Jacob Johnson and Mary Elizabeth Edwards Life History

Jacob Johnson and Mary Elizabeth Edwards Pioneer History

2009-06-18T16:30:00.000-07:00

Compiled by Andrea Lee Conley

Jacob Johnson was born 24 March 1877 in Morristown, Morris, New Jersey to Jacob Johnson and Anne Vail. He married Mary Elizabeth Edwards born 6 February 1780 in Essex, Essex, New Jersey, daughter of John Edwards and Elizabeth about 1802 in Morristown, New Jersey and had thirteen children, living there until 1823.

1824 February 27 son Mahlon Johnson married Mary Ann Walker in Winchester, Randolph, Indiana.

1829 April 9 daughter Matilda Louise Johnson married Thomas Lusk LaFlesh in Winchester, Randolph, Indiana.

1830 Census John and Mary Johnson in White River Township, Randolph County, Indiana 00101001-1110001

1831 July-August- living in Winchester, Randolph County, Indiana when Zebedee Coltrin and Levi Hancock arrived to preach the gospel. (Levi Hancock Journal) The missionaries encouraged them to gather to Missouri instead of Kirtland, Ohio with Father Johnson leading the way.

1833 Driven from Jackson County, Missouri to Clay County, Missouri

1835 October 24 daughter Jane Vail Johnson married Francis Lee in Liberty, Clay County, Missouri

1838 March 26 son Jacob Henry Johnson married Nancy Snyder at Far West, Caldwell Co, Missouri.

1839 May 9th Quincy, Illinois Mormon Redress Petitions: “An account against the state of Missouri for debt and damage Sustained in Consequence of the Exterminating Order—I was driven from Jackson County to Clay in the year 1833 –for my improvement $50.00, Wagon & Crop $50.00. Driven from Caldwell 1839 Loss on Land $200.00, Damage and removal $50.00. Total $350.00 I certify the above to be a Just & true according to the best of my Knowledge.” Signed Jacob Johnson Sworn to before C.M. Woods, C.C.C. Adams Co, Il, 9 May 1839.

1840 Census Hancock County, Illinois 000010001-1010101.

1841 Jacob Johnson performs baptisms vicariously for forty-three deceased relatives in Mississippi River Nauvoo, Illinois.

1842 Nauvoo census lists Jacob Johnson, Mary, Juliet Johnson 1st Ward.

1842 September 4 Jacob Johnson Received into High Priest Quorum in Nauvoo.

1848 Jacob Johnson dies and is buried in Randolph County, Indiana in Union City Cemetery.

1850 Census Jacob Johnson not listed, but Mary Johnson is with son Jacob H. Johnson in White River Township, Randolph, Indiana.

1859 June 25 Mary Johnson dies in Logansport, Cass county, Indiana and is buried in Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Logansport Lot 4, row 7, space 4. Her son Edward Johnson and wife Matilda later are buried beside her. Pictures taken by Jennie Lee in 1960 the church, which later burns down, leaving just the cemetery.

Son Mahlon Johnson born 2 August 1803 in Morristown, Morris, New Jersey marries Mary Ann Walker in Winchester, Randolph County, Indiana. They move to Missouri with the Saints with land in Section 2, Caldwell County, surrounded by her father Oliver Walker’s property three miles from Haun’s Mill.

Mormon Redress Petitions 9 May 1839 Adams County, Illinois, and 13 January 1840 Madison County, Illinois. “I the undersigned do by these present Represent You My Losses and Suffering in the State of Missouri in the Year 1838 by the hands of a mob who pillaged and destroyed my Goods, and Chattels, and drove me and my family from Lands Which I had Entered in that State. And previous To this was driven from Jackson Co my Crop Taken my house Burned &c. 1833. Also was shot at in my Own house by the Mob and was forsed into Clay county and then from Clay into Caldwell Co. and from thence To Illinois. This may certify that—I was at Hauns Mill and one of those who was attacked By A Company of Two Hundred and Sixty Men under the Command of Arthur Cumstock, who fell upon us who were 36 in No. and killed and wounded 31 of the Company 23 of which are Dead, Then plundered Houses and Drove away Horses Waggons &c Loaded with Goods And this may Certify that the Losses which I sustained To be no Less than Two Thousand Dollars” signed Mahlon Johnson.

1840 Census Upper Alton, Madison County, Illinois. Mahlon and Mary Ann Johnson Endowments 6 February 1846 in the Nauvoo Temple, Illinois. 1850 Census Jo Davies County, Illinois. Mahlon Johnson died about 1858 at Galena, Jo Daviess County, Illinois. Mary Ann Johnson and children were found in Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa 1860 and 1870 Census. There were 11 children: William W Johnson, Angeline Johnson, Nancy Johnson, Elijah Johnson, Mary Jane Johnson , Sarah Ann Johnson, Jacob Henry Johnson, Mahlon Johnson, Joseph Johnson, John E Johnson, and Dionitia Johnson.

Son Noah Vail Johnson born 12 October 1804 in Morristown, Morris County, New Jersey, married Catherine Burkett born 4 December 1810 in Fairfield County, Ohio, daughter of George Burkett and Sarah Jane Smith, 18 June 1829 in Randolph County, Indiana.

