Joseph and Isaac Johnson, sons of Michael Johnson, and some of their descendants. Compiled by Harold Johnson, hjohnson@chesapeake.net Edited by Bonnie Flythe and Neil Johnson July 22, 1999 Most of the research data in this document centers in Lunenburg County, VA and surrounding counties! The content of this report tends to, for the most part, follow a chronological format. Also, this report attempts to show, a bit lamely at times I suppose, an insight into the lives of these families and their neighbors living in that turbulent period of our country's history! It just happens that I am very familiar with this area having graduated high school in Lunenburg County in 1951! Tobacco is still grown there today as I'm sure that it was grown by Joseph and Isaac Johnson and other first settlers in the area. Because of the difficulty in keeping tract of the names of the descendants of these two brothers, it is necessary that a system of identification be established that will allow quick and positive recognition of each individual as the reader tries to sort through this report. I have laid out a system I hope will be easy to understand and will allow the reader to do just that. Please notice that the ID number after the surname (in the report) reflects a person listed below...IE.. Joseph Johnson(1).. Isaac Johnson(2)! This way we don't have to keep explaining who we are talking about. Note: A question mark (?) after the relationship indicates that this relationship is speculative and unproven. The absence of a question mark indicates that this is a proven relationship. (1) Joseph Johnson (Brother of (2)) (I have no data that suggests Joseph is older than Isaac other than their death dates) (1W) Mary (E. Watson?) Wife of Joseph ( (?) I have no data supporting Watson), (After Joseph(1) died Mary married Charles Sullivant) (1a) Mical Johnson (son of (1)) (1b) Isaac Johnson (son of (1)) (1bW1) Ann (?) (First wife of (1b)) (1bW2) Rebekah Bowen (Second wife of (1b)) (1b1) Unknown daughter (daughter of (1b) and (1b1W1)) (1b1H) (?) Arnold (Husband of (1b1)) (1b1a) Joseph Arnold (Grandson of (1b)) (Ib1b) Isaac Arnold (Grandson of (1b)) (1b1) Jane Johnson (daughter of (1b))? (1b1W) Joseph Moon (Husband of (1b1)) (1c) Sarah Johnson (daughter of (1)) (1cH) Peter Womack (Husband of (1c)) (1d) Mary Johnson (daughter of (1)) (1dH) Jarrel Willingham (Husband of (1d)) (1e) David Johnson (son of (1)) (1f) Ann Johnson (daughter of (1)) (1fH) Stephen Wood (Husband of (1f)) (1f1) John Wood (Son of (1f)) (1f1W) Susannah (?) (Wife of (1f1)) (1f2) Sally Wood (Daughter of (1f)) (1f2H) William Jordan (Husband of (1f2)) (1f3) David Wood (Son of (1f)) (1f3W) Patsy Walker (Wife of (1f3)) (1f4) Patty Wood (Daughter of (1f)) (1f4H) John Smithson (Husband of (1f4)) (1f5) Johnson Wood (son of (1f)) (1f5W) Faney Thompson (wife of (1f5)) (1f6) George Wood (son of (1f)) (1g) Joseph Johnson (son of (1)) (1h) Susannah Johnson (daughter of (1)) (1hH) Peter Hudson (Husband of (1h)) (1i) Elizabeth Johnson (daughter of (1)) (1iH) Josiah Foster (Husband of (1i)) (1j) Sisley Johnson (daughter of (1)) (1jH) Drury Melone (Husband of (1j)) (1k) Charity Johnson (daughter of (1)) (2)Isaac Johnson (Brother of (1)) (2W) Mary (?) (Wife of (2)) (2a) Joshua Johnson (Son of (2)) (2a1) John Johnson (Son of (2a)) (2a2) Sally Johnson (Daughter of (2a)) (2a2H) Banister Jordan (husband of 2a2)) (2a3) Cornelius Johnson (Son of (2a)) (2a3W) Ritter Townsend (wife of (2a3)) (2a4) Samuel Johnson (Son of (2a)) (2a4W) Sally Smithson (wife of (2a4)) (2a5) Benjamin Johnson (Son of (2a)) (2a6) Thomas Johnson (Son of (2a)) (2a7) Joshua Johnson (Son of (2a)) (2a7W) Jane Pearson(?) (Wife of (2a7)) (under question!) (2a8) Michael Johnson (Son of (2a)) (2a8a) Nancy T Johnson (daughter of (2a8)) (2a8aH) Robert Pewett (Husband of (2a8a)) (2a8b) Keziah F. Johnson (daughter of (2a8)) (2a8bH) Josiah L Burton (Husband of (2a8b)) (2a9) Stephen Johnson (Son of (2a)) (2b) John Johnson (Son of (2)) (2bW) Ermine (?) (Wife of (2b)) (2b1) Susanna Johnson (Daughter of (2b)) (2b2) Nancy Johnson (Daughter of (2b)) (2b3) John Johnson (Son of (2b)) (2b3W) Irene Lester (Wife of (2b3)) (2b4) Isaac Johnson (Son of (2b)) (2b5) Permilia Johnson (Daughter of (2b)) (2b6) Mary Johnson (Daughter of (2b)) (2b6H) Thomas Wood (husband of (2b6)) (2c) Michael Johnson (Son of (2)) (2cW) Susannah Haley (wife of (2c)) (Susanna md 2nd to Thomas Walker) (2c1) Rebecca Johnson (Daughter of (2c)) (2c1H) James Walker (Husband of (2c1)) (2c2) Mary Johnson (Daughter of (2c)) (2c2H) Richard Walker (Husband of (2c2)) (2c3) Charlotte Johnson (Daughter of (2c)) (2c3H) John Tisdale (Husband of (2c3)) The first record I find of Joseph Johnson(1) is a land patent! 1733, June 20. Daniel Johnson; Joseph Johnson(1); John Hicks...Goochland Co. Pat 300a. On the North side of James Riv., adj land of Michael Johnson; lines of Robert and Benjamin Woodson; on the N. side of Mill Cr. and the S. side of E. branch of Jinetoe Cr. and on the N. side of Mill Cr. Book 15 pg 37. Daniel and Joseph(1) are brothers as indicated in the Michael Johnson Report. This is another "connection" that confirms a close family relationship. I don't know who this John Hicks is, perhaps a `brother-in-law'?. There is research underway to determine this Hix connection for I have found other researchers indicting that Michael Johnson's sister Rebecca married Nathaniel Hix in New Kent County! Another thing, I found where Daniel disposed of his part of this land grant and also records showing what happened to John Hick's part, but I could find no record of Joseph(1) disposing of his part! Now, another confirmation of the Hix surname connection to the Johnson family is the Will of John Hix 1747, Dec 9 .... To my wife all my land and personal Estate during her life; at her death to my son, David Hix, the land I now live on. The remainder of my Estate to divided equally between my children and my said wife's children and my grandson James Johnson Hix. Exec. Thomas Jolly Hix. Wit: Isaac Johnson(2), James Turner & Henry Turner. Deed bk 5, pg 407. Notice the witness Isaac Johnson(2)! This is the first record I find of him in Goochland County! Now, notice above that the name of John's wife is missing! How did the grandson get it's name? Just one month (old calender date) after witnessing John Hix's will Isaac(2) joins his brother Joseph(1) on 12 Jan. 1747 in obtaining a land patent of 400 acres in Brunswick County; on both sides of the Middle Fork of Meherrin River. Book 28, pg 315. Now, the location of this grant becomes Lunenburg County one year later! Joseph(1), eight years later, on 10 Sept 1755 patents an additional 400 acres adjoining the first patent, now Lunenburg County. Book 32, pg 630. As reported earlier in the Michael Johnson report, Isaac Johnson(2) is named as a brother in the will of John Johnson, recorded Feb 19, 1750, Goochland County, deed Book 6, page 121-122. In the will John gives Isaac(2) fifty acres of land left out of his father's first tract! The where abouts of this "first tract" remains unclear, however research continues. It is also interesting to note here that one of the three witnesses to John Johnson's will was recorded as Benjamin Watkins (a Quaker)! This indicates that this Goochland County Johnson family was well aware of the Quaker influence in their community. However, I am not aware of any direct connections with the Quaker Church, and in particular, I found none with Joseph(1) and Isaac(2) in Lunenburg County! In fact, we find on Nov 4th, 1755 at a Vestry held for the Cumberland Parish (Lunenburg County) it is ordered that Henry Blagrove & Joseph Johnson(1) do meet at Walkers Bridge on the forth Monday in January next and Procession all the Lands between the North Meherrin , Coxes Road, Robertson Fork of Meherrin, King and Winninghams Roads, and make return thereof according to Law. In order to avoid conflicts between land owners, the Church established early in Colonial History a system whereby land owners were required to walk their land boundaries in the presents of a person or persons appointed by the Vestry of the Church. The most revealing record listing most of the people in this report is found in the Sep 30, 1763 returns of processioning in obedience to an order of the Vestry of Cumberland Parish of Lunenburg County. Precinct number 5. Processioned by Lodwk. Farmer and Silvanus Stokes (to wit): The lines between Richard Claiborn and Michael Johnson(1a) and between the said Claiborn and Lodwk.Farmer and between the said Farmer and Daniel Mallon and between the said Mallon and Jarrald Winningham(1dH). No 8. Processioned by William Chandler, Joseph Ship and Stephen Wood(1fH) (to wit) A line between Henry Robertson and Edward Slaughter, Henry Robertson present, between Henry Robertson and David Johnson(1e), present Henry Robertson, a line between Charles Sullivant and Henry Robertson, David Johnson(1e) present. Between Henry Robertson and Stephen Wood(1fH), Robertson present. Between Joseph Johnson(1g) and Stephen Wood(1fH), J. Johnson present. Between Charles Sullivant and Stephen Wood(1fH), J. Johnson present. Between Wm Maples and David Johnson(1e), Maples present. Between Joseph Ship and Wm Maples, Maples present. Between Charles Sullivant and John Cox, Sullivant present. Between Isaac Johnson(2) and John Cox, Sullivant present. Between Charles Sullivant and Isaac Johnson(2), Johnson present. Then around Johnson's line and Slaughter's, Johnson present. (from "Cumberland Parish and Vestry Book 1746- 1816" Lunenburg County, VA., by Landon C Bell). This system worked very well in the early years but it's popularity waned as the Revolution drew near! On Feb 26th 1776 the processionors Ellison Ellis and Jessee Saunders complained "We advertised at Church and Meeting House, beside verbal notice for all people to meet us on Monday the 25th of March in order to show their lines and not one person appeared" However, these two Johnson families remained supportive of the process. We find the last of these records in the vestry of Cumberland Parish in 1784 where Michael Johnson(a) is mentioned. The history of Cumberland Parish prior to the Revolution was very interesting under the leadership of the Rev. James Craig! In a petition signed by the inhabitants of Lunenburg County, they state that Rev. James Craig was "a person eminently distinguished for his zeal and attachment to the cause of America Liberty"! Now, one has to wonder, did he preach against the British Arms? And did his preaching influence the local inhabitants, including the people of which we have an interest? Now, in 1756 Isaac(2) traveled back to Goochland County to sell thhe land he inherited from hisfather Michael Johnson! Given that Michael Johnson died in 1719, one has to wonder why Isaac(2) would wait nine years after he had patented his first land in what is now Lunenburg County before returning to Goochland County to sell his land there! Could it be that his mother was still living on the land when he left for Lunenburg County? An interesting thought, especially when one considers Isaac(2)'s deed to John Johnson of Goochland County, 19th of Jan. 1756, for 100 pounds, 150 acres, being on the south side of Tuckhoe Creek bounded by Benj.Johnson decd, Daniel Johnson decd, and John Johnson decd and Moses Brumfield on Tuckahoe Creek. Except the graveyard where Michael Johnson, his wife and child is buried...Mary, wife of Isaac Johnson relinq. her Dower right. .Deed book 7, pg 59 wit: William Miller, Daniel Johnson and Wilmanton Harris. Recorded 20 Jan 1756. We find that in 1759, on the 13th of October, Joseph Johnson(1) also traveled back to Goochland County to sell 200 acres to John Laprade of Goochland County for seventy one pounds five shillings; lying in Goochland County upon Dover Mill Creek adjoining the lands of Robert Burton, John Barnett, Daniel Johnson and corners on Richerson, having been willed to the said Joseph Johnson(1) by his father Michael Johnson Wit: William Wodlow, John Watkins, Stephen Sampson and Miller Doged. Rec. Book 8, pgs 62-63-64. Feb 19, 1960. In August of 1756, Joseph(1) and Isaac(2) swapped 200 acre tracts of land in Lunenburg County! For what reason they did this is unclear for when one examines the records found in book 4 pg 307 and pg 308 the two tracts are adjoining! Perhaps the answer lies in the record found in the same deed book on page 310 where we find a deed by Joseph Johnson(1) of the parish of Cumberland and County of Lunenburg for good will and affection for son-in-law Stephen Wood(1fH) and five shillings one hundred acres on the North side of the Robertson Fork of the Meherrin... etc! A close check of this deed description identifies this land to be part of the two hundred acre tract Joseph(1) received in the trade with Isaac(2)! As one examines closely the records found in the year before and the year after Joseph(1)'s death, a glimpse of his personality begins to emerge. Apparently he was a very successful planter and acquired considerable wealth especially if one considers the economy of the Virginia Colony during this time. One year before his death there is a court record ..... David Johnson(1e) against Joseph Johnson(1) ... "For reasons appearing to this Court this suit is ordered to be dismissed and is considered by the Court that the said Defendant recover against the said Plaintiff his costs by him in this behalf dispensed" 1760, Dec... Court of Lunenburg, Order Book 6 page 212. Now, I could not find any record stating the reason for this suit of son against father but Joseph(1) does mention the court costs in his will. Another thing, it appears to me that Joseph(1) may have written his own will and did so without the aid of an attorney because the content is somewhat muddled and hard to follow. All this leads me to believe his was a cantankerous personality, and to better understand this the will is presented here in full text. 1761, Jan 8... Will... Joseph Johnson(1) Will bk 2, pg 28 In the name of God Amen, I, Joseph Johnson the County of Lunenburg being sick and weak of but of Perfect Sense and Memory do make and ordain this my last will and Testament in manner and form following; Imprimis, I give and Bequeath my soul to Almighty God who gave it and as for what Temporal Estate it hath Pleased God to Bless me with I give and dispose in manner following; Item, first I give and bequeath to my son Mical Johnson(1a) one negro woman named Susey and two cows and calves, to him and his heares and assigns forever- Item, I give and bequeath to my son Isaac Johnson(1b) one negro man named Caffey and one bay mare named Winney branded on the near Buttock this with a Star on her forehead to and his hears and Assigns forever- Item, I give and bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Womack(1c) one nigro boy named Aberson(?) and one white mare named Diamond and side saddle which three articles she has now in possession of, I give to hur one cow to hur & hur hears & assigns forever- Item, I give to my daughter Mary Wenigham(1d) one Shilling Sterling to hur and assigns forever- Item, I give and bequeath to my