Johnston 2

A birth date of 1792 in Warren County, GA for Fleming Hodges has been claimed by several researchers. That would make him too young to have married Patsy c. 1800, not to mention very young to have served as a Colonel in 1812-1815 or a Legislator in 1819-1821. A birth year closer to 1778 would seem likely.

The information available on the Hodges family is extremely muddled and contradictory. Various researchers have apparently confused individuals and generations. What appears below must therefore be considered tentative; although where the material was too confusing or contradictory, it was not included.

Fleming's parents were supposedly William Hodges (c. 1754, Halifax County, VA – 1843) and Elizabeth Kearby. Fleming's younger brother was Col. William Hodges, who was member of the Alabama House of Representatives in 1828-1829.[1]

28 Feb 1799: Samuel and Betsy Johnson [Martha's parents] deeded 300 acres on Redlick Creek to Flemen Hodges for $400. The deed was witnessed by J. J. Kennedy.[2]

1805 Tax List, Warren County, GA (Capt. T. Mullin's District): Fleming Hodge was listed with 1 poll, 4 slaves, and 300 acres on Red Lick adjoining Johnstone. [3] James Baily [married to Martha's younger sister Sarah] was listed just before Fleming and Samuel Johnstone. Also in the same district was Andrew Hodge.

22 Sep 1808: Fleming Hodges served on a jury in Madison County, the area then being part of Mississippi [later Alabama] Territory.[4] He also served on 2 Oct 1810.

7 Sep 1809: Fleming received a patent for 160 acres, identified as NW¼ S25 T3S R2W.[5]

1810: Fleming appeared on the Territorial Census in Madison County, MS Territory.[6]

1811 MS Territorial Census: Fleming Hodges. Also on the list are [brother-in-law] David Bailey and Samuel Johnson.

1812 MS Territorial Census: Fleming Hodge. Also on the list were James Baily and Samuel Johnson.

Jesse Hodges, Samuel Johnston, and David Bailey served in Capt. Fleman Hodges Company, Maj. William Russell's Separate Battalion, TN Volunteer Mounted Gunmen in the War of 1812.[9] This must have been our "Fleman", who reportedly reached the rank of Colonel; but there was also a Pvt. Fleman Hodges serving in Perkins Battalion, 7^th Regimant, MS Militia.[10]

16 Nov 1812: Fleming Hodges, Samuel Johnston, Adam Hope, and William Edminson were appointed appraisers of the Anthony Chambliss estate.[11]

17 Jan 1815: Jonathan B. Robinson versus William Howson and Fleming Hodges.[13]

17 Feb 1815: Fleming was appointed one of the executors of the will of Jesse Hodges and was later referred to as administrator of that estate in Madison County, AL. His fellow executors were Ruth Hodges, James Baily, and Shelton Standifer. Jesse Hodges was the first husband of Martha’s sister Ruth. Letters Testamentary were issued to the executors in May 1815. [14]

March 1815: Green Roper versus Fleming Hodges concerned a note endorsed by Flemon Hodges and given to Thomas Lovell on 9 Apr 1814.

17 Jun 1815: A judgment of $391.56 against Alexander Gilbreath was awarded to Fleming Hodges; the proceeds derived from the auction of town lot #11 in Huntsville.[15]

10 Oct 1815: He sold 62 acres, NW¼ S25 T3S R2W, to Samuel Johnston Senior for $160. The parcel was described as land "on which Samuel Johnston now lives, except reserving free pass-way to, and equal interest in, spring from house I now live in". Witnesses: Skelton Standifer, Asa Hodges, and a third illegible witness.[16]

19 Jan 1816: Fleming purchased slaves from William Howson. The sale was witnessed by [Martha's younger brother] James Johnston and [Fleming's younger brother] William Hodges. This may have actually been a trust deed [mortgage] as William Howson was recorded mortgaging slaves to Fleming on 7 Jul 1820 in Lawrence County. This apparently resulted in a court case filed 10 Apr 1823 which saw Fleming Hodges "of Lawrence county but then of Madison", suing William Howson concerning these slaves.[17]

1816 MS Territorial Census: Flemin Hodge. Also on the list were James Hodge, Jesse and Johnson Hodges, David and James Bailey, and Samuel Johnson.[18]

6 Feb 1818: He took out a patent for 160 acres, SE¼ S34 T4S R3W.[19] This area was or would become Limestone County.

7 Feb 1818: He received two patents, each for 162 acres, the first described as SW¼ S10 T5S R3W; the second as SE ¼ S10 T5S R3W.[20]

14 Feb 1818: Fleming Hodges, Justice of the Peace, performed a marriage.[21]

5 Oct 1818: The sale of two parcels (160 acres, SW¼ S24 T3 R2W, and 62½ acres, the north end of NW¼ S25) from Fleman Hodges to Addison Binford was recorded. Witnesses: A. D. Davie, Thomas Bass, and William Leslie.[24] Addison was a "free man of color".