They had four children: Elizabeth Johnson born 1823 in Illinois, married Jesse Mason 22 April 1849 in Pottawattamie, Iowa. Mary Jane Johnson. George Jacob Johnson born 1831 who married Martha Elizabeth Mason 12 October 1853, and Maria Louisa Gilbreath 23 September 1860 in Denison, Crawford County, Iowa, and died 31 March 1882 near Lamoni, Decatur, Iowa. Noah V Johnson born 22 October 1833 in Clay County, Missouri a month before mobs destroyed their home 2 November 1833 . He married Sarah Jane Mason, born 24 June 1835, in Masons Grove, Crawford, Iowa on 12 October 1853. They had twelve children. Noah V Johnson died 31 March 1912 in Milford, Crawford, Iowa. His wife Sarah Jane Mason was baptized Reorganized Church 31 October 1885 and died 1918.

Noah Johnson was a victim of cholera when Zion’s Camp came through his area 24 June 1834. He was buried on the banks of Rush Creek and later his remains were moved to Mound Grove Cemetery in Independence, Missouri in 1976.

Catherine Burkett Johnson remarried to Levi Lewis Skinner, son of Aaron Skinner and Hannah Humphrey born 27 October 1819 in Beaver Dam Township, Lincoln, Ontario and died 17 February 1866 in Masons Grove, Crawford, Iowa age 47 after a long illness. He lived Block 6 in Nauvoo and Block 14 in Commerce, was a Nauvoo taxpayer in 1844, and she had four more children: Joseph Alma Skinner born 1840 Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois, and dying 11 January 1865 in Chattanooga, Hamilton, Tennessee; Sarah Elizabeth Skinner born 9 December 1844 in Madison Island, Hancock, Illinois, and dying 16 February 1928 in St Anthony, Fremont, Idaho; Hannah Miria Skinner born 1846 in Madison Islalnd, Hancock, Illinois and dying 21 April 1912 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, Iowa., and Eleanor Skinner born 2 December 1848 at Madison Island, Hancock, Illinois. Levi was a Seventy in Nauvoo.

Catherine and Levi Skinner endowed in the Nauvoo Temple 29 January 1846. Catherine died before 1 October 1849, when Levi Johnson remarried to Sarah A Davis at Allreds Camp, Pottawattamie County, Iowa. 1840 Census Hancock County, Illinois Levi Skinner 12101-0101 next door to George Burkett 00000001-001221001, and John Taylor 21-00001. 1850 Census Pottawattamie County, Iowa Levi L Skinner 31, Sarah 39, Jas Mowery 21, Margaret Mowery 15, Elizabeth Mowery 13, Caleb Mowery 11, Joseph Skinner 10, Sarah Skinner 7, Mary Mowery 7, Martha Mowery 7, Hannah Mowery 5, and Hannah Horr 13.

Zion's Camp Monument About sixty-eight Latter Day Saints contracted cholera while a church relief expedition from Ohio, known as Zion's Camp, was encamped in Burket's field near what was then the home of Algernon Sidney Gilbert. It was about two miles east and south of Liberty, Clay County, Missouri. Fourteen adults and one child died of cholera there. They were: John S. Carter, Alfred Fisk, Algernon Sidney Gilbert, Seth Hitchcock, Warren Ingalls, Edward Ives, Noah Johnson, Jesse B. Lawson, Robert McCord, Phebe Murdock (a child), Betsy Parrish, Erastus Rudd, Jesse J. Smith, Elial Strong, and Eber Wilcox.

Some of their remains are now in Mound Grove Cemetery. The Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation approved an exciting project in May. The realization of this long overdue monument project is a result of a collaborative effort by MMFF with valuable assistance from Mound Grove Cemetery, Johnson and Sons Monument Company, the RLDS Church, the LDS Church and numerous interested individuals. A marker dedication ceremony is planned for Saturday morning, 10:00 a.m., 11 October 1997, in Mound Grove Cemetery, 1818 North River Blvd., Independence, Missouri. Historian Max Parkin has accepted our invitation to be the featured speaker. Plan to be there. The commemoration program will include a tribute/eulogy to Zion's Camp and the cholera victims, followed by the unveiling of the new monument and wreath laying. The new monument will be in remembrance of those Latter Day Saints who lost their lives to cholera while at Zion's Camp near Liberty, Missouri during the summer of 1834.
The Story of Zion's Camp and Victims of the Cholera On 23 June 1834, the Latter Day Saint relief expedition known as Zion's Camp, resumed its march for Liberty, Clay County, Missouri. Approaching from the northeast they followed a circuitous course around the heads of Fishing River, to avoid the deep water. When within five or six miles of Liberty, the party was met by General Atchison and others, advising that the citizens of Liberty were much enraged. In response to this solicitation, the party turned its course, wheeling to the left, and crossing the prairie and woodland, where they arrived at Brother Algernon Sidney Gilbert's residence and camped on the bank of Rush Creek, in Brother Burket's field. In 1834, George Burket and A. S. Gilbert apparently were living on or renting property owned by a resident of Clay County named Peter Estes. [Parkin, LDS in Clay County, MO, 173]

