The Goochland County Descendants of William Johnson of 
Middlesex County, Virginia: 
William Johnson of Goochland County
By Bonnie Flythe
fly1776@rcn.com
© 2007

July 7, 2007

A William Johnson died in Middlesex County, Virginia about 1744.  He left several sons and some of them moved to Goochland County, Virginia.  Two of those sons, William and Benjamin, are included in our series of articles separating the various Johnson families in Goochland County.  Stephen Johnson another son of William Johnson of Middlesex may have moved to Goochland and married, but apparently did not stay in the area.  There is insufficient data in Goochland to identify him.  

The Middlesex Johnsons make up a separate Johnson family grouping in Goochland County. There is no known DNA connection between this Johnson family and that of Michael Johnson.  Indeed, a relationship is unlikely.  Michael Johnson lived in New Kent and Henrico counties and had no direct or indirect contact with the Johnsons in Middlesex.  Valerie Johnson has contributed greatly to the updating of this particular family line and her contributions are very much appreciated. 

William Johnson, the father of the subject of this article, is the one who purchased this tract in Goochland Co.:
Feb. 11, 1735.  Charles Bond of Goochland Co. & Mary his wife to William Johnson of Middlesex Co., for 18 pounds, 250 acres on Little Bird Creek, bounded by Robert Horsley.  Wit: James George, Joseph Pace, Thomas Brackett.  Signed: Charles (c) Bond, Mary (M) Bond.  Rec. Apr. 20, 1736 (DB#2, 193)
On the same day, Charles Bond signed a bond that required him to post 36 pounds on the condition that the land transfer should occur without difficulty for William Johnson.  The bond was for twice the price of the land.  It implies that Charles Bond may not have had clear title to the land or that his reputation for integrity was somewhat blemished.   
Feb. 11, 1736.  Charles Bond of Goochland County bound unto William Johnson of Middlesex County for 36 pounds ….to be paid unto the sd William Johnson 
The condition of this present obligation …if the above bounden Charles Bond his heirs Executors Administrators or Assigns shall from time to time and at all times hereafter observe perform fulfill accomplish and keep all and singular the covenants grants articles and agreements which on his and their parts is and are to be performed helpt and observed mentioned and comprised ______ (?) indenture of Bargain and Sale and feoffment made or mentioned to be made between the said Charles Bond and Mary his wife of the one part and the said William Johnson of the other part and bearing equal date with these presents according to the true Justeus and meaning of the same indenture thou this obligation to be void otherwise to remain in full force power and virtue.  Wit:  James George, Joseph Pace, Thomas Bratkitt
And Mary his wife Interlined before signed.  Ack.: April 20, 1736 (Bond transcribed by Johnson, Valerie, email June 8, 2007, Go. Ct., DB #2, 195)   

The above William Johnson died testate in Middlesex Co. in 1744.  Per his will, the land in Goochland Co. went to his son William:
In the name of God Amen, I William Johnson of the County of Middlesex being very sick & weak in body but of good and perfect senses and Memory praise be to God for the same knowing the uncertainty of this life and being desirous to settle things in order do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and from following that is to say first principally I commen my soul to almighty God my Creator assuredly believing to have full pardon, and free remission of all my sins to be saved by the Moritous deth of our Blessd Saviour.  Christ Jesus and my Body to the Earth from whence it was taken to be buried in such ________  as a Christian manor as to my Executors hereafter named shall  be though Meet and “Conservant” and as touching my Worldly Estate my Will and meaning  is that the same shall be imposed and disposed as hear after is expressed. 
Item:  I give and bequeath to my son Will’m Johnson my plantation in Gougsland County to be posed after my def. to him m & his heirs for ever, 
Item: I lend unto my beloved wife all the rest of my estate both personal and real during her natural life and after her def I give unto my son Henry Johnson this land lying in Middlesx County to him and his heirs forever, 
And after the death of my beloved wife, I give all the rest of my estate both personal and rail (real) unto my children as followeth to be Equally Divided amongst them Henry Johnson, Benjamin Johnson, Stephen Johnson, Sammual Johnson,, Aveslah (Avarila?) Johnson. 
  	I ordain my beloved wife my whole execuitor of this my last Will and Testament.  
Lastly I do revoke and make void all former Wills or Testaments Whatsoever by me made and spoken and this is only to be my last Will and Testament In witness whereof I have set my hand and fixt my seal this Month day of March ye 5th Anno Dom 1744/5. Wit:  William Wood, Mary M (her mark) Sadler, Charles Wood.  Signed: William Johnston (email of V. Johnson, 3/29/07, Middlesex Co. Will Book C, 280)
According to The Parish Register of Christ Church, Middlesex County, Virginia from 1653-1812, William had married Margaret Pace on Sept. 22, 1721 in Middlesex County.
The Register also lists their children as: William (1722), Elizabeth (1726), Henry (1727), Daniel (1729-1729), Samuel (1731-1735), Jane (1733), Avarilla (1735), Benjamin (1739), Stephen (1741), Samuel (1742).  At this time the identity of William’s father is not known.  There are some indications that a Henry Johnson was his father, but the evidence is still circumstantial. 