1820 Census, Lawrence County, AL: 1 white male over 21, 2 under; 1 white female over 21, 4 under; 26 slaves. Lawrence County lies southwest from Limestone and Madison Counties across the Tennessee River.

Patsy was still alive when enumerated on the 1820 Census. She apparently died immediately or not long after the birth of Dorothy in 1822.

14 Apr 1823: Fleming married Martha Looney in Morgan County, AL; although in Howson versus Martha Hodges Pruitt, Martha testified that she married Fleming in 1822. The marriage date may have been April 4.

Fleming reportedly died in 1828, but his executors were "qualified" on 26 Dec 1827.

Eliza Hodges (2 Apr 1803 – 20 Aug 1840; m. 1st Lewis Boalt 9 Aug 1822, m. 2nd Daniel Merrit Hodges 23 Dec 1831)

John Hodges (b. 10 Mar 1810 – 13 Jan 1839; m. Nancy Ann Pruitt 23 Dec 1829)

Fleming had three children by Martha Looney Hodges: William Pope Hodges (died 11 Jan 1847), Martha Hodges (m. T. B. Simmons), and Frances Hodges (died unmarried in 1846). All his other children were Patsy's. Martha Looney Hodges, who was named guardian of her three children, married William Madison Pruitt after Fleming's death.

Oct 1779: James F. Bailey was born.[27] Sarah's sister Millie Johnston married David Bailey, the son of David and Jean Johnston Bailey of Charlotte County, VA, David thus being Millie's first cousin. There's a strong chance that James was part of this widespread Bailey family, but the exact connection is unknown.

There was another James Bailey, a relative of Pierce Bailey, who died in GA in 1830. He must not be confused with our James. The connection to Pierce Bailey, who died in Warren County, GA by 1 Nov 1813, does seem promising, however, since a Joseph Johnston was security for the widow Jennie Bailey.[30] To muddy the waters still further, there was a James and Sarah Bailey, both 51, living in Madison County, AL in 1850. He was born in SC, she in VA. By the age of their son, Addison, we can tell that they lived in SC until at least 1828.

1805 Tax List, Warren Co GA (Capt. T. Mullin's District): James Baily was listed with 1 poll; enumerated next to [Sarah's brother-in-law] Fleming Hodge and [father-in-law] Samuel Johnstone.[31]

The couple must have moved, if only briefly, to TN, as son Samuel was born there on 14 Jan 1809.

1812 MS Territorial Census: James Baily was listed, along with Fleming Hodge, Samuel Johnson.

17 Feb 1813: He purchased land in Madison County, MS Territory.[32] This area would become Madison County, AL.

May 1815: James Baily was named as one of the executors of the will of [Sarah's brother-in-law] Jesse Hodges. Others named were [Jesse’s widow, Sarah’s sister] Ruth Hodges, Shelton Standifer, and Fleming Hodges. During the same session he was appointed one of the appraisers of that estate, along with William East, David Parker, William Bird, and James Titus.[33]

1816 MS Territorial Census: James Bailey was listed, as were David Bailey, Flemin Hodge, and Samuel Johnson.[34]

6 Mar 1816: He was involved in deed with Samuel Johnson and David Bailey.[35] The reference offered no details.

9 Mar 1816: Along with J. Walton and Skelton Standifer, James witnessed a deed from David Bailey to deacons Samuel Johnston and William Bell on Funnel Creek.[36]

May 1816: James Baily was appointed to appraise the William Irwin estate along with John Owens, Andrew Elders, James Cunningham, and James Burlesson.[37]

12 Sep 1818: He purchased land in S24 TE R2W, Madison County, from Samuel Johnston.[38] Why two source citations? Were there actually two deeds?

1830 Census, Madison County, AL: 1 male 5-10, 1 50-60, 3 females 10-15, 1 15-20, 1 50-60. Where is James Junior, who should only be age 12? Who is the 5-10 year old male - David or William, born later than realized? Also, a daughter seems to be missing. Since all other daughters can be accounted for by later marriages, is the missing girl Nancy T. Bailey and did she die before 1830?