Upon establishment of their camp near Algernon S. Gilbert's home, two miles east and south of Liberty, Missouri, relief supplies, and perhaps some money and limited foodstuffs brought from Ohio by the camp were distributed to destitute Clay County church members. Cholera broke out in the camp during the night of 24 June 1834. Charles C. Rich, officer of the camp guard, was concerned about being attacked by enemies during the night. Though there was no attack, Rich recalled, some of the brethren on guard were seized with the cholera and dropped as if they had been shot. [C. C. Rich Journal, cited in Parkin, 167] Early on the morning of the 25th, the camp was separated into small bands, and dispersed among the brethren living in the vicinity. [HOC, 2:114]

John Murdock wrote, the symptoms of the cholera increased and raiged [sic] on Wednesday 25 June. Moses Martin also recorded the event saying, twelve of our men were taken sick with a disorder similar to cholera, but none have died yet. [Martin Diary] The sickness worsened and the afflicted were treated at the homes of both Burket and Gilbert. According to George A. Smith's journal, On June 25, [on account of sickness] most of the Camp dispersed to different parts of the county among the brethren. Dr. F. G. Williams, my cousin Jesse J. Smith and myself went to stay with Brother Gilbert. Most of the sick remained at Brother Burkets. That afternoon John S. Carter, Seth Hitchcock, Erastus Rudd, and Eber Wilcox died. George A Smith recalled, Thursday June 26, a message came from Brother Burkets' that Elder John S. Carter was dead. I was dispatched about a half a mile to procure his measure. I cut a hazel stick 7 feet long and went to the room and found that brother Seth Hitchcock was also dead; they appeared as if they had been dead a week. I got their measures and returned as fast as I could to Brother Gilbert's and found Elder Rudd also dead. On seeing the decomposed state of the bodies, the idea of procuring coffins was immediately abandoned. Avery Smith and myself dug a grave... we rolled Brother Rudd in his blanket, covered him with leaves and bushes and then replaced the earth.
That night other bodies were carried on a horse-sled to the bank of a small stream which empties into Rush Creek. Graves were dug in the dark, under torch light, to keep the fact of the presence of cholera from the knowledge of the inhabitants, and thus prevent, if possible, unnecessary excitement and trouble. [Lyman Littlefield, Reminiscences of Latter-day Saints, 30] George A. Smith wrote, [After also becoming sick] I went home with Hyrum Page who placed me under the care of his mother, an aged widow of three score, who nursed be a few days with a motherly care, and my strength and health gradually recovered. A. S. Gilbert became sick as well and died on 29 June. Following Gilbert's death John Murdock learned that his daughter, Phebe, who resided with the Gilberts, was also ill. Murdock recalled, I immediately went and took care of her till July 6th, when the spirit left the body just at the break of day. She was 6 years, 3 months, and 29 days old. Two young brothers, viz, Reed Peck and Henry Rollins, assisted me and we buried her by [a] little after sunrise in the morning. She was decently laid out and they dug a grave and we layed [sic] two split shakes in the bottom and one on each side. We layed in some straw and lay the corps on it. They lay two stiks [sic] across and two shakes on them and that was her coffin and we covered it over. [John Murdock Journal]

The camp was officially discharged on 30 June 1834. Each participant received a notice certifying honorable service, and received a portion of the remaining funds from the Paymaster, amounting to $1.16 each. Though everyone was disappointed in the outcome, and a few disgruntled, most were happy to be returning home. [Launius, 153] Because of the cholera, groups of men began leaving immediately, but before all left Joseph organized a high council, consisting of twelve high priests, to provide spiritual and economic leadership for the Missouri church. David Whitmer was elected president of the council, with W. W. Phelps and John Whitmer as his counselors.

In all, about sixty-eight church members contracted cholera of whom fourteen adults, and one child died, viz.: John S. Carter, Seth Hitchcock, Erastus Rudd [HOC, 2:115], Eber Wilcox [Kimball Journal], all on 25 June 1834; Alfred Fisk, Edward Ives, Noah Johnson, Jese B. Lawson, Robert McCord, Elial Strong, Warren Ingalls, Betsy Parrish, 26 June 1834 [Kimball Journal]; Algernon Sidney Gilbert, 29 June 1834, [HOC, 2:118]; Jesse J. Smith [HOC, 2:120], 1 July 1834; and Phebe Murdock, child, 6 July 1834, [Parkin].

In early June 1958, a cattle rancher, Boyd W. Parks, discovered a human skull unearthed by his feeder cattle near Liberty, Missouri. On 17 June 1958, two Clay County deputies uncovered two more skulls and additional bones at the site. [KC Times, 17 June 1958] The excavation was located in the SE 1/4 of Section 9, Township 51, Range 31, immediately behind Mr. Parks' outbuildings, on the bank of an intermittent tributary which empties into Rush Creek, some 75 yards to the west.