son David Johnston(1e) eight shillings and eight pence which he owes me by a judgement before a Magistrate to him and his heirs and assigns forever- Item, I give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Wood(1f) one nigro boye named Harper now in his possession to him & his heirs & assigns forever- Item, I give and bequeath unto my son Joseph Johnston(1g) one negro man named Dick and two cows which I lent him which cows he now has in his possession and two hundred acres of land whereon he now lives to him and his heirs and assigns forever- Item, I give and bequeath to my Daughter Susanah Hudson(1h) two cows & calfs to hur and hur heirs and assigns forever- Item, I give and Bequeath to my Daughter Elizabeth Johnston(1i) two negro boys one named Jacob, the other named Harry, one bed and furniture, one gray mare named Hasord and one side saddle, two cows and two calfs to hur and hur heirs and assigns forever- Item, I give and Bequeath to my Daughter Sisley Johnston(1j) two negro boyes, one named Samson, the other named Jamey, also one bed and furniture and two cows and two calfs, also one gray mare named Tanny, also one side saddle to hur and hur heirs and assigns forever- Item, I lend to my Beloved wife Mary Johnston(1w) my lands and Negros not yet mentioned in my will and all other of my Estate not yet mentioned during her Life or in case she should marry that she should Deliver to my Daughter Charity Johnson(1k) which is now in hur mother's heirs one hundred pounds current money of Virginia at the Time of my Daughter's marriage- Item, I give and Bequeath to my Daughter Charity Johnston(1k) last mentioned, after the decease of my wife Mary Johnston(1w), my lands, my negrows and all other of my Estate not yet mentioned in legress in my will to hur and hur heirs and assigns forever and in case Should Dy without heirs are of her body that then the said Estate shall be Equally divided Between my Daughter Elizabeth Johnston(1i) and my Daughter Sisley Johnston(1j) and lastly I do constitute and appoint John Bacon (Brown?) & Sherwood Walton to be Executors of this my last will and Testament hereby revoking all wills by me formerly made and that my Executors shall unto and provided to have my three younger daughters shall have wolling (?) Out of my Estate as shall sum sufficient and also see to their Maintenance. In witness whereof I have herunto set my hand this Eight day of January MDCCLX1. Enter line before assigns in the twelf line of the second page these words, after the decease of my wife Mary Johnston(1w). Joseph Johnson S S Signed , sealed, published and Declared as his last will and Testament in Presence of us Isaac Johnson(2), Jn' Thomason, Ann (her A mark) Bacon. The will was recorded March 3rd 1761 Here Joseph Johnson(1) names his wife and children! Further research indicates that the order in which they are listed in this will could very well be their birth order! As mentioned before, if one examines this will closely, it appears not to be written in a manner designed to avoid conflict and the following Court records indicate this! But first, it was very rare for a widow to be given legal custody of her under age children when her husband died, therefore a guardian had to be appointed to see to the legal needs of these children. Now, in Joseph(1)'s will, he plainly tried to provide for the upkeep of his two under age daughters but for some reason the Court felt that it's duty was to intervene and appoint a legal guardian! We find in the April Term of Court, 1761, Lunenburg Co., Va. Joseph Williams, Gent., is appointed guardian for Elizabeth Johnson(1i) and Sisley Johnson(1j), orphans of Joseph Johnson(1) dec'd, and with Henry Isbell, his security, entered into and acknowledged bond for that purpose. Order Book 6, p. 260. Notice the title after Joseph Williams' name... "Gentleman"! It was common practice for these "Gentleman" to exert their presents on the community by acts such as this under the cover of the law. Also they could extract a fee from the Estate for their services. Now, another event occured the very next month that surely raised eyebrows in the community, 1761, May 8...Marriage.... Charles Sullivant of Lun. Co. and Mary Johnson(1W), widow Sur.Owen Sullivant. (From "Marriages of Lunenburg Co, VA 1746-1853 by Emma R, Matheny and Helen K. Yates"). Even before new grass grew on her husband's grave, widow Mary Johnson(1W) had remarried! Before the Court cases against the Estate occured, the inventory of Joseph(1)'s Estate was reported to the Court. Thomas Nance, Henry Blagrave and William Chandler appeared at a court held for Lunenburg County the 7th day of July 1761 and presented the written inventory & appraisement of the Estate of Joseph Johnson(1) deceased was returned and ordered to be recorded. Test Clomont Read Clk. Will bk 2, pg 79. The items listed in the inventory of Joseph(1)'s Estate filled five pages in the will book! That was a little too much to transcribe all of the items and show them here, but of the various items included were seventeen horses, fifty seven cattle, twenty five hogs, seven pigs , ten sheep, five lambs, fourteen slaves, one brandy still, farm tools and crops, totaling nine hundred ninety four pounds, twelve shillings and nine pence! Clearly the list presents a picture of a very successful Colonial Planter in terms of worldly items complete with a notable listing of a brandy still! This brandy still was valued at twenty five pounds, indicating that not only was it in good working order but that it may have contributed to the overall income of Joseph(1)'s plantation because history tells us that peach brandy was the favored drink in Southside Virginia! Now, the first Court case brought against the Estate of Joseph Johnson(1) was by his son-in-law! 1761, Sept... Sept Court...Stephen Wood(1fH) and wife, Plaintiffs. vs Sherwood Walton, Executor of Joseph Johnson(1), Defendant. This day came the parties attended by their attorneys and here too came a jury, to wit: John M. Nease, William Dalbge(?), John Hix, John White, William Hunt, David Hopkins, William Hudson, Drury Smith, Benjamin Pollard, John Clement, William Harvey and Richard Sunsstone(?), who being elected, tryed and sworned the truth to Speak of and upon the issue joined returned a jural verdict in these words: "We find that some time in the year 1755, one Jarrel Willingham(1dH) intermarried with a certain Mary Johnson(1d), daughter of one Joseph Johnson(1), which said Joseph(1) before the marriage took effect assumed upon himself and promised to make the fortune of the said daughter equal in value to the said Jarrel(1dH), which we found was of the value of four or five hundred pounds. We find that some time after the said Jarrel(1dH) and his wife prosecuted their suit in Chancery against the said Joseph(1) for a Special Performance of this Agreement. We find that the Complainants and the Defendants in this suit afterwards while the said suit was Depending compromised and accommodated their said suit upon these conditions, towit: That the said Jarrel(1dH) and his wife should dismiss their suit and pay the costs thereof and relinquish their claim for which the suit was brought, in consideration whereof, the said Joseph(1) assume upon himself to pay the said Jarrel(1dH) fifty pounds by Christmas then and ensuing and fifty pounds more by the Christmas following and also for the consideration aforesaid would pay one hundred pounds apiece to all his other children with what they had already had coming which the Plaintiff's wife in this action