At an unspecified date, James was "Overseer of the Poor". He also served as a Justice of the Peace.[40]

11 Feb 1833: Along with Stephen D. Johnston [son of Sarah's brother Joseph Johnston] and [son-in-law of Joseph Johnston] John K. Wilburn, James witnessed the will of Samuel Johnston.[41] Stephen D. Johnston was the son of Sarah's brother Joseph Johnston, and John K. Wilburn was Joseph Johnston's son-in-law.

16 Mar 1833: James purchased slave Abram from the estate of Samuel Johnston for $366, to be paid 12 months hence.[42]

24 Dec 1835: James and Sarah sold land on Limestone Creek to James Mitchell.[43]

24 Mar 1842: James and Sarah, sold NW ¼ S7 T__ R2W to the heirs of Nancy Goulden.[44]

The family resided in Bailey Springs, 1/2 mile from the Madison-Limestone county line. Their home was a two story, four room log house [since weather-boarded] that was reported to be in "good condition" as late as 1934 and still standing in 1978.[45]

4 Jan 1844: His slaves were divided between [son-in-law] Charles Word, [son] Samuel Bailey, [son-in-law] Moses Smith, [son] J. F. Bailey, [son-in-law] David Blackburn, and [son-in-law] Tuberville Looney.[48]

11 Nov 1850 Census, Madison County, AL (36th District): Sarah F. Bayley, age 70, born VA, with real estate valued at $1,000. She was enumerated next to [son] James F. Bayley.[49]

5 Apr 1854: Our Sarah may have been the "Sarah A. Bailey" who was a buyer at the estate sale of William J. Bailey in Madison County.[50] Her brother James Johnston was both administrator and purchaser; another buyer was [nephew] William R. Johnston.

12 Oct 1857: Sarah Johnston Bailey "died intestate" in Madison County. Surviving children were Samuel, who resided "out of state", three daughters, and James, who petitioned for letters of administration. The latter were granted 26 Oct 1857, but the later administrator seems to have been [son-in-law] Reuben Crutcher. The final settlement occurred July 1859.[51]

Both Sarah and James are buried in Bailey Cemetery, located in Sec 18, T4S, R2W, approximately 2 miles west of the town of Madison, AL and ½ mile from the Limestone County line. On Sarah's tombstone, In addition to dates, is "Aged 77 years, 5 months and 18 days". Sherry Norton, who visited the site of the grave, reported in October 2001 that the graveyard was now a cow pasture surrounded by an electric fence, thus making it inaccessible.

Jane Bailey (15 Feb 1807 - 14 Sep 1880; m. Charles Hazelwood Word 20 Feb 1838)

Samuel Bailey (14 Jan 1809 – 5 Mar 1861; m. Eliza Anson Dillard 15 Jan 1829)

Mary Bailey (3 Aug 1813 – 25 Nov 1848; m. Reuben William Crutcher 30 Sep 1833)

Sarah Bailey (c. 1816 – 1871; m. 1st Jesse Frank Abernathy 5 Dec 1832, m. 2nd David Blackburn 3 Jan 1839)

c. 1785: William was born in Henry County, VA. His middle name may have been Hensley as his maternal grandmother was born Sarah Hensley. His nickname may have been “Buck”.

There was a tradition among the Johnstons in Limestone County that “Buck” Johnston was born in Belfast, Ireland, shortly before the family embarked for America. As we've seen in Generations 1 and 2, this tradition can’t be accurate.

This William should not be confused with the William Johnston who was one of the Long Creek, Warren County, GA Johnstons. There was also a William Johnston in Limestone County in 1830 and Madison County in 1850. In 1850 that William had a wife named Catherine.

A William Johnston was a captain and a second William Johnson was a private in the 7^th Regiment, Perkins Battalion, MS Militia in the War of 1812. Also serving in the unit were [brothers-in-law] David Baily and Fleman Hodges.[52] But was one of thse men our William?