J. Mette Shippe, a field archaeologist with the University of Missouri at Columbia, who was present, took the bones to the University of Missouri for identification. Archaeologist F. G. Spiers, reported their findings, The largest of the skeletons analyzed C designated by the report as No. 1 C had a bad tooth at the time of his death. He probably was about 55 years old. And he was left handed. He was a Caucasian, but some of his ancestors may have been Indians....was also stooped or bowlegged.... No. 2 was a woman, probably between 25 and 35....She was Caucasian. [KC Times, 17 January 1959]

RLDS member, Vivian W. Graybill learned of the skeletons in the fall of 1962 and led efforts which eventually identified them as Latter Day Saint participants in Zion's Camp. As a result of his exertions, the bones were turned over to the RLDS Mound Grove Cemetery, in Independence, Missouri, for reburial. The bones of three of the cholera victims were re-interred on 25 March 1976 at the expense of Mound Grove Cemetery in Lot 6, Black 12, Grave 7. The Cemetery Management Board subsequently asked the RLDS Church to reimburse the cost of the burial plus provide a suitable marker on the site. This request was turned down and eventually a modest marker was placed, mistakenly on Lot 23, Block 12, Grave 7. This marker read: Skeletal Remains Reported as Members of Zion's Camp Internment [sic] 1976. Mound Grove General Manager William Bruch discovered the mistake and the marker was moved to the correct grave site 11 November 1994. Bruch met with the MMFF Board on 8 April 1997 to urge the erection of a more suitable marker to commemorate these deaths associated with Zion's Camp, near Liberty, Clay County, Missouri in 1834. It did not take much urging and in May 1997 MMFF adopted this project. Zion’s Camp Newsletter #14 Jackson County, Missouri Summer 1997.

Son Francis D. Johnson born 15 May 1807 Morristown, Morris, New Jersey married Margaret Chappell or Shappell, possibly the daughter of Michael Chappell. 1840 Census Lagro, Wabash, Indiana Francis D Johnson 100001-10001 near Michael Chappell. 1850 Census Lagro, Wabash, Indiana Francis D Johnson 44 Teamster, Margaret 39, Mary E 12, Theodore 7, Stephen D 5. 1860 Census Pleasant Grove, Marion, Iowa Francis D Johnson 53 farmer, Margaret 40, Mary E 22, Theodore J 17, and Stephen D 16. Michael Shappall 85, and Liddy 74 next door. 1870 Census Lincoln, Clark, Missouri Francis D Johnson 63 laborer. 1880 Census, Francis Johnson 73 is with son S D Johnson 30, Cinderella 25, Luella 8, Adella 5, Lenna T 5M, Margaret Covey 48 MotherL in Folker, Clark, Missouri. Frances Johnson dies 6 Feb 1883. Margaret dies 1860/1870.

They have three children. Mary E Johnson born 1838 Indiana. Theodore J Johnson born 1842 in Indiana, found on 1870 Census Swan Township, Marion County, Iowa, marries 4 July 1875 in Warren County, Iowa Lydia J Gibbons born 1856 of Belmont County Ohio and has at least 2 children Frank D Johnson born 8 May 1876-Warren County, Indiana, and dies 1965 in Delaware County, Iowa and Maggie G Johnson born 1878 Warren County, Iowa. Stephen D Johnson born 1844 in Indiana, marries about 1871 Cinderella born 1855 Indiana, with Luella Johnson born 1872 Missouri, Adella Johnson born 1875 Missouri, and Lenna T Johnson born 1879 Missouri.

Son Edward Johnson born 10 February 1809 in Vermont, married Matilda Archer 15 December 1833 in Cass County, Indiana, and died 2 September 1890 in Clay Township, Cass County, Indiana. Matilda was born 9 April 1811 in Clinton County, Ohio the daughter of James Archer and Achsa Clevenger, and died 27 August 1890 in Clay Township, Cass, Indiana. Edward and Matilda Johnson are found in records in Clay Township, Cass County, Indiana for over forty years, and are both buried in Bethel Cemetery there.

1850 Census, Clay Township, Cass County, Indiana Edward Johnson 41, Matilda 38, Anthony 15, Jane 14, Mahalia 12, Amanda 7, William 5, Thomas 3, and Susan 1. 1860 Census Clay Township, Cass County, Indiana Edward Johnson 51, Matilda 48, Anthony S 25, Mary J 24, Mahaly 23, William H 15, Amanda 18, Thomas 13, Susan D 9, Ellen 6, Matilda A 4. 1870 Census Clay Township, Cass County, Indiana Edward Johnson 61, Matilda 58, Amanda 27, William H 25, Thomas 23, Susan B 21, Ellen 16, Matilda A 14. 1880 Census Clay Township, Cass, Indiana Edward Johnson 71 farmer, Matilda 69, Ammanda 37, Ellen 26, Alice 24. Edward always lists his birthplace as Vermont.