The son William moved to Goochland County some time after his father’s death about 1744.  He appeared on Mr. John Smith’s list of Tithables in Goochland County in 1759:
Mr. John Smith's list of tithables 1759 tax list
William Johnson next to Josiah Pace: page 86   
William Johnson & Benj. Johnson with him.
(Email: Valerie Johnson, March 29, 2007, Transcribed from original list at LVA, Richmond, VA)
The interesting thing about this list is that William of Goochland did not have a son named Benjamin, let alone a son of tithable age in 1759.  Thus this Benjamin Johnson is most likely William's younger brother making his first appearance in Goochland Co. records.

The division of the estate of William Johnson of Middlesex occurred a few years later: 
Aug. 2, 1763.  Division of the estate of William Johnson, deceased to Henry Johnson, Benjamin Johnson, Stephen Johnson, Samuel Johnson, Benjamin Williams who married Avarilla Johnson and Margaret Johnson, the widow. (Hopkins, 90)
William Johnson of Goochland was not included in the division. Perhaps he had already received his share of William’s personal property.  Obviously, he had already taken possession of the land that his father willed him. Although their deaths were not recorded, William and Margaret's daughters, Elizabeth and Jane, appear to have died before their father. Neither are named in his will and neither received any part of his estate when it was divided.  William's sons, Daniel and the first Samuel, did not survive infancy. 

By late 1740s, William of Goochland County had married Christian Leak, daughter of Walter & Judith Leak.  Walter Leak’s Goochland County will was written on Oct. 31, 1757 and probated May 16, 1756 (Henley, 44). 

The Douglas Register recorded the birth of their children as follows: Judith born April 13, 1751; William born June 18, 1753; Walter born Sept. 23, 1755; Samuel born Nov. 17, 1757; Manoah, a son, born July 13, 1759; Jeremiah born Feb. 14, 1762; Stephen born Sept. 20, 1763; Christian, a daughter, born Feb. 15, 1767; and Josiah born April 24, 1769 (Jones, 228).

William appears to have stayed on the original tract given him by his father. For several years he neither purchased additional land nor sold off a portion from the original. The Personal Property Tax lists from 1782-1796 in Goochland County consistently show a William Johnson in the western part of the county, either in what was designated as district #6 or the Upper District of the county.  William seems to have prospered. By 1787 he owned three horses and sixteen cattle. 

In 1785, Stephen Johnson is listed as a tithe in the household of William Johnson. Stephen was 22 years old at the time. He is listed independently in the 1787 tax list, but was described as "of Byrd Creek," just as was his father on the same list. 

In 1791, William is listed as having a tithe named Robt. Banks.  The next year Robt Banks and also a Will Banks were listed in the household of William Johnson.  Then, in 1793 & 1794, William and Daniel Banks were living with William Johnson. They were probably indentured servants working for him. According to William Johnson’s estate division, William Banks was paid his freedom dues and Daniel Banks paid for “his hire”.  This suggests they were working in some capacity for William Johnson. "Freedom dues" suggests at least one of them was an indentured servant.  The indentured servant system had almost died out by this time, but the terminology “freedom dues” may have been retained.  At any rate, the names of these employees or servants provide a connection between these particular estate papers and this William Johnson. 