is one, but not present at this agreement. We find that the said Joseph(1) soon after the making of this promise entered into Bond to the said Jarrel(1dH) but in a very short time after, said that both the said Bonds of Promise was extorted from him, and that he directed his intended Executors not to fool(?) with either. We find that the said Joseph(1) never paid the Plaintiff any part of the said one hundred pounds and did first make his Last Will of Testament which we refer to, We find that Stephen Wood(1fH) abused the Decedent after his death calling him "Old Villain..etc" and that if he got the money he was not obliged to him for it, for that he was compelled to it. Upon the whole, if the Law be for the plaintiff we find for them and do assess their Damages to fifty pounds, if for the defendant we find for the Defendant.... William Hunt, foreman" And therefore the cause be continued till the (blank) Court for the matter of Law arising thereupon to be argued, the same day is given the parties aforesaid hereof.. Order book 7, page 117. Boy, what a mess!! Sometimes, in our research, we lose sight of the fact that our ancestors were not all `Angels'! One has to wonder if Joseph(1)'s bragging, as depicted in the jury verdict above, came about as a result of his consuming too much of his own peach brandy! But, the `verdict' speaks for itself! This document was hard to read but I think I have all of it transcribed correctly. The following month when the Court again convened the above plaintiffs, Stephen Wood(1fH) and wife Ann(1f), were awarded fifty pounds. In this same October Court Peter Hudson(1hH) and Susannah(1h), his wife Plaintiffs were awarded by jury verdict, to wit: John Hubbard, William Mason, Henry Isbell, Nath'l Robertson, Henry Cox, John Mason, Samuel Perrin, Miles Barrot, Evan Stokes, William Gentry, Henry Crenshaw and James Foster, the sum of ninety six pounds current money! The same Court date but a different jury, to wit: William Mills, Thomas Foster, Peter Pinkstone, John Cox, David Roberts, Dan'l Cargill, Jacab Colson, John Foster, Penkethman Hawkins, Thomas Hatchett, Francis Howard and Abraham Martin, awarded David Johnson(1e) Plaintiff, ninety nine pounds, eleven shillings and four pence current money. The same jury that heard David(1e)'s case also heard that of Isaac Johnson(1b), plaintiff, and awarded him thirty five pounds current money also the case of Michael Johnson(1a), plaintiff, awarded sixty six pounds current money. In the case of Jacob Womack(1cH) and Sarah(1c) his wife, plaintiff, the same jury awarded them eighty six pounds, ten shillings current money! It would have been real interesting to have heard the arguments in these cases. It must have been the `talk' of the whole country side and another interesting factor here is the names of the Jurors, how they reflect the neighbors of this Johnson family. There must have been a huge crowd at the Court House from which to draw these Jurors on this October Court date. Also, notice the amount settled upon in each case! I wonder what caused the difference? Notice that Joseph(1g) did not sue the Estate! Perhaps because he was given two hundred acres in his father's will. I wonder if the Executor had to sell off the inventory of the estate in order to settle these Court cases? No such record was found! Aslo, in May of 1761 at the May Court...Order Book 7 page 8... Isaac Johnson(2) was appointed surveyor of the road whereof Henry Williams was late surveyor, and it is ordered that he together with the usual assistance that worked on the said road do forthwith so clear and keep the same in repair according to law. Present, Henry DeLoney, Gentleman. All interconnecting roads were considered public roads and the Law set forth a method to build, and provide upkeep for these roads by assigning local people to the task. The above court order is an example of this process! Now, on the next line in the Court Records after the order to Isaac(2) is the statement "Present, Henry DeLoney, Gentleman"! I have no idea what influence this has on the effect of the order! On the face of it, it appears just to acknowledge the presents of the "Gentleman" It's not absolutely clear at this point as to what happened to Joseph(1)'s son Isaac Johnson(1b) after the death of his father, but the following deed could explain this mystery! 1761, Aug 3...Deed... 215a ...James Williams to Isaac Johnson(1b), both of Lunenburg Co., on both sides of Steth's Creek adjoing William Ragsdale's land, the head of the branch, and William Hagood's line. Recorded 4 Aug 1761 Deed Book 6, page 400. In trying to place the location of Steth's Creek, a search of the land grants of the above adjoing land holders places the Creek (now called Smith's Creek) on the South side of Meherrin River. Now, in 1765 this area South of Meherrin River becomes Mecklenburg County! Isaac Johnson(1b) apparently lived on this land the rest of his life as will be explained later on in this report. In December of that very busy year, 1761, we find the Johnsons again in Court! This time it is a motion of Stephen Wood(1fH) that he be appointed guardian of Sisley Johnson(1j), orphan of Joseph Johnson(1) deceased, by giving security forthwith into bond. Order book 7, page 185! And Elizabeth Johnson(1i), orphan of Joseph Johnson(1) deceased, came into Court, who being of lawful age for that purpose and made charge of Nathanial Williams for guardian, who is accordingly approved.Order book 7, page 185. Plainly, Elizabeth(1i) changes her guardianship here! What is not clear is why this occures! It could be that Joseph Williams simply refused to be the two sisters's guardian! It also could be that the two sisters felt he wasn't acting to their liking in their behalf! Now, another question emerges here! What has happened to Charity Johnson(1k)? Is she dead? She is not mentioned in any of the Court cases. Now, in Joseph(1)'s will, he plainly leaves Charity(1k) under his wife's care and there appears to be some apprehension on his part about Charity(1k) because he also states that should she die without heirs then Elizabeth(1i) and Sisley(1j) would share their mother's Estate. The records show that's exactly what happened for we find in a deed of Jul 13, 1770, 300a from Josiah Foster(1iH) and Elizabeth(1i), his wife, of Charlotte Co. and Parish of Cornwall, and Drury Melone(1jH) and Sisley(1j), his wife of L. and Cumberland Parish, to Charles Sullivant of Charlotte County for 100 pounds (it being that tract whereon Joseph Johnson(1) deceased formerly lived, it being that tract that the said Joseph Johnson(1) dec'd gave to his above said daughters, Elizabeth(1i) and Sisley(1j), by his will) bk 11, pg. 85. Elizabeth(1i) and Sicely(1j) apparently sold their inheritance to the man that married their mother, Charles Sallivant! Ten years after their marriage one would have to assume that both Charles Sullivant and Mary are now well along in age and perhaps that is the reason for this deed on Mar 14, 1771 of 300a. from Charles Sullivant and Mary(1W) his wife of Charlotte Co. to Stephen Wood(1fH) of Lun., for 200 lbs, all that certain tract of land in Lun. on both sides of the Robinson Fork of Mehrrin River, bounded by Wood(ifH), Joseph Johnson(1g), John Hightower, Isaac Johnson(2), John Cox, David Johnson(1e), and Henry Robinson. Wit. Lod Farmer, Walter Spens. Sig. Charles Sullivant. Rec. 14 Mar 1771, BK 11, p. 95. Charles and Mary may be reaching that age where they can no longer provide for themselves. Now, the question is, did the task of their care fall on Ann (1f) or did Charles have children from a first marriage that could care for both? It was during this time that the religious revival, commonly called the Great Awakening, was occurring in this section of Virginia! In fact, there is evidence that some of Joseph(1)'s children were active in the Meherrin River Baptist Church in the early part of the 1770s. Over in Mecklenburg County, Susan Bracey writes in her book "Life by the Roaring Roanoke", published in 1977, that a Methodist Meeting House was owned by Isaac Johnson(1b) and was still standing in 1784 when Doctor Coke preached there, urging the emancipation of slaves! This meeting house is mentioned in Isaac(1b)'s will of 1815 shown later in this report. The will of Michael Johnson(2c), 1777, found in will book 3, pages 126/127 of Lunenburg County allows us further insight into the personal life of these early settlers. In the name of God, Amen, I, Michael Johnson(2c) of the county of Lunenburg being very sick and weak in body tho of perfect sense and memory and calling to mind that all flesh must die, I do make and ordain this my last will and testament; Item, I give and bequeath my body to the earth from whence it came and my soul to God that gave it; Item, I lend to my beloved wife Susannah(2cW) one young nigro named Frank during her natural life and other goods to be divided equally amongst my children that is then living, also I lend my wife an equal part of my other estate except negros; Item, I give to my children one negro named Ned, and one negro named Teny and one negro named Charles and one negro named Lucy and also all the remaining part of my Estate to give them schooling and then to be equally divided when either of them is married or comes to the age of sixteen years old, also I desire that my estate may not be appraised;, Item, I appoint Joshua Johnson(2a) and Ambrose Hailey executors, also I ordain this my last will and testament where unto I have set my hand and seal this 28th Day of October 1777.Wit; John White, Isaac Johnson(2), and Ambrose Hailey. Michael Johnson(2c) (seal) At a court held for Lunenburg the 10th Day of October, 1782, the within written last will and testament of Michael Johnson(2c) was exhibited in Court by Joshua Johnson(2a), the executor, also exhibited and proved by the oaths of two of the Witnesses thereunto subscribed where on it was ordered to be recorded; And on the motion of the said executor who made oath according to Law, certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate of the said will in due form, he giving security where upon he together with Isaac Johnson(2) and Henry Hailey his sureties and unto and acknowledged bond for that purpose. Teste Wm' Taylor Cl. Apparently Michael(2c) was ill for some time because the will was recorded some five years after it was written! Notice in the will Michael(2c) does not call his children by name! Neither does he say how many there are but one is led to believe that they are girls because of the reference to their being married by age sixteen! In the will of Isaac(2), Michael(2c)'s father, their names are listed as Rebecca(2c1), Mary (2c2) and Charlotte(2c3). Other information was given me by a Michael Hailey of Missouri. He has a book called "HAILEY and RELATED FAMILIES" by Edward Franklin Hailey and in it is noted that Michael(2c)'s wife was Susannah Haley(2cW)! Proof of this is found in John Haley's deed of gift in Lunenburg, Co to Michael Johnson(2c), (will bk 12, pg 304) . Ambrose Haley and Henry Haley were Susannah(2cW)'s brothers!. Now, in 1783, a year after Michael(2c)'s death, I find a record of his widow, Susannah(2cW) marrying Thomas Walker in Lunenburg County! Three years later, in 1786, daughter Rebecca Johnson(2c1) marries James Walker(2c1H) in Lunenburg County. Now, what's really interesting is that in 1793, daughter Mary Johnson(2c2) marries Richard Walker(2c2H) also in Lunenburg County! There is some evidence that these Walkers are related, however this will not be explored in this report. The youngest daughter, Charlotte(2c3), breaks the tradition and marries John Tisdale(2c3H) in 1789 in Lunenburg County. I'll bet she caught a lot of ribbing from her sisters about not marrying a Walker! The John Johnson whose will is listed below is not found to be directly connected to either Joseph(1) or Isaac Johnson(2) here in Lunenburg County! However, we see here that Isaac Johnson(2) is named as a executor, and the probable connection is explained after the text of the will! 1781, Feb. 16.... Will ....John Johnson Lunenburg County, VA. Will Book 3, g 295 In the name of God Amen, I John Johnson of the County of Lunenburg being of a sound Disposition in mind and memory thanks be to Almighty God for the (smudge) and calling to mind the finally and uncertity(?) of this life having made this my last will and Testament in manner and form following; to wit, My will and desire is that all my just debts be paid; Item, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Ann Johnson all my personal Estate except some things here after mentioned to here and her heirs for ever; Item, I give to my two sons, John Johnson and Jacob Johnson one Gun and all my Carpenter and Coopers Tools to be equally divided between after becoming of age. I nominate and appoint Isaac Johnson(2) and my wife Ann Johnson my hole and sole executors and Trust Teas to set this executrix by me made Declaring this to be my last will and Testament. In witness where thereunto set my hand and Seal (Wit) Randolph Rhodes, Benjamin Smith, Fred Smith John (his mark) Johnson At a Court for Lunenburg County the 12th Day of September 1782, the within written last will and testament of John Johnson, deceased, was exhibited in Court by Ann Johnson, the Executrix therein named and proved by the oaths of two of the witnesses thereto subscribed and ordered to be recorded and on the motion of the said Executrix who gave oath according to law, certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate of the said Will in due form, she giving security where upon she together with Isaac Johnson(2) her security declared with and acknowledged Bond according to Law for that purpose. Test Wm' Taylor Cl'. Now, we know Isaac(2) had a son named John(2b), but he is alive and is named in his father's will of 1793! So, who is this John Johnson that Isaac(2) seems to know very well? Well, in Goochland County there was a John Johnson,(wife Ann), son of John Johnson, brother to Isaac(2) and Joseph(1)! Now this John Johnson sold his inheritance in 1752 and vanished! I could find no other record of him in Goochland after that date! The reader is asked to reference the Michael Johnson Report presented earlier! More proof is needed, but I think I just found the missing John Johnson! Twenty years after Stephen Wood(1fH) called his father-in-law a "Villian", in the court case mentioned above, he writes his will on the 30th of Oct 1781. In the name of God Amen, I, Stephen Wood(1fH) of Lunenburg County being sick and weak but in Perfect mind and memory; doth make and ordain this my last Will and Testament. Item, After paying my just debts I give to my well beloved wife Ann Wood(1f) one mair named Cates Bridle and Saddle to her and her heirs forever; Item, I lend my said wife the Plantation whereon we live and give negroes,Vizt, Potter, Sharper, Tom,Cloe and Bettey during her natural life or widowhood. Item, I give unto my son John Wood(1f1) and his heirs forever one negro boy named James and at my said wife's death or marriage one negro man named Peter. Item, I lend unto