They have eleven children. Anthony Smith Johnson born 2 October 1834 Logansport, Clay Township, Cass, Indiana and dies in Civil war 5 November 1862 at Louisville, Kentucky, buried at home in Bethel Cemetery. Mary Jane Johnson born 10 April 1836 Logansport, Cass, Indiana, married Daniel W Cole, had five children, and died 15 February 1901. Mahala Ann Johnson born 20 March 1838 Logansport, Cass, Indiana, married (1) Dr Bazzells S Clevenger (2) Isaac McDowell. Julyett Johnson born 10 December 1840 Logansport, Cass, Indiana and died 20 October 1842 and buried Bethel Cemetery. Amanda Johnson born 31 July 1843 Logansport, Cass, Indiana married Linus H Kenny 13 August 1896, died 3 April 1923, buried Bethel Cemetery. William Henry Johnson born 17 April 1845 Logansport, Cass, Indiana, married Loretta C Bennett 15 May 1873 in Cass County, Indiana, has five children, died 28 May 1925, buried Spring Creek Cemetery.

Thomas Johnson born 10 January 1847 Logansport, Cass, Indiana, married Amanda Rachel Stallard 11 March 1877 in Cass County, Indiana, died 1919, both buried in Bethel Cemetery. Susan D Johnson born 8 February 1849 Logansport, Cass, Indiana, married Goshen Levi (Lynn) Souders 28 February 1877 in Cass County, Indiana, and had one child. Edward Johnson born 9 May 1851 Logansport, Cass, Indiana and died 22 March 1853. , Ellen or Ellenor Johnson born 29 August 1853 Logansport, Cass, Indiana, married Lafayette Ball 8 January 1891 in Logansport, Cass County, Indiana, died January 1932 near Kewans, Fulton, Indiana, both buried Bethel Cemetery. Matilda Alice Johnson born 28 August 1855 Logansport, Cass, Indiana, married Joseph Stoughton 30 November 1880 in Cass County, Indiana, had 4 children, died 13 February 1907, both buried in Bethel Cemetery. Edward, Matilda, and Julyett are buried Lot 4 Row 7 Spaces 1,2,3 Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Logansport, Indiana next to his mother Mary Johnson.

Daughter Matilda Louise Johnson was born 9 October 1811 at Morristown, Morris, New Jersey and married Thomas Lusk LaFlesh 9 April 1830. They are found 1830 Census Winchester, White River Township, Randolph County, Indiana, 1840 Census City of Madison, Jefferson County, Indiana, 1860 Census Franklin, Randolph County, Indiana, and on the 1880 Census Matilda is with her sister Jane’s family in Panaca, Lincoln County, Nevada where she dies in February, 1890. Thomas dies before 1880. Their children are: Mary Janette LaFlesh, Francis Henry LaFlesh, Jane Vail LaFlesh, Isaac LaFlesh, Annie Elizabeth LaFlesh, Thomas N LaFlesh, Nancy Almira LaFlesh, Peter LaFlesh, Martha Glass LaFlesh, Margaret Matilda LaFlesh or Attillia or Tille, and Sarah Louise LaFlesh who traveled with her mother to Utah, married Arthur Orson Lee 3 June 1874 in Panaca, Nevada.

Daughter Jane Vail Johnson born 30 September 1815 in Morristown, Morris County, New Jersey, married Francis Lee 24 October 1935 at Liberty, Jackson County, Missouri. Jane and Francis are mentioned in early Mormon records in Nauvoo where they had property on Block 27 next to her father. Jane is in Women of the Nauvoo Relief Society 27 May 1842.

Endowments Nauvoo Temple 22 January 1846. Arrival as pioneers to Salt Lake City, Utah 17 Sep 1850.

Jane Vail Johnson came from a home of wealth and education. She joined the LDS church when only fifteen years old and with her parents pioneered through Indiana and Missouri where she married Francis Lee, a young man she had met at her home in Indiana and they continued Pioneer life together. She and Francis lived in wagons, under wagon covers, in log and adobe houses and tens because they were with the Mormons through all the triumph of building towns and the persecutions of being driven from Illinois and Missouri, (her fifth child was born in Nauvoo one month before the Prophet Joseph was martyred, her seventh died of cholera on the plains.)

Francis and Jane were some of those appointed to stay behind for two years to grow crops and animals for the saints going west. The Lee Family arrived in Salt Lake City in 1850. With little more than a pause in their three month journey, they plodded on to Tooele to join the rest of the Lees who had been sent there. For eleven years they planted and built, then Brigham Young called them to move to Dixie. They left all they had worked for. In Dixie the Saints went through a terrible flood, then a drought. In an effort to find feed for their animals, they discovered Meadow Valley (Panaca, Nevada) and moved there about 1864. Again Jane and Francis built a home and for two years the family prospered. One day a neighbor found Francis sitting on the bank of an irrigation ditch dead “inflammation of the lungs.” The vigorous, resourceful lady turned her home into the only hotel in the area, where she did a good business serving California travelers and miners. (Daughters of Utah Pioneers p.1756)