William Johnson’s will was written April 7, 1796 and probated Sept. 19, 1796 when he was 74 years old.  
April 7, 1796.  Will of William Johnson.  Son Stephen Johnson, land and plantation “whereon I now live” & one negro man named Tom, etc.  My grandson John Smith Johnson.  Daughter Christian Pope. Daughter  Judah Johnson.   Son Walter Johnson.  Exec.: Son Stephen Johnson.  Wit: Wm. Massie, James (X) Pace, Jesse (X) Pace.  Signed: William Johnson.  Prob. Sept. 19, 1796 (DB17,  26)
Oct. 17, 1796.  Ordered that Robert Lewis, John Wade, Nathaniel Massie, James Allen and John Perkins or any three of them divide the estate of William Johnson & report the same to the court. 
The order of the court was carried out: 
The estate of William Johnson decd. to Stephen Johnson Exor.
To Arch. Bryce for John Modgrass & Co.
To Arch Bryce
To Doc. James Porter
To William Banks for freedom dues
To Daniel Banks for hire
To Walter Johnson his legacy
To Stephen Grange for Smith’s work
To Andrew Drake for hire
To Clerk of Goochland Court
To Judah Johnson 
To services as Exec.
								26/9/9 & 1/4
							John Wade & Nathaniel Massie
Rec: Jan. 6, 1797 (Go.Co.,DB#17, 58)
His wife Christian probably predeceased William since she does not appear in either his will or the division of his estate.  Neither were their sons William, Samuel, Manoah, Jeremiah and Josiah mentioned in this will.  Their son William had predeceased his father, but some others are known to have survived their father. Perhaps these sons received their full inheritance during William's lifetime.

Children of William and Christian (Leak) Johnson 

I.  Judith (William 2, William 1)
This daughter was born on April 13, 1751 in Goochland County (Jones, 228).  She may be the Judith Johnson who married a William Johnson on Oct. 27, 1775 (Jones, 29).   She is called Johnson in her father’s 1796 will and was thus either single at the age of 45 or married another Johnson. She is untraced. 

II. William (William 2, William 1)
This son was born on June 18, 1753 (Jones, 228) and was deceased by the time of his father’s will in 1796.  William married Ann Smith on Dec.10, 1771 according to the Douglas Register.  Ann was the daughter of an unknown Smith and Sarah Poor.  On June 1, 1755, David Davies and Sarah (Poor) Smith married and were described by the Rev. Douglas as both widows.  Their son David Davis was born the next year. 
August 22, 1781.  Will of Sarah Davis.  Daughters Elizabeth Profitt, Susannah Lilley & Ann Johnson.  Sons Thomas Smith, John Smith, Obediah Smith, Robert Smith & David Davis.  Wit: Edward Matthew, William Matthews, William Johnson.  Prob. Jan. Ct. 1782 (Go. Co., DB#13, 163) 
William and Ann are most probably the parents of John Smith Johnson mentioned in the will of his grandfather, William of Goochland Co.  If they had other children, their identities are not known.  They are not traced further. 
•	John Smith Johnson (William 3, William 2, William 1)
This grandson acted as surety for the marriage of Stephen Johnson and Polly Pope in 1795.  To act as surety, he must have been of age. Therefore, he was probably born about 1772 or 1773.  

III. Walter (William 2, William 1)
This son was born on Sept. 23, 1755 (Jones, 228) and died about 1828, age 73, in Fluvanna County.  As quite a young man, Walter Johnson was appointed to the militia:
Aug. Ct. 1771 Appointment of Militia Officers.  Walter Johnson appt Lieutenant in Capt. John Ware’s Company. (Go. Co. OB#12, 501. Aug. Ct. 1771)

He married Margaret Johnson on Dec.21, 1773 (Jones, 228).  Her parents are unknown.  She was not the Margaret who married James Houchins.  That Margaret was born 1760 and would have been too young to be married in 1773.   Nor is she the Margaret Johnson, born 1762, daughter of John Johnson and Patty Perry. Their daughter was 11 years old in 1773 and married Benjamin Johnson, son of Charles Johnson.