my Daughter Sally Jordan(1f2) and her husband William Jordan during each of their lives one negro woman named Ester and her increase and at the death or marriage of my said wife one negro woman named Cloe and at the death of the said Salley(1f2) and William Jordan(1f2H) I give and bequeath the above Ester and her increase and Cloe to the Several children of the said Sally Jordan to be Equally between them and their heirs forever. Item, I give to my son David Wood(1f3) and his heirs forever one negro boy named Frank and one cow and yearling now in his possession and at my said wife's death or marriage one negro woman named Betty. Item, I give unto my Daughter Patty Wood(1f4) and her heirs forever two Negro girls named ---- and Darcus and their several increase one feather bed furniture one horse named Bolter Saddle Bridle and Two Cows and calves and at my said wife's death or marriage one negro named Sharper. Item, I give unto my son Johnson Wood(1f5) and his heirs forever one negro Boy named Samson one feather bed and furniture and one bay mair colt and one horse called ----- and four head of cattle, and at my said wife's death or marriage one Negro man named Tom. Item, I give unto my son George Wood(1f6) and his heirs forever two negro boys named Harry and Bartlet, four head of cattle one feather bed and furniture one mair Named Call (?) and colt one saddle and Bridle and at my said wife's death or marriage one Desk Item, I lend all the residue of my household furniture and Stock together with my wagon and Team to my well beloved wife during her natural life or widowhood and at her death or marriage for it all to be Equally divided between all my children then surviving except my land and plantation and that I desire may be sold and the money arising from the sail of said Land I give to be Equally divided between my Two sons Johnson Wood(1f5) and George Wood(1f6) and their heirs forever. But if either of my six children die without lawful heirs of their Body then the part so given them in this my will I desire may be equally divided between my surviving children. Item, My will and desire is that my Estate may not be appraised but that my executors hereafter named may take an inventory of my estate and have it recorded without any appraisement. Item, I constitute and appoint my well beloved wife Ann Wood(1f) and my son David Wood(1f3) whole and soul Executors of this my last will and Testament hereby revoking all other wills by me made whatever as witness I have hereunto set my hand and seal the thirtieth day of October 1781 signed and Delivered in Presence of Sylv Walker Stephen Wood(1fH) (seal) Martin Elliott At a court held for Lunenburg County the 9th day of May 1782 the within written last Will and Testament of Stephen Wood(1fH) produced was proven by the oaths of the Witnesses theretosubscribed and ordered to be recorded. Teste William Taylor, Clk. Will Book 3, P. II Here Stephen Wood(1fH) plainly names his children and one has to assume that the order in which their names are listed here in his will is their birth order! That would explain him giving his remaining land to his younger sons Johnson Wood(1f5) and George Wood(1f6) Just five months after Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, a Court was held March 15th, 1782, for Lunenburg County agreeable to an act for adjusting claims for property impressed or taken for public use. This list below gives us another insight into the hardships encountered in our fight for Liberty. The local Militia had no reliable supply source and quite often had to live off the land as they marched across the country side. An act of the Assembly in Oct 1780 required that every land owner was to give three hundred pounds of beef on the hoof for the army and the owners were given certificates for whatever was taken over that amount. Sometimes the items, described below, were given freely. More often than not they were simply taken, or impressed! Page 3. Isaac Johnson(2) for 77# bacon Page 8 Stephen Wood(1fH) for 500# beef Page 10 Estate of Stephen Wood(1fH), dec'd for waggoning for Continental Page 15 Isaac Johnson(2) for 325 # beef David Johnson(1e) for 250# beef Page 18 Estate of Stephen Wood(1fH), dec'd for 2 bu corn; 5# bacon for furnishing the militia on their march to York Page 23 Isaac Johnson(2) for furnishing Continental solders 40 diets Page 26 David Johnson(1e) for a gun for use of militia ordered to assistance of Gen. Green (Contributed for use in VAGenWeb Archives by Linda Russell Lewis) Late in his life, Isaac(2) adds to his land holdings! 1788, April 18..... Patent ..206a Isaac Johnson(2). Lunenburg County on the branches of Stokes Creek. Beginning at a white oak on Joshua Johnson(2a)'s corner, thence along his line North twenty seven and a half degrees West two hundred fifty one and quarter poles to a white oak on Breedlove's corner, thence on his line south eighty four degrees East two hundred eleven poles to a corner black jack of pointers on Smith's line, thence along his line South twenty six and a half degrees East one hundred and twenty poles to a pine, thence South sixty nine degrees West one hundred fifty six poles to the first station. Grant book 16, page 625.... What is odd here is that most of the land in Lunenburg County had already been patented by this date! It's hard to understand why this two hundred acres went unnoticed by people looking for land. There's one other possibility and that is this is the land owned by his late son, Michael(2c). Records show that Michael(2c) did not have a son to inherit the land. Apparently, Isaac(2) felt the title may have been in dispute prompting him to make sure by Patented the land! On Feb 13th, 1793. Isaac Johnson(2) wrote his will! In October of that year it was recorded, establishing that he lived longer that any of his five brothers! In the name of God Amen, I, Isaac Johnson(2) of the County of Lunenburg being old and weak in body and knowing that all flesh must die, think it proper to make my will, Therefore I make and ordain this my last will and testament: Item, I give and bequeath my body to the Earth from whence it came, and soul to God that gave it to me in hopes of a Resurrection to Life; Item, As I have given my two sons the part of Negroes that I allotted for them during my life and also my son Joshua Johnson(2a) his part of land whereupon he now lives, to him and his heirs forever. Now I lend half the lands and plantation whereupon I now live with all my personal Estate to my beloved wife during her natural life or widowhood for her maintenance and to pay Debts but if she would marry again she shall be dispossessed of all but one bed; Item, I give the land whereupon I now live to my Son John Johnson(2b), to him and his heirs forever; Item, I give to my Son Michael Johnson(2c)'s three daughters Each of them ten pounds and on condition they give up a bond to my Executors that I gave to Thomas Walker on a settlement on Account of a Rifle and old Clothes which I gave one Chiefly paid for that then I give them Thirty pounds Each instead of ten, or a young Nigro not under five years of age, which my Executors shall chose to pay within four years after they are wholey possessed with my Estate, except there should come any afterclap against my Son Joshua Johnson(2a) concerning the Estate of my son Michael Johnson(2c), deceased, and if there should then my son Joshua Johnson(2a) shall fall heir to their Legacies; Item, I give to Mary Haley, wife of Ambrose Haley, ten pounds to paid within the time above mentioned; Item, My will