The Panaca settlers had so much difficulty with the Indians that the Church authorities gave them permission to abandon the project. Typical of the pluck of these indomitable pioneers, however, was Jane Vail Johnson Lee, who said she was in Panaca to stay and refused to leave. One day two Indians came into her dugout home, and one of them spotted a rifle in the corner of the room. He demanded it, but Jane refused to give it to him. When he started for the gun, she struck him so hard with a piece of stove wood that it knocked him down. He staggered to his feet and drew his bow, attempting to aim an arrow at her. She used another piece of wood in defense, which smashed the Indian’s bow and arrow. He and his companion fled for their lives. Francis Lee died in Panaca 17 June 1866. Jane Lee, the great grandmother of President Harold B. Lee died in Panaca, Nevada on July 10, 1875. Their children were William Henry Lee 1836, Electa Jane Lee 1838, Samuel Marion Lee 1839, John Nelson Lee 1841, George Washington Lee 1844, Francis Columbus Lee 1846, Jacob Edward Lee 1848, Mary Eliza Lee 1850, Milton Lafayette Lee 1853, Arthur Orson Lee 1856, and Louisa Juliette Lee 1859.

Son Jacob Henry Johnson born 30 August 1817 in Randolph ounty, Indiana, married Nancy Snyder 26 March 1838 at Far West, Caldwell County, Missouri. Nancy was born 23 May 1818 in Yonkers, Westchester, New York to Cornelius and Rebecca Snyder.

May 9th, 1839 Quincy Illinois an Account against the State of Missouri for debt and damage Sustained in Consequence of the Exterminating Order—Damage & Removal $100. I certify the above to be a Just and true account according to the best of my Knowledge. Signed with an X Jacob H. Johnson. (Sworn before C.M. Woods, C.C.C., Adams Co, Il, 9 may 1839.)

Nancy is found doing baptisms for the dead in 1841 in Nauvoo, also in the Nauvoo Relief Society in 13 May 1842. They shared land in Nauvoo on block 27 Lot 4, E/2. In 1839,1841, and 1843 they are also in McDonough, Illinois, in 1846 in Wabash, Indiana, in 1848-55 in Randolph County, Indiana. 1850 Census Randolph County, Indiana Jacob H Johnson 35, Nancy 32, Margaret 11, Amsey C 9, William E 7, George F 5, Alva C 2, and John E 2/12, Noah 80, Mary 66. 1858 in Mason, Ingham, Michigan. 1860 Census Meridian, Ingham, Michigan J H Johnson 48, Nancy 37, Amzy 18, Wm 16, George 14, Alvah 12, John C 10, Isbel 5, and J M 1. 1870 Census Otrantro, Mitchell, Iowa, Jacob Johnson 54, Nancy 55, William 26, George 24, Alva 23, Belle 15, and James 11. 1880 Census in Oak Smith, Kansas and Fairview, Caldwell County, Missouri Jacob H Johnson 62, Nancy A 62, and Thomas 13.

Jacob Henry Johnson dies 24 November 1891 and is buried Mt. Hope Cemetery, Prescott, Adams, Iowa (near Council Bluffs.) Nancy Johnson dies 21 March 1889 Lebanon, Smith, Kansas and is buried in the Price Cemetery, Lebanon, Smith, Kansas.

Their children are Margaret Matilda Johnson born 30 October 1839 in McDonough, Illinois, married A W Spencer 15 March 1860, and died about 1889. Amasa or Amsy Cariers Johnson born 27 October 1841 in McDonough County, Illinois, married Sarah Ann Mack 23 October 1864 in Williamston, Ingham County, Michigan, had seven children and died 28 February 1908/9 in Spokane,, Washington. William Edward Johnson born 13 April 1843 in McDonough, Illinois. George Francis Johnson born 10 February 1846 in Wabash, Indiana, married Mary Jane Hills September 1872, and died about 1924. Alva Carter Johnson born 12 January 1848 in Randolph County, Indiana, married Elizabeth Ballard 27 March 1873, and died 30 November 1920. John Calvin Johnson born 23 April 1850 in Randolph, Indiana and died 26 October 1928. Emily Adeline Johnson born 11 January 1853 in Randolph, Indiana and died 20 July 1854. Isabella Indiana Johnson born 20 September 1855 in Randolph County, Indiana, married Alvin Henry Cully 18 April 1872, and died 15 December 1933. James Monroe Johnson born 27 September 1858 in Mason, Ingham, Michigan and died in 1935.

Daughter Susannah Johnson born 12 February 1820 in Morristown, Morris, New Jersey and married Lynn Sonders about 1842 in Randolph County, Indiana.

Daughter Julietta Johnson born 3 July 1828 in Randolph County, Indiana marries 29 April 1855 Randolph County, Indiana James M. Keener born 18 October 1817 Knox County, Tennessee to Jonathan and Elizabeth Keener, and dies 12 August 1891 in Farmland, Randolph County, Indiana. Juliette is listed doing baptisms for the dead in 1841 in Nauvoo for her cousins Susan Allwood and Matilda Allwood, great aunt Calura Carter, aunt Matilda Edwards, sister Mary Elizabeth Johnson, cousin Noah Johnson, and Aunt Sarah Johnson. She is also listed among the female Relief Society Women 27 May 1842, has a patriarchal blessing vol 4 p 299, and is a member of the 1st Ward with her parents Jacob and Mary Johnson.