By 1778 Walter was living on Bird Creek in Fluvanna County, but not far from his father in Goochland Co.  He was either renting this land or the purchase deed for the tract was not recorded:
Aug. 6, 1778.  Edward Burgess of Bedford Co. & John Burgess of Fluvanna to William Baskett for 200 pounds, 200 acres on both sides of Byrd Creek joining the lines of Thomas Kent, H Lewis Venable, Walter Johnson, Raben Francis and William Burgess, Jr. Inheritance from father William Burgess. Wit: none.  Signed: Edw. Burgess, John Burgess.  Ackn. & rec. Aug. 6, 1778 (Fluv. DB #1, 92)
However, he did eventually record an acquisition of land on Great Byrd Creek: 
Oct 24, 1786.  Jonathan Clark to Walter Johnson for 20 pounds land on branches of great Byrd, 107 acres. Bounded by William Clark, Ambrose Stogell, Sparks Thomas Appleberry & William Page & James Bostly (?).  Wit: James Davis, Daniel Davis, Martha Davis.  Signed: Jonathan Clark; Rec. April 5, 1787. (Fluv. DB#2,160)

Between 1794 and 1796, Walter and his wife Margaret sold three smaller parcels of land. 
Mar. 13, 1794.  Walter Johnson & wife Margaret Johnson sell to Reuben Crewdson (Creedson?) for 22 pounds, 74 & 1/3 a.  Bounded by Crewdson’s & Vannerson’s corner, Hezekiah Holland, Peter Brown, Vannerson.  Wit: William White, James Crewdson, Peter Ross.  Signed: Walter Johnson, Margaret Johnson.  Ackn.: Oct. 7, 1794 (Fluv. Co. DB #3, 97)

Mar. 17, 1795.  Walter Johnson & Margaret his wife sell to Peter Brown for 37 pounds, land on branches of Phillis Creek a branch of Byrd Creek, 126 a.  Bounded by John Timberlake, Thomas Chiles, Samuel Smithson, James Creedson.  Wit: none.  Signed: Walter Johnson, Margaret Johnson.  Ackn.: Apr. 2, 1795. (Fluv. Co., DB#3, p. 114)
 
The transactions continued: 
Dec. 1, 1796.  Walter Johnson & Margaret his wife sell to Christopher Stanley sells for 100 dollars, 53a.  land on branches of great Byrd Ck.  Bounded by James Alligrew (formerly the property of Randolph Watson), Charles Clarke, Edward Humphrey, & lands of afsd Stanley purchased of sd James Allegrew.  Signed: Walter Johnson, Margaret Johnson Ackn & rec.: Dec. 1, 1796 (Fluv. Co. DB#3, p. 276)

Walter and Margaret seem to have prospered. They were purchasing land as well as selling it:
19 January 1795 Jedediah Johnson collector of taxes to Walter Johnson 55 acres charged to John Payne for default on back taxes at Walter Johnson line South 24 East, 133 poles in Hezekiah Venable’s line North 65 East 66 ¼ poles North 24 West 133 poles to end of old field South 65 West 66 ¼ poles. Wit: Creason Peyton, Thomas Pope, and Daniel Bently. (email C. Jester, 3/21/07, Fluvanna Deed Bk. 3, 144)

Walter Johnson was then appointed to be one of the inspectors of a tobacco warehouse, a position of some responsibility: 
Oct 1 1801Walter Johnson and Peter Ross furnish bond. Walter Johnson to act as Inspector of Tobacco at Rivanna Warehouse. (email C. Jester, 3/21/07, Fluvanna Deed Bk. 6, 49)
The 1802 tax list of Fluvanna included a Walter Johnson.  He was listed as having two white males and 6 slaves.   Apparently one of his sons was old enough to be tithable. 

The 1815 Landowners Directory has Walter Johnson living on Lilley’s Creek, nine miles east of the Fluvanna courthouse.  John W. Johnson and John (R) Johnson were also living about eight miles east of the courthouse. 