is that soon after my wife's decease, or marriage, that my two sons, Joshua(2a) and John(2b), shall equally divide my Estate and all that appertaineth thereto between them two; Item, I ordain my sons Joshua Johnson(2a) and John Johnson(2b) Executors and each of them shall be qualified and give a just and true account of every thing that they receive that appertaineth to my Estate or the benefits or increase of it whatever from this date, and if Either of them shall be found in debt before or after this date he shall pay the full value that they may equally receive and equally pay my debts and Legacies; And if they should not agree on any point whatever they shall Each of them chose aman to settle for them, and they shall abide by the Consequence; And if Either of them shall deviate from what is aforesaid, they shall forfit what they are contending about, that there may no disturbance after my Death; Also I ordain this my last will and Testament where unto I have set my hand and Seal this Thirteenth day of February One Thousand Seven hundred & Ninty Three. Sign'd Sealed & Delev'd in the Presents of John Wood(1f1) and Asa Blankenship. Isaac Johnson(2) (Seal) At a Court held for Lunenburg County the 10th Day of October, 1793, The last will and testament of Isaac Johnson(2), deceased, was exhibited in Court by Joshua Johnson(2a) and John Johnson(2b) the executors therein named and was proved by the oath of John Wood(1f1) one of the witnessess thereto subscribed, who made oath that he saw Asa Blankenship the other subscribing witness set his name thereto in presence of the testator, and that the said Asa Blankenship is since Dead; whereupon the same is ordered to be recorded; And on the motion of the said executors who made oath according to law, certificate is granted them for obtaining probate of the said will, they giving security; whereupon they together with their security Entered into and acknowledged bond for that purpose according to Law. Test, William Taylor Cl Will Book 4, Pages 39/40. Here Isaac(2) fails to tell us the name of his wife! However, we know from an earlier deed that his wife's name was Mary(cW). Here also, Isaac(2) mentions his three granddaughters, children of his deceased son Michael(c). See 1777, Oct 28... Will ... Michael Johnson(c). Checking the dates carefully, it is found that the date granddaughter Mary(2c2)'s marriage to Richard Walker(2c2H) occurs just two months after the will of Isaac(2) is recorded! Now, her other sisters were married well before this time. Could it be that Mary(2c2) elected to live with and to take care of her grandparents? One could also speculate that Mary Haley was probably engaged to care for Isaac(2) and his wife as the reason he gave her ten pounds! British merchants operated stores all across the region, including Lunenburg, prior to the revolution. These merchants were, for the most part, loyal British subjects and as a consequence were expelled as a result of a resolution passed by the House of Delegates in December of 1776. Many of the settlers owed accounts at these stores and after the war, a 1783 treaty laid in place the opportunity for the British to recover, in court, these debts! The reports of this effort are archived in the London Public Offices. Below are some of these accounts as posted on the VAGenWeb Archives in Lunenburg County! Michael Johnson(a) - Removed to Georgia about 1788 David Johnson(1e) - account L 8-15-1-3/4, Removed to Carolina about 1787 Joseph Johnson(1g) - account L 4-13-3-3/4 Removed several years back & is now dead Isaac Johnson(2) - Account L 4-1 4-1/4 Died many years past; Estate divided. Stephen Wood(1fH) - Account L 36-9-3 Died before the peace, estate sufficient. His Executors are ignorant of the justice of the debt. No demand (Lunenburg County, VA.... VAGenWeb Archives) Notice the Michael Johnson(a) moved to Georgia and David Johnson(1e) to Carolina! These two have not been traced beyond Lunenburg County! In will book 7, page 45, of Lunenburg County, we find the will of John Johnson(2b). In the name of God Amen, I, John Johnson(2b) of the county of Lunenburg being sick and weak in body but of sound and perfect memory, I do therefore make and ordain this my last will and testament in the manner and form following; Viz, After my just debts being paid that then I lend to my beloved wife Ermine Johnson(BW) one third part of the remaining part of my total during her natural life and after her death to be equally divided between my Daughters Susanna(2b1), Nancy(2b2), John(2b3), Isaac(2b4) and Permilia Johnson(2b5) and all the remaining part of my estate I give to be equally divided between my above mentioned six children except hundred shillings that I gave to my daughter Mary Woods(2b6) to them and their heirs forever And Lastly I nominate and appoint John Knight and David H. Williams my whole and sole executors to this my last will and Testament. Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 7th Day of December, 1812. Witness; Joshua Johnson(2a), Samuel Jordan, Susanna (her X mark) Lester, Kiturah (his X mark) Lester John (his X mark) Johnson(2b) At a Court held for Lunenburg County, the 16 day of January, 1813 this will was presented in Court by John Knight and David H. Williams the Executors therein named and the same was proved by the oaths of three of the witnesses thereto obtained and ordered to be recorded and on the motion of the said Executors who made oath thereto and entered unto and acknowledged bond with approved security condition as according to Law certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate of the said will in due form. Test: William Taylor Cl. Here John(2b) names his wife and his children. I don't know if they are listed in their birth order, but it would appear so with the possible exception of Mary Woods(2b6)! We find a marriage record in Lunenburg of a Thomas Wood(2b6H) to Mary Johnson(2b6) on Jan 27, 1812. Also, there is a marriage record in the same county of John Johnson(2b3) to Irene Lester(2b3W) on Oct 9, 1806 with a surety bond by Edmond Lester. Notice the witness to John(2b)'s will above! As mentioned before, Isaac Johnson(1b), shortly after his father's death in 1761, bought a farm then in Lunenburg County, later to be in Mecklenburg County located on Steth's Creek! Isaac(1b)'s will is recorded in will book 8, page 257, of Mecklenburg County!.... In the name of God, Amen. Isaac Johnson(1b) of Mecklenburg County, being of sound mind and disposing memory (for which I thank God), calling to mind the uncertainty of human life and as for such worldly Estate as it has pleased God to bless me with being desirous to dispose of, do make my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say after my just debts and funeral expenses are all honestly paid, I give the same in manner and form following. Item: I lend unto my beloved wife Rebekah Johnson(1bW2) part of the tract of land I now live on, including the houses being on John Simmons line at the mouth of meeting house spring branch, thence up the said branch to the head thence a new (chop?) line to Steth's Creek at the mouth of a small branch entering in the said creek thence up the branch to Jabey Northington's line, four Negro boys Edmond, Sam, Dick, and George, one Desk, one pine chest, two beds and furniture, six head of sheep first choice, two cows and calves first choice, two sows and pigs, one loom and gear, six sitting chairs, two woolen wheels wheats, two pair of cards, one iron pot, one black walnut table, two choice horses to her for and during her