. Anderson. Rec. 14 Apr. 1794. (VaGenWeb, Louisa Co. DB-G, 368)

According to Chamberlayne’s description of David and Francisca, David was deceased by 1802 with James Holman administering his estate. Francisca died in 1841.

Thomas, born on Jan. 11, 1769, was living in Spartanburg District, South Carolina in 1808. Otherwise he is untraced.

Berryman Johnson, born about 1780, married Augusta Ann Anderson probably in Hanover County. She was a sister of Francisca Anderson who married David Johnson, Berryman’s brother (Cocke, Hanover Co….., p.3).

Berryman died as a relatively young man leaving two sons:

14-Oct-1805 Will of Berryman Johnson - To brother Thomas Johnson my ink stand. I give up my land to be sold to pay my just debts. I give to my wife Augusta Ann Johnson 1/3 part of the residue of my estate, if she should marry and have a child it is my wish for my wife to dispose of her third as she thinks best. I give balance of my estate to my two sons Pulacky Johnson, Anderson V[?] David Johnson to be equally divided to them and their heirs. If both sons die and then wife remarries or dies then to my brother Thomas Johnson. Appoint brother Thomas Johnson executor and wife as guardian for my two sons. 31 August 1805. Wit. Thomas Hardin. Rec. 14 Oct. 1805. Thomas Hardin the witness and William Chick and Thomas Anderson made oath they were acquainted with handwriting of Berryman Johnson dec'd. Thomas Johnson refused to administer the estate and Augusta Ann Johnson was granted letters of administration. (Lo. WB: 5, Page: 208)

Augusta Ann Anderson Johnson married a second husband, William L. Thompson, in Goochland County Feb. 9, 1808 with David Johnson as a witness (Williams, 97).

She was unmarried at the time of her father’s will. Otherwise, nothing is known of her.

William’s birth occurred before 1779, but he could have been born much earlier. The identity of this son was not made clear in the clerk’s copying of the will of David Johnson. However, an 1801 deed does confirm that David had a son William:

10 Dec. 1801 State of South Carolina William Johnson of Union District appoints brother and friend Christopher Johnson attorney to demand and receive money due me in Virginia. wit. Wm. Kennedy, Jeremiah Lucas justices. (Lo.DB-J, 324)

The date for William Johnson’s departure for South Carolina is not known. He could have been an older son who left for South Carolina well before his father’s death.

II. Sarah (William 1)

She was born about 1730 and, according to Berryman descendants, married Isaac Berryman about 1750 probably in Hanover County. Berryman, a son of Christopher Berryman, appears on the Buckingham County tax list first in 1763 (Binns, 1790/1800 Virginia Tax Lists Censuses, www.binnsgenealogy). Isaac and Sarah were the parents of:

III. Jane (William 1)

Jane was born after 1732 and married Samuel Hamilton. She was underage in 1753 when a chancery suit was filed for her in Louisa Co by Benjamin Arnold:

"The case file only had two summons in it, nothing about the case itself. One summons is for Sarah Johnson and the other is for David Johnson. The summons is "to appear before our Justices of our County Court of Louisa at the Courthouse of our said County on the fourth Tuesday of the Month to answer Jane Johnson an infant under the age of twenty one years by Benjamin Arnold her next friend and Guardian in Chancery..." Sarah's summons is dated 7 Sept 1753, and David's 20 May 1753. That's all there was." (Mary Stewart email, Louisa Co. Chancery Case #1752-001)

IV. Frances (William 1)

Frances married William Strong before 1764. Frances was probably born before 1740 and may have been the youngest child of William and Sarah Johnson. This couple moved to Clark County, Georgia and their wills were recorded there:

William Strong, Sr. Last Will and Testament dated Jan. 11, 1816 probate date May 6, 1816.
Devises to wife, Fannie; to sons Johnson and Sherwood Strong; to the Heirs of Deceased son, William Strong, Jr.; gives to Grandson, William Flippen, Gives to son John Strong; to Joshua Flippen, husband of deceased daughter Sallie, one dollar and no more. To daughters Elizabeth Price, Susannah Moss and Jane Stokes; and to sons Isham and Elizah, deceased. Executors: Son, Sherwood Strong, and nephew Charley Strong.
William Strong, Sr. Last Will and Testament, Georgia Genealogical Magazine Vol. 17-20 pg. 16, Montgomery County Public Library. (World Connect, RootsWeb, "William Strong")

Frances outlived her husband be several years:

Last Will and Testament of Frances Johnson Strong - Clarke County, GA
Will date of April 28, 1827, probate date of January 07, 1828.
"is almost worn out by age and afflicted by accident." Gives to son Johnson Strong; heirs of son Sherwood Strong; heirs of son Isham Strong;
heirs of son William Strong; heirs of son Elijah Strong; heirs of son John Strong; heirs of daughter Sally Flippen, one dollar each. Gives heirs of daughter Susan Moss one dollar. Gives one half of estate to daughter Elizabeth Price, and the other half to her daughter Jane Stokes.
Executrix: Friend, Charity Strong. . (World Connect, RootsWeb, "William Strong")

The births of some of their children were recorded by the Rev. Douglas. Isham was born on April 22, 1764 and John on April 12, 1768. Twin children were baptized on Sept. 22, 1770 by the Rev. Douglas, but their names were not recorded. The other children (including the twins) were: William, Sherwood, Sarah, Elizabeth, Susanna, Jane, Johnson and Elijah.