In 1818, Walter purchased 200 acres of land, but then sold it back to the former owner: 
Nov. 23, 1814. William Pasteur sells to Walter Johnson both of the County of Fluvanna of the other part. for $1000, 200 acres of land on the blue branch and adjoining the lands of Major John Quarles and the land commonly called Wilson’s Tract. Purchased by the said Pasteur of Oliver Cross.  Wit: J Wills, W J Stone  Signed: W Pasteur  (email C. Jester, 3/21/07, Fluvanna Deed Bk. 6, 49)
								
Walter’s last land transaction was the purchase of 160 acres in 1818.  
Jan. 13, 1818. Joseph Bruce of Fluvanna County sells to Walter Johnson for 160 dollars, 160 acres of land on the waters of the Byrd Creek adjoining the lands of Guthrie Morris, John Kent William Clark decd. Walter Johnson, Abner A Strange and Shandy  Wit: Overton Bernard  Signed:   Joseph Bruce (C. Jester, email, Fluvanna Co. DB # 7, Page 45)

Walter wrote his will in 1826.  He was about 71 years old and was the father of many children.  His wife Margaret was living at this time.  The complete will has not been examined, but a summary is available:
23 Jan 1826.  Walter Johnson Will.  Wife:  Margaret.  Sons:  Wm. L. (the Charles Tract);  Henry, (land adj John Kent ); Sam’l; John (home tract).   Daughters: Kitty Black (Burwell); Mary Kent (James T) Exec:. John Johnson Wit: Bart G Payne, John Kent, Nancy T Kent . (email C. Jester, 3/21/07, Fluvanna Deed/Will  Bk. 3, 114)

Children of Walter and Margaret (Johnson) Johnson
•	1. William L. 
•	2. Henry
Henry married Mary Strong in Fluvanna on Nov. 16, 1824.  They are untraced. 
•	3. Samuel
•	4. John
•	5. Catherine (Kitty)
Kitty married Burwell Black before 1826 so was probably born about 1808 or before.  
•	6. Mary 
Mary was also married to James T. Kent by the time her father penned his will.  She was  most likely born about 1808.  She is untraced. 

IV. Samuel (William 2, William 1) 
Samuel Johnson, born Nov. 17, 1757 (Jones, 228), married Ann _____ , surname unknown.. Neither the date of their marriage, nor names of children if there were any, have been located at this time.  

In 1805 Samuel Johnson is listed for the first time on the Goochland Personal Property Tax List; he was living in the Upper District.  He was 48 years old then and based on the inventory of his estate, he appears to have been very well educated.  Perhaps he was absent from the county for so many years because of his educational endeavors and possible teaching career.  In 1805 Samuel Johnson had two tithables living with him, Edward Bradley and Elk(?) Tate. He appears not to have been a land owner and may have made his living by teaching. 

He died in Goochland about 1807 and Ann was his administrator.  His inventory included an impressive list of books: 
Oct 20, 1806. Invent & appr. of estate of Samuel Johnson.  Includes books- Milton’s Paradise Lost, Dryden’s Virgil, Crisp’s Sermons, Scotts Journal, volume of Jefferson’s notes.  Names- Geo. Payne, Saml. Woodson, Daniel Couch.  Dec. 15, 1806.  Ann Johnson. (Go.Co.,DB#19, 593)

V.  Manoah (William 2, William 1)
This son was born on July 13, 1759 according to the Rev. Douglas. Manoah Johnson married Mary Mantlo in 1787 (Williams, 47).  In that year, he was on the tax list for the eastern end of the county.  For some reason, Capt. Elisha Leak was responsible for paying his tax.  He may have been Elisha Leak’s overseer. 

Manoah Johnson does appear as security in an 1846 chancery case filed by his brother Stephen’s children.  Otherwise, he is untraced. 

VI. Jeremiah (William 2, William 1)
Jeremiah was born on Feb. 14, 1762, but it is not known if he survived childhood (Jones, 228).  He is untraced.  

VII. Stephen (William 2, William 1)
This son was born on Sept. 20, 1763(Jones, 228).  Stephen married Polly W. Pope, daughter of Thomas Pope on Sept.14, 1795 (Williams, 48).  John S[mith?]. Johnson, Stephen’s nephew, was surety for the marriage. 

Stephen died intestate in 1835 according to a Goochland County Chancery Case (Go.Co. Chancery Cases, 1835-024 & 1846-001).  He was 72 years old. His heirs were suing William R. Hunter, the administrator, in order to settle the estate.  These heirs were Mary Johnson Hicks, wife of Isaac Hicks, William Johnson, Manoah Johnson (an infant), Samuel D. Johnson and grandchildren Mary Woodson, John Woodson, Richard Woodson, Martha Woodson and Thomas Woodson underage children of Thomas A. Woodson and Catherine Johnson Woodson.  