1816 MS Territorial Census: There are two William Johnsons in Madison County, as well as two Samuels and James. One of them may or may not be "our" William.[53]

12 Feb 1818: William Johnston sued John E. Ervine and James C. Moore for a debt of $179.37½ but actually recovered $194.81½. The case was recorded during the August Term.[54]

11 May 1826: William H. Johnston sold Lot #55 in Brownsborough, Madison County, to William Harris for $425.[55]

15 Oct 1827: He purchased W½ NW¼ Sec 24 T3 R2W in Madison County from [father] Samuel Johnston. The deed was witnessed by [brother] James F. Johnston.[56]

16 Oct 1827: He witnessed a deed from Samuel Johnston "of Limestone" to James F. Johnston "of Madison".[57]

17 Dec 1839: William and wife Elizabeth sold W¼ NW¼ T3 R2W, "where the said William Johnston lived" to James Nichols. Witnesses: David Bradford and John Sadler.[58]

5 Nov 1850 Census, Madison County, AL (36th District): Farmer, age 65, born in VA with real estate valued at $3,000; wife Elizabeth age 60; Milly 31; William R. age 19; Andrew J. age 17; grandson Andrew Phillips 21.[59]

23 Nov 1853: He signed his will in Madison County. but it was not proved until 13 Aug 1866. In it, he named sons James, John, and William Bailey as executors. The witnesses were John Mills, Obediah Cravett, J. K. Teague, and William Powers.

1864: William died, although the will was not probated until 1865 nor proved until 1866.

4 Sep 1865: A petition to probate the will named Elizabeth Wharton along with William's other heirs. Robert Sayers was appointed guardian of granddaughters Belzorah and Narcissa Walker, Elizabeth Cosby, James [the name should be Joseph], A. Johnston, Crucy, John, and James Johnston.[60] Who was Elizabeth Wharton? The will was finally proved on 13 Aug 1866.

7 Sep 1869: An announcement of probate proceedings in the William Johnston estate appeared in the Huntsville Advocate. It named the executor, James Johnston, along with the heirs now resident in AL: John T. Smith and wife Mary, William F. Standifer, John Newman and wife Duanna, Leonidas F., Quintera, Cecil, Cyclious, and Jerome Standifer, Perry Eazle and wife Crucy, John Johnston, and James Johnston. There was also a petition to divide the land that month. John Smith was the son-in-law of Lotty Johnston Walker, although his wife's name was supposedly Mary rather than Elizabeth. The Standifers were the children of Frances Johnston Standifer, as was Duanna Newman. Crucy Johnston Eazle was the daughter of William's youngest son Joseph.

Lettice "Lotty" Johnston (c. 1810 – ; m. Joshua R. Walker 20 Dec 1829)

Frances Johnston (16 Jan 1814 – 30 Jan 1867; m. William Standifer 5 Jan 1835)

David Bailey could have been the son of David and Jean Bailey of Charlotte County, VA. Bailey researchers have claimed that David's wife's name was Mildred. I'm assuming that David was related to James F. Bailey, the husband of Millie's sister Sarah Johnston, but the exact relationship is speculative.

1811: David was granted a patent in MS Territory, in what later became Madison County, AL.[62]

1811 MS Territorial Census: David Bailey; also listed was [Milly's brother-in-law] Fleming Hodges.

1815, David Bailey appeared on the Muster Roll of Capt. Flemen Hodges Company, William Russell's Separate Battalion, TN Volunteer Mounted Gunmen. Also listed were [brother- or father-in-law] Samuel Johnson and [husband of Ruth Johnston] Jesse Hodges. There was also, however a Corporal David Baily serving in the Perkins Battalion, 7^th Regiment, MS Militia.[63] I'm beginning to think that these two units were actually one and the same, a unit that might have changed its name at some point in the war.

9 Mar 1816: He deeded land on Funnel Creek to the Deacons of the Salem Meeting House (Baptist), one of whom was Samuel Johnston.[65]

1816 MS Territorial Census: David was listed, as were James Bailey, Flemin Hodge, and Samuel Johnson.

12 Dec 1817: David was co-defendant with Samuel Johnston in a suit filed by John Echols in 1810 in Madison County, AL. The basis of the suit was a debt owed by John Echols to Samuel Johnston. David stated he had purchased the note from his "father-in-law" Samuel.[66]

17 Oct 1817: David and Mildred (x) Bailey sold 88½ acres to John Martin for $1,500. The parcel was described as part of NE¼ S24 T3 R2W in Madison County, "all of my plantation or land whereon I now live".[67]

5 Nov 1818: David and Milley Bailey sold 72 acres on Funnel Fork of Indian Creek, part of NE¼ S24 T3 R2W in Madison County, to Nathaniel Lewis for $1,200.[68] Are David and Milly leaving Madison County?