1850 Census White River Township, Randolph County, Indiana James M. Keener Physician 33 born Tennessee, Jonathan Keener 70, and Elizabeth 64, just two houses away from the Johnson family. 1860 Census Farmland, Randolph County, Indiana James M, Keener physician 42 born Tennessee, Juliette 32 born Indiana, and Attillia J Keener 7 born Indiana. Jonathan Keener 80, and Elizabeth 75 are next door. 1870 Census J.M.Keener 53 Doctor Monroe Township, Randolph County, Indiana with Juliette 40 and Matilda 18. 1880 Census for Monroe, Randolph County, Indiana lists James M Keener 62, wife Julietta age 51, and Artilla J age 25.

Jacob Johnson Pioneer History

2009-06-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

THE JOHNSONS’ AMERICAN BEGINNING
By Leona Conger

In this year 1659, a ship sailed from the port of Ravensteyn, Holland, for America. On this ship, which was named Faith, was Jan Woutersen van der Bosh, his wife Adrienne and their daughter. The mother's name has also been listed as Arentie, Arents.

We do not know the exact date this little family landed in America, but he must have been a man of importance and material wealth because he owned much property in New York, Flatbush and Branford, Connecticut. He acquired a lot on what is now William Street, south of Wall Street, New York, This spot is now covered by the Atlantic Building.

It was New Amsterdam when the Johnsons arrived. Peter Stuyvesant was the last Dutch Governor. It was said that he ruled with an iron hand. But the English took New Amsterdam from the Dutch and turned it into New York. Jan was rounded up and is on record as swearing allegiance to King Charles and later to King William.

He held property in News York, Flatbush, Long Island, and Branford Conn. Several children were born and their births registered at Branford. They were later baptized in the Dutch Reformed Church in Flatbush. One of the children was Walter Johnson. He was our first ancestor to use the name of Johnson. Water is the English translation of Wouter which was his father's name. Johnson was for Jan's son. At one time his name appeared on a deed as Wouter Janeson but he preferred Johnson.

Much of Walter's early life was spent in Long Island and Flatbush. He went with his father to New Jersey and there he met the girl who would become his wife. Her name was either Hannah or Johannah. Her father's name was Neheminah Royce. They lived at Hanover. Hannah or Johannah died while still a young wife. She left behind her father, her husband and one child. His name was John. In his will Neheminah Royce bequested some money to his grandson, John Johnson.

John appears to have been raised in Wallingford, Connecticut. He married a New Haven girl, Mary Chatterton. They had six children born in Connecticut. Land records show that John Johnson, Sr. disposed of his Connecticut property sometime before 1722. They must have moved to New Jersey because their last child Alexander is on record as having been born there. The other children were: John b. 1711; Hannah b. 1712; Elisha b. 1714; Moses b. 1716; Keziah b. 1718; and Esther b. 1720. Alexander was born about 1722.

Our direct line is John the first born. He was only around thirteen years old when his father died. As the oldest child of a widowed mother, he assumed the responsibility of the family holdings.

He must have been an energetic youth to carry on the large farms and iron works under his control. He had the iron carried to Elizabethtown on horseback and one of his iron works was near to a mill on Morris Plains owned by Charles Johnson.

John Johnson Jr. was a loyal soldier under the king. His brothers and sisters married and settled near him. John married a Hanover neighbor girl by the name of Abigail Ball. Abigail's father was Caleb Ball. He had a second cousin named Mary Ball. She was the mother of George Washington.

John Jr. and Abigail had a large and interesting family. The Presbyterian Church records show that they renewed their covenants and had their children baptized. Jacob was their sixth child. He was born April 26, 1751. He was the last to marry and, like the other children, was.considered wealthy in land and stock. His father, John Jr. died in April 1776, just a few months before the Declaration of Independence was signed. He was 65 years old. Listed as the cause of death was: Inflammation of the Head.

The Johnson boys all had a talent for leadership and gave valiant service to their country in the war for independence.

Jacob was 26 years old when the Declaration of Independence was signed. No doubt he took part in the agitation against the oppression of King George the III of England and indignantly protested against the treatment of Colonists by the King.

When John Jr. died, he willed the homestead to Jacob who lived there with his wife, Anne Vail. They were married in 1772. Anne was the daughter of a Quaker minister. They had three children: Noah, Mahlon and Jacob. As heir to his father's estate, Jacob was supposed to be in good circumstances, but after his untimely death, his fortune was swept away by dishonest executors.

Records at Renton show that Jacob enlisted in the army. He left his comfortable home, his Quaker wife who hated war, and went forth to fight for freedom. The history of Morris County describes him as a bold rider in Col. Jacob Arnold's Troop of Light Horse Cavalry. History records that his Troop was on duty during the war and these men faced privations, exposure, hunger and finally death.

Jacob's young manhood had been tested to the limit of its endurance. He made his will on the 28th of February in 1780, in which he said, "First of all I devote my soul to God, its rightful owner," and shortly after that he died and was buried among his ancestors. He was 30 years old.