V. Elizabeth (William 1)

Elizabeth Johnson married John Palmer at an unknown date. They lived in Buckingham County. Sarah outlived her husband and was listed on the tax list of 1800 there. (Binns, 1790/1800 Virginia Tax Lists Censuses, www.binnsgenealogy)

VI. Ann (William 1)

Ann married James Moss and also lived in Buckingham County. Nothing more is known about her.

VII. William (William 1)

William appears to be the youngest child of William and Sarah. Since William died without a will, David may have inherited all of their father’s land. Tracing William has been particularly difficult. He was apparently alive in 1783 when the last court case against David Johnson was dismissed. There are several men by the name William Johnson living in Louisa County in the late 1700s, but none can be documented as a sibling of these Johnsons.

____________________________________________________________________

Descendency Chart of William and Sarah (___?____) Johnson

William ( - 1741 Han.)

m. Sarah ( -ca. 1765)

A. David Johnson (bef.1725-1787Lo.)

m. Mary Berryman, dau. Christopher Berryman, ca. 1756

1. Sarah (b.ca.1752- )

m. Benjamin Anderson (of Albemarle), Sept. 5, 1772 wit: William Johnson, Ann Jackson

2. Christopher (b.bef. 1755-aft. 1808)

m. Elizabeth Dabney, Feb. 22, 1777 Lo.

a. David (Spartanburg Dist. of SC 1808)

b. James D. (Spartanburg Dist. of SC 1808)

c. _______________

m. John Murrell

d. Thomas (Spartanburg Dist. of SC 1808)

3. Martha (b. ca. 1755- )

m. Rene Woodson (of Albemarle), Feb. 1, 1775 Sur: Wm Johnson

4. Elizabeth (b.ca. 1767- )

m. Martin Walton, April 15, 1788

5. Kesia (b.bef. 1769- )

m. James Johnson, Apr. 24, 1790

6. Thomas (Jan. 11, 1769- )

7. David (b. bef. 1773- )

m. Francisca Anderson, bef. 1794

a. Harmon

b. David

c. Christopher

d. Thomas B.

e. Patsey

m. _________ Glenn

8. Berryman (bef. 1780-1805Lo.)

m. Augusta Ann Anderson

a. Pulacky

b. Anderson V. David

9. Mary

10. William

B. William

C. Frances (bef. 1741- )

m. William Strong, bef. 1764

1. Isham (Apr. 22, 1764- )

2. John (Apr. 12, 1768- )

3. twins (1770- )

D. Jane (bef. 1741- )

m. Samuel Hamilton

E. Sarah (bef. 1741- )

m. Isaac Berryman (1729-aft. 1800 Buck.)

F. Elizabeth (bef. 1741- )

m. John Palmer

G. Ann (bef. 1741- )

m. James Moss

Bibliography

Abercrombie, Janice, Louisa County, Virginia Judgments, 1766-1790: Compiled From The Microfilm Of The Judgments/Loose Papers Of The Louisa County Clerk's Office. (Iberian Publishing Company, 1998)

Binns, 1790/1800 Virginia Tax Lists Censuses, www.binnsgenealogy

Davis, Rosalie Edith, Hanover County, Virginia Court Records 1733-1735: Deeds, Wills and Inventories,

Jones, W. Mac, The Douglas Register, (Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1977)

RootsWeb, World Connect Database, "William Strong"

Sparacio, Ruth & Sam, Louisa Co., VA Order Bk. 1742-1748, (Antient Press)

Sparacio, Ruth & Sam Louisa County Virginia Orders 1744-1747, (Antient Press)

Sparacio, Ruth & Sam, Louisa County Virginia Orders 1747-1748 / 1766 / 1772, (Antient Press)

Sparacio, Ruth & Sam, Louisa Co., VA Orders 1760-1774 (Antient Press)

Stewart, Mary email, Louisa Co. Chancery Case #1752-001

VaGenWeb, Louisa Co. DB-C

VaGenWeb, Louisa Co. DB-B

VaGenWeb, Louisa Co., DB-D

VaGenWeb, Louisa Co., DB-F

VaGenWeb, Louisa Co. DB-G

VaGenWeb,Louisa. Co., DB-J

VaGenWeb, Louisa Co., DB-L

VaGenWeb, Louisa Co., WB 3

VaGenWeb, Louisa Co.WB 2

VaGenWeb, Louisa Co.WB: 5

VaGenWeb, Louisa Co., VGGA

Williams, Kathleen Booth, Marriages of Goochland County, Virginia 1733-1815 (Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1979)

Williams, Kathleen Booth, Marriages of Louisa County, Virginia 1733-1815 (Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Publishing Co.)

 

Main page Colonial Virginia Connections: http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lksstarr/

e-mail Bonnie Flythe: fly1776@rcn.com

e-mail Linda Sparks Starr: lsstarr@pilgrimage.us