15 Feb 1819: John and Elizabeth Martin sold 88½ acres, "all that plantation whereon David Bailey of late did live. . . bounded by William Lindsay "up to the Salem Meeting House land", to William Lindsay.

The following entries may not refer to this David Bailey. The wording of the above deeds implies that David and Milly may have moved in 1817 or 1819 after selling their land. The next entries may refer to David Bailey the son of James and Sarah Johnston Bailey - or another David Bailey entirely.

12 Dec 1826: David Bailey was one of the buyers at estate sale in Limestone County, AL.[69]

1830 Census, Madison County, AL: 1 male under 5, 3 5-10, 1 40-50; 1 female under 5, 1 5-10, 2 10-15, 2 15-20, 1 30-40. This man would indeed seem too old to be the son of James and Sarah Johnston Bailey, so is this couple our David and Millie?

12 Dec 1842: James F. Johnston was appointed administrator of the "Daniel Bailey" estate, along with "S. Bailey".[70] Could Daniel be a typo, with the name actually being David? “S. Bailey” could have been Samuel Bailey, son of James and Sarah Johnston Bailey, but then, it's likely that David and Millie would have also named a son Samuel.

14 Aug 1786: Joseph was born in Henry County, VA.[71] Joseph's middle initial was consistently given as "M" by Newton Jasper Darden, but "F" in a transcript of cemetery inscriptions from the Johnston Cemetery provided by Elizabeth Hogue.

17 Apr 1790: Mary ("Polly") Darden was born at William’s Creek, Warren County, GA, the daughter of Stephen Darden of William's Creek.[72] Mary's mother’s identity is uncertain. Many researchers have claimed that her mother was Nancy Ellington, but this researcher has seen many conflicting dates and no documentation. One researcher has claimed that the marriage between Nancy's parents occurred in 1779, but that Nancy was born c. 1775 in Amelia County, VA. Welden Scales Jelks, on the other hand, believed that Stephen and "Ann Ellington" were married as early as 1775. In that case, she could possibly have been Mary's mother.

1 Nov 1813: Joseph was suretie for Jenny Bailey, widow of Pierce Bailey in Warren County GA.[74] Whether this Pierce Bailey was a relative of David or James Bailey, both of whom married Joseph's sisters, isn't known, but it's quite likely.

4 Jan 1816: Along with Obedience Ray and Hartwell Battle, he witnessed the will of William Goynne in Warren County.[75]

1816: One transcript of the MS Territorial Census has a Joseph Johnson listed along with [brothers-in-law] James and David Bailey, Flemin Hodge, and [father] Samuel Johnson; but another lists the name as Joshua Johnson. The latter is probably correct, as Joseph and Polly seem to have resided in Warren County, GA until 1819.

1818 Tax List, Warren County, GA (Capt. Rogers' District): 1) Joseph Johnson as trustee for Zachariah Darden Junior [Polly's brother] with 1 poll, 1 slave, 210 acres on Redlick Creek; 2) Joseph Johnson as trustee for Jethro Darden Junior [Polly's brother] with 1 poll, 5 slaves, 159 acres on William's Creek adjoining Bailey; 3) Joseph Johnson with 1 poll, 7 slaves, 265 acres on Redlick Creek. [76]

1818: Joseph Johnson purchased land known as "Dogwood Flat" at the Huntsville Land Sales, AL.[77] These public lands, which were opened for sale in 1819, had been virgin timber that was thereafter then cleared. One result was malarial epidemics by the 1820s. Many residents moved during the hot summer months to avoid both discomfort and contagion.

1819: In his will signed 30 Oct 1832, Samuel Johnston made reference to money paid to him in 1819 by Joseph, when Samuel had been "distressedly from the hurricane". Sam then made two gifts to Joseph. The first, of his "ball horse", bed, and furniture, was to provide compensation for this 1819 assistance.

Oct 1819: Joseph Johnson was a member of a Limestone County jury hearing the case of Jonathan Cribbs.[78]

1820 Census, Limestone County, AL: Joseph Johnson was listed with 1 white male over 21, 3 under, 1 white female over 21, 3 under; 8 colored, 5 slaves, 3 hands; 300 bales of cotton, 0 gins, saws, or mills.[79] This could be another Joseph since "Joseph Johnson" was also listed in the MS Territorial Census in 1816 when our Joseph was still in Warren County, GA. Still, number, age, and gender of children is correct. Also appearing were 2 Samuel and 2 William Johnsons.