About his funeral was written: "The wagon upon which the coffin rested was an open one, and the coffin was entirely covered with a large flag. Proceeding the wagon rode the minister and doctor, each wearing a white linen scarf across the right shoulder tied in a sash under the left at the waist. This emblem was a mark of great respect to honorable citizens." One of the year books of the American Revolution states: "Jacob Johnson...the first soldier to be buried in Morristown with military honors."

A story while on military duty has been handed down through his descendants. He was an aide to General Washington and much liked by him. Since they were third cousins perhaps there was a special bond.

He was sent by the General on a secret mission to deliver important papers to the South. It was winter. There was a severe storm. The snow drifts were so deep that he and his horse were often completely covered. He struggled for hours through the storm and drifts, never stopping until the message was delivered. He returned and was commended by General Washington for his courage. But the assignment had been hard, the chill had crept into his body. It seemed as if his very bones shook. He wondered if he would ever be warm again. The cold he contracted turned into consumption, the records state, and he went home to die.

Anne's health began to fail and she lived only four years longer than her husband. She saw that her sons went to school. This was Jacob's dying wish, that the boys would go to school until they were at least 14 years of age. Often Anne called the boys to her bedside and with the Reverend Timothy Johnes in attendance, she gave her sons advice and instruction. At one such bedside meeting, she gave her three little boys back to the Lord and the ordinance of baptism was administered by the Reverend Johnes.

Anne died on the 11th of June 1784. She was 31 years old.

The boys lived at home with their Uncle John Vail and his wife who, no doubt, had moved into the home to help care for Anne. After two years they were separated. Noah went to live with a family and learned the blacksmith trade. Mahlon went to live with James Rogers and he became a carpenter.

Jacob went to live on the farm of another uncle and, so far as we know, that is where he grew up. He married Mary Elizabeth Edwards in about 1802. They had 13 children. Jane Vail was the 9th. She is our ancestor. She married Francis Lee the 24th of October 1835.

Jacob Johnson, Jr. died about 1848 and was buried in Union City, Indiana.

Jane Vail Johnson and Francis Lee joined the church in Nauvoo and came West to carve out a new home in the wilderness. They entered Panaca May 6, 1864, and, although Francis only lived for two years, Jane stayed on to put down roots and make a permanent home for her posterity.

It's a long way from Ravensteyn, Holland to Panaca, Nevada. 317 years have gone by. Scores of those with this noble blood have fought and some died for this great land which is choice above all lands. And many will yet take up the title of Liberty and fight for the truth.

This Johnson bequeaths us a noble heritage. From them comes the seed of greatness. We can trace our lineage to Charlemagne. We are connected with royal families of Scotland, England, Normandy and France.

I am the 10th generation from Jan Woutersen Van der Bosh. It's been fun to find out about this noble people. I'm grateful that God chose for me such a great heritage.

Jacob Johnson Patriarchal Blessing

Patriarchal blessing given to Jacob Johnson Jr. Nauvoo, Illinois 28 Feb., 1842, by Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith, on the head of Jacob Johnson Jr., son of Jacob Johnson Sr., and Ann Vail Johnson, born 26 Mar., 1777, Morristown, N.J.
Brother Jacob, I lay my hands upon your head in your declining years, with a blessing that shall commemorate your name from generation to generation and I seal upon you the promise of eternal life and of the second comforter as was spoken of in the testimony of John, which is the greatest of blessings and of riches, even riches of eternity, with the blessings of prosperity and enjoyment, in the Holy Ghost in the remainder of your days, which days shall be still lengthened out to a proper and good old age, for the age of this generation and for the days of your pilgrimage with the blessings of the priesthood and time to bear testimony and to labor in the eleventh hour of your day, that you may receive your penny equal with the first who have bore the burden, notwithstanding there is a reward for you, but if you bear testimony and will warn the people with the power of the priesthood you shall appear as a savior on Mt. Zion which priesthood and dispensation I place on your head. Even a dispensation of the gospel for a blessing in your old age, and I ordain you a high priest in the Holy priesthood in the church of Jesus Christ and to repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ and the endurance of faith on his name to the end, therefore this shall be a blessing unto you. Which you shall see hereafter, for you shall bear testimony without fear at all times and in all places. Let you lose not the blessings and go down to your grave without this honor and lose a blessing that shall be an honor to your name and stars in your crown for as you shall lift up your voice of testimony orally or by letter it shall be attended with prosperity and bring forth fruits to be remembered. The stars in your crown in the mansions of your Father and you shall be blessed with an inheritance according to your lineage, which lineage is in Ephraim in the tribe of Ephraim, for this is the blessing of your salvation and your reward for the integrity of your heart, in whose heart there is no rebellion and the promise of the crown of life to comfort your heart in you old age and you shall go down to your grave in peace, with honor to your heart that is delivered over with the name to be perpetuated by your posterity with honor to the priesthood by promise unto them unto the last generation.

These blessings I seal upon your head even so Amen.
Church Historians Office Vol. 4, page 297.