natural life and at her death I give the same to my grandsons Joseph Arnold(1b1a) & Isaac Arnold(1b1b) to them and their heirs forever. Also I give unto my beloved wife Rebekah Johnson(1bW2) one side saddle and bridle, one Negro girl named Polly with all her increase from the date of this my last will and testament to her and her heirs forever, also a reasonable support for the present year out of what is laid in for consumption. Item: I give unto my grandson Joseph Arnold(1b1a) one Negro woman by the name of Milley with all her increase from the date of this my last will and testament, one Negro girl by the name of Dolly to him and his heirs forever. Item: I give unto my grandson Isaac Arnold(1b1b) one Negro woman by the name of Jinny with all her increase from the date of this my last will and testament to him and his heirs forever. Item: I give unto my two grandsons, Joseph Arnold(1b1a) and Isaac Arnold(1b1b), all the rest of my estate both real and personal that I have not willed away to be equally divided between them to them and their heirs forever. Lastly, I constitute and appoint my two grandsons Joseph Arnold(1b1a) and Isaac Arnold(1b1b) Executors to this my last will and testament revoking and disannulling all other wills and bequeaths hereto made by me. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 21st January 1815. Witnesses: Jones Gee, James Nash, and Wyatt Harper. Isaac Johnson(1b) No record is found of an earlier marriage, but there is marriage record of Isaac Johnson(1b) to Rebekah Bowen(1bW2) on Jan 30, 1802 in Mecklenburg County with Littleberry Bowen as surety! Notice, here in the will, that Isaac(1b) does not name any of his children, but a marriage record is found in Mecklenburg County of him giving surety for the marriage of Jane Johnson(1b1) to Joseph Moon(1b1H) on Jan 24 , 1787! Also, I could not find record of the parents of the two grandsons.! The meeting house Isaac(1b) mentions here has been discussed earlier in this report. Now, the very next year an agreement was reached on dividing the above estate, deed book 17, page 581. ..An Agreement made and entered into the 24th Nov 1818 between Joseph Arnold(1b1a) & Isaac Arnold(1b1b) of Mecklenburg Co., VA, & James Briggs & his wife Rebekah(1bW2) of the County of Orange, State of NC., the said Rebekah(1bW2) formerly the wife of Isaac Johnson, deceased. The decedent by his last Will and Testament loaned the said Rebekah(1bW2) (who the said James Briggs has lately intermarried with) certain property during her natural life, viz, namely four Negroes, Edmund, Sam, Dick, and George, and part of her land together with stock, household & kitchen furniture, which is expressed in decedent's last Will and Testament, the above named property the said deceased devised to the said Joseph and Isaac Arnolds at the death of the said Rebekah(1bW2) and the above named parties do agree to divide the said property in manner and form following, viz, the land to be divided in three parts, Joseph Arnold(1b1a) one third, Isaac Arnold(1b1b) one third, and James Briggs & wife one third, and the said property is to be appraised, and the said Briggs & wife is to (secure?) money in ( ? ) of the land, add valuation, also the Negroes and other property above mentioned, Joseph(1b1a) and Isaac Arnold(1b1b) to have one half and James Briggs & wife the other half, and the said Briggs & wife do relinquish all right, title, and claim that they the said Briggs & wife, has in said land and other property mentioned above, to Joseph(1b1a) and Isaac Arnold(1b1b) mentioned above. Also, Joseph(1b1a) and Isaac Arnold(1b1b) relinquish all right, title, and claims that we have or may have hereafter by the last Will and Testament of the said decedent to James Briggs & Wife, to them and their heirs forever, agreeable to the above mentioned decedent. In witness whereof we the parties have hereunto set our hands & Seal the day and date above written. Witnesses: Robert Bridgeforth, Jones Gee, (Ward?) Jones, Richard (T?) (Benford?), John (Briggs?) (Signed) Joseph Arnold(1b1a), Isaac Arnold(1b1b), James Briggs, Rebekah Briggs. Recorded 18 Jan. 1819. It's plain here that Rebekah(1bW2) has married James Briggs, however I could find no record of this marriage. The last family mentioned in this report is that of Joshua Johnson(2a). His will is found recorded in Lunenburg County on March 23, 1826, will book 9, page 21. In the name of God Amen, I Joshua Johnson(2a) of Lunenburg County, Virginia do make this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and making void all older(?), In the manner and form following; To wit, After my decease I wish all my just debts and funeral expense to be paid out of the money due me, I then give to my Son John Johnson(2a1) the sum of (blur) shillings, to him and his heirs forever. Also I give to my daughter Sally Jordan(2a2) five feather beds and furniture which is now in her possession with my horse Gigg and harness and the balance of my property not alluding to the money which may be due me at my decease, to her and her heirs forever. It is my will that the balance of the money remaining due my Estate shall lie in the hands of the debtors eighteen months after my decease then be collected and divided into nine equal parts. To wit, I give to my sons Cornelius Johnston(2a3), Samuel Johnston(2a4), Benjamin Johnston(2a5), Thomas Johnston(2a6), Joshua Johnston(2a7) with my daughter Sally Jordan(2a2) to each one ninth part of said money which may be due my Estate, also one ninth part to be equally divided between my son Michael Johnson(2a8)'s two daughters, namely Nancy T. Pewett(2a81) and Kezia F. Burton(2a82), also I give to the children of my son Stephen Johnston(2a9) the other ninth part of the said money to them and their heirs forever, and lastly I nominate and appoint my son Samuel Johnston(2a4) my executor to this my last will and testament as above revoking all others. Witness my hand ans seal this 23 day of March, 1826. Wit; Champ C. M. Moon, H. Marable. Joshua Johnston(2a), Sr. (Seal) In Lunenburg Court the 10th Day of July 1826 the within written last Will and testament of Joshua Johnson(2), Sr was presented in Court and the same was proved by the oaths of the witness thereto subscribed and ordered to be recorded. Test: Wm' H. Taylor Cl. Johsua(2a) certainly had a large family, eight sons and one daughter! He also did not mention his wife's name indicating that she may not be living! The interesting thing here is that Stephen(2a9) and Michael(2a8) could be dead. There are marriage records in Lunenburg County for Cornelius Johnson(2a3) and Ritter Townsend(2a3W) on Oct 12 1806, and for Banister Jordan(2a2H) and Sally Johnson(2a2) on July 9, 1806, and then Samuel Johnson(2a4) and Sally Smithson(2a4W) on April 12, 1812 and of Nancy T. Johnson(2a8a) to Robert Pewett(2a8aH) on June 18, 1823, also a marriage record of Josiah L. Burton(2a8bH) and Keziah Johnson(2a8b) on Feb 24, 1825. In Charlotte County, VA. a marriage record is found of Joshua Johnson(2a7) and Jane Pearson(2a7W) on December 7, 1811. Another thing found here in Johsua(2a)'s will is his repeated reference to money perhaps owed him, indicating there may have had some sort of business that gave him an income. It would be interesting to find out! This concludes this report on a very interesting branch of the Johnson family! It should be noted that very few of this family remained in Southside Virginia. Some moved to the Carolinas, others to Tennessee, Georgia and Kentucky. All doing their part to build these United States!