Stephen left 180 acres of land in Goochland on Byrd Creek bordering Jesse Miller, Ann Tinsley, William Hopkins, Jesse Hodges, William Terry and John Ware.  Stephen’s widow was not mentioned in either chancery case & it appears that she was deceased by 1835. 

VIII. Christian (William 2, William 1)
Christian was born  Feb. 15, 1767 (Jones, 228) and married Thomas Pope Nov.20, 1794 with the consent of William Johnson.  Elisha Leake was surety (Williams, 78).  
IX. Josiah (William 2, William 1)
Josiah was the last child recorded by the Rev. Douglas.  He was born on April 24, 1769.    He may not have survived childhood and is untraced here. 

William Johnson
    m. Margaret Pace, 
A. William Johnson ( 1722Mid.Co.- 1796Gooch.Co.)  
     		m. Christian Leak (ca. 1730-     )
			1.  Judith (1751-    )
	     			m. William Johnson, 1775
			2.  William ( 1753-     )
	     			m. Ann Smith, 1771
					a. John Smith
			3.  Walter (1755-1728 Flu.Co.)
	      			m. Margaret Johnson, 1773
				     a. William L. 
				     b. Henry
				     c. Samuel
				     d. John
				     e. Kitty
				     f. Mary 
			4.   Samuel (1757-1807Gooch.Co.)
	     		 	m. Ann
			5.  Manoah (1759-      )
	     		 	m. Mary Mantlo, 1787
			6.   Jeremiah (1762-   )
			7.   Stephen (1763-    )
	      			m. Polly W. Pope, 1795
				     a. Mary
					m. Isaac Hicks
				     b. William
				     c. Manoah
				     d. Samuel D.
					m.  _______
						A. Thomas 
				     e. Catherine
				   	m. Thomas Woodson
						A. Mary
						B. John
						C. Richard
						D. Martha
						Thomas
			8.   Christian (1767-     )
	      			m. Thomas Pope, 1794
			9.   Josiah (1769-      )
	B.  Benjamin (1739Mid. Co.- 
_______________________________________________________________________

Bibliography
Fluvanna Co., Deed Book Vol.1-3 1777-1801, LDS #31467
Fluvanna Co. Personal Property Tax List- rootsweb.Com/~vataxlists/Fluvanna/1802Personal/12.jpg 
Fluvanna County, Virginia Deeds, 1777-1783, (Miami Beach, Fla.: T.L.C., 1991)
Goochland Co., Chancery Cases index numbers 1835-024 & 1846-001
Goochland Co., Deed Book (with Wills & Inventories) Vol. 1-3, LDS #31653 
Goochland Co., Deed Book (with Wills & Inventories) Vol. 12-14, LDS #31657
Goochland Co., Deed Book (with Wills & Inventories) Vol. 17-18, LDS #31659
Goochland Co., Order Book Vol. 12-13, LDS #31675
Goochland Co., Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists 1782-1809 LDS #2024552
Henley, Margaret V., Abstracts of Wills From Goochland County, Virginia 1727-1777, (Goochland, Va.: Goochland County Historical Society, 1990)
Hopkins, William Lindsay, Middlesex County, Virginia Wills and Inventories 1673-1812 and Other Court Papers. (Athens, Ga.: Iberian Publishing Co., 1989)
Jester, Charles email of 3/21/07.  Fluvanna County Deeds
Jones, W. Mac, The Douglas Register, (Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1977)
Middlesex County, Virginia Will Book C, email of Valerie Johnson
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Ed., The Parish Register of Christ Church, Middlesex County, Va. From 1653 to 1812.  (Easley, South Carolina: Southern Historical Press, 1988)
Schreiner-Yantis, Nettie & Florene Speakman Love, The Personal Property Tax Lists for the Year 1787 for Goochland County, Virginia, (Springfield, Va.: Genealogical Books in Print, 1987)
Williams, Kathleen Booth, Marriages of Goochland County, Virginia 1733-1815 (Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1979)
Weisiger III, Benjamin B. Goochland County, Virginia Wills and Deeds 1728-1736. (Richmond, Va.: Benjamin B. Weisiger, 1983)
Ward, Roger G., ed.  1815 Directory of Virginia Landowners (and Gazetteer) Volume One: Central Region, (Athens, Ga.: Iberian Publishing Co., 1997