The Tom and Brenda Parry Family:Information about Colonel John Johnson
Colonel John Johnson (b. February 22, 1826, d. December 09, 1911)
Notes for Colonel John Johnson:Mr. Johnson was well known in the community as a Justice of the Peace. He drew up many deeds for the local residents.He was the son of Joshua Johnson and Nancy Sheetz, daughter of Frederick Sheetz.
John Johnson, age 60, was living with his former son-in-law, Jacob A. Marker, in the 1860 census. His wife, SarahChristian Johnson, and daughter, Elizabeth Johnson Marker were dead.Jacob Marker had remarried Mitt Lake, also known as Minerva.
A John W, Johnson, about the same age as this John died in Hampshire Co. on 15 March, 1875, age 74 yrs. His parents were Thomas and Jane Johnson. He was survived by wife, Ellen. Source: Historical Records 0f Old Fred/Hamp. Co. This is not believed to be the same.
Okey Johnson, s/o William and Catherine (Parker) was born in Hamp. Co. 7 August, 1785 and died 6 Sept 1848,Hamp. Co. He married 1816, Nancy Hollenback, d/o Thomas and Margaret Hollenback, b Hamp. Co. 1789 and died at Patterson's Creek in Sept 1854. Old Fred/Hamps. Co.
On May 20, 1853, Newspaper Abstract,"As some are trying to create the impression that the announcement of Col. John Johnson as a Democrat candidate to represent this county (Hampshire) in the next General Assembly of VA was made solely upon my wish."
Keyser Tribune: FAMILY REUNION
July 2, 1911 at the hospitable home of Col John Johnson, Frankfort W VA, a family reunion was royally entertainedby his daughter, Miss Mary Johnson, in honor of her aged and venerable father, Col Johnson. Those who attended were Mrs J W Johnson and daughter, Pauline, Cumberland Md; Mr and Mrs J B Johnson and children, Morrison, Rebecca, Helen, Margaret and James, Keyser W VA; Mr and Mrs R M Johnson and son John Robt. Frankfort, Mrs R G Wilson and children, Roland, Mildred, Brown, Lee, Rebecca, Mary and John Robt, Frankfort; Miss Mary Johnson, Frankfort; Mrs Eliza Marker, mother of Mrs R M Johnson, Frankfort; Miss Mollie Lake, Newark, Ohio.
All of the children except one son, J W Johnson, and a son-in-law, R G Wilson, were present.
At six o'clock we were invited to the dining room to partake of a bounteous repast. Gathered at the table around the gray haired father and grandfather were the children and thirteen grand children, where, with bowed heads and grateful hearts they listened to the fervent invocation for each and all. Col Johnson is in his 86th year. Thedecorations were green and white
Keyser Tribune, December 15, 1911:COL JOHN JOHNSON
Col John Johnson, one of Mineral County's oldest and most honored citizens, died at his home in Alaska, thiscounty, last Sat morning, Dec 9, 1911 at 12:20 o'clock, aged 86 years. He had been confined to his bed for about three months, of paralysis. He left three sons, John W Johnson, of Cumberland; James B Johnson of Keyser; Robert M Johnson, of Alaska and two daughters, Mrs R G Wilson, of Thomas and Miss Mary at home. His wife died about seven years ago. He has two living sister, Mrs Elizabeth Woodworth of Hancock Md and Miss Margaret, of Alaska.
The funeral services were held at Eusebia Church last Mon forenoon and the body was buried in the cemetery adjoining where sleeps the sacred dust of so many of his kindred.
Col Johnson was a gentleman of the old school. He was born as a gentleman, reared as a gentleman and lived and died as a Christian gentleman. He had been an elder in the Presbyterian church for about thirty years. He hadfrequently been honored by his fellow men by being placed in positions of honor and trust and never betrayed one.For many years he took an active part in politics being a lifelong Democrat. He enriched the world by the life that he lived.E-mail from Dr. Robert Bess, Keyser, WV, November 30, 2000:Col. John Johnson was my great grand father.He married Sarah Rebecca Christian at Stanton two days or so before he signed his statement of allegiance to the US.
He was part of the 7th Virginia Cavalry under Lee.Sarah and John parented many children including James Brownlee Johnson.Sarah's mother's maiden name was "Brownlee".James B. married Sylvia Linn and their middle child of 5 was Margaret, destined to become my mother.The obit is interesting in thet the Civil War status was omitted.Also, there is no reference to the origin of the title "Col".That has remained a mystery to me.The title suddenly appears in the Minutes of the Session of the Eucebia Church with no supporting data.I have heard that he was a surveyor at one time...that may account for it.
Mineral County Court, Keyser Tribune, Oct. 20, 1911: The resignation of John Johnson as Justice of the Peace, in Frankfort district, was accepted.
More About Colonel John Johnson:
Burial: Unknown, Eusebia Presbyterian Church, near Fort Ashby, Mineral Co., WV.
More About Colonel John Johnson and Sarah Rebecca Christian:
Marriage: April 20, 1865, Staunton, Augusta County, VA.
Children of Colonel John Johnson and Sarah Rebecca Christian are:
- +Mary Elizabeth Johnson, b. September 01, 1874, Frederick County, VA, d. date unknown.