12 Dec 1821: Joseph bought an 18 year old slave named Kinard from Joseph W. Ellis for $500 in Limestone County. The sale was witnessed by George Woodward.[80] In 1845 Kenard was still listed among the slaves owned by Joseph's estate. For additional slave information see Slaves Mentioned by Name in Johnston Records.

7 Jan 1824: Justice of the Peace Joseph Johnson, along with Samuel Johnston and Uriah York, appraised a bay mare "taken up" by Samuel Rentfro in Limestone County.[81]

17 Jan 1824: He purchased NE½ NW¼ S3 T4 R4W in Limestone County from Isaac and William Jones for $500. Witnesses: R. W. Rafer and Samuel Johnston.[82]

19 May 1826: He was a purchaser at the estate sale of Noah Dutart, buying 1 horse cart for $7.12½, 4 "casketts" for $1, 1 hand vice for $1.03¼, and "plain belts" for $ .37½.[83] The name is listed as "Joseph Johnson" for the first 3 items, and "Joseph Johnston" for the fourth.

16 Aug 1826: Joseph and Polly Johnson sold 80 acres, W½ NE¼ S22 T3 R4W, to George and Washington Keyes for $125.[84] When had they obtained this tract?

12 Dec 1826: Samuel and Sarah Johnston [Joseph’s brother and sister-in-law] sold a small part of W½ SW¼ S34 T3 R4W, being the ground whereon Joseph Johnston's mill dam and pond were located and "where the canal is cut", to Joseph for $100. They then sold the rest of the parcel to Thomas H. Malone, that deed being proven before Justices of the Peace Joseph Johnston and Francis Epps. On that same day Joseph put up a bond for $500 to Thomas Malone for possible future damages resulting from excavation.[85]

Whatever else Joseph did, he was also a Justice of the Peace in Limestone County from at least 7 Jan 1824 through at least 17 Oct 1831. He appeared on the Civil Register of County Officials as Justice of the Peace on 10 Mar 1829.[86]

21 Jan 1827: Along with William Fletcher, Thomas Linard [future father-in-law of son Sam], and John Nichols, Joseph turned in the division of personal property in the estate of William Driver.[87]

29 Mar 1828: He was purchaser at estate sale of Samuel Renfro in Limestone County, buying one book for $ .37½.[88]

27 May 1828: As commissioner of the Thomas Lawrence estate, he and his co-commissioners, Stephen Flinn and Thomas Lucard, were required to evaluate and report on all claims against the estate.[89] "Lucard" was undoubtedly Leonard.

1 Jul 1828: In accounts inventoried for an estate: "$17.03 . . . . This amt due Joseph Johnson".[90]

1829: Apparently Joseph helped his father out financially again in 1829, as he had in 1819 after the "hurricane".[91] In return Samuel left slave Abram to Joseph in his will dated 30 Oct 1832. On 16 Mar 1833 slave Abram was in the "possession of [brother-in-law] William Ham when Joseph sold him to [brother-in-law] James Bailey.

19 Oct 1829: Accounts filed for the estate of Noah Dutart listed under the credits: "Amount paid Joseph Johnson per Acct with Int . . . $48.50".[92]

5 Jan 1830: Joseph purchased 79½ acres, described as SW½ NW¼ S__ T4 R4W, from Joseph and Susannah Jones for $250. The grantors appeared before Justices of the Peace John G. Lauderdale and Joseph Johnston on 9 Jan 1830 to prove the deed.[93] John G. Lauderdale was the brother of Sarah Lauderdale, wife of Thomas Leonard and mother of Minerva Leonard Johnston.

28 Jun 1830: Joseph Johnston signed the inventory of the James G. Wright estate prepared by himself, Elijah Hogan, and Joseph Hardwick.[94]

1830 Census, Limestone County, AL: 1 male 5-10, 1 10-15, 2 15-20, 1 30-40, 1 40-50, 1 70-80; 1 female under 5, 1 5-10, 1 10-15, 1 40-50; 25 slaves.[95] Who is the 30-40 year old male?

26 Aug 1830: He and Stephen Flinn were securities for Thomas Leonard, administrator of the James Denton estate in Limestone County.[96] These three men, Joseph, Thomas, and Stephen were obviously close associates. As mentioned, Thomas Leonard’s daughter married Joseph’s son Samuel, and Stephen Flinn’s daughter married Joseph’s son Stephen Darden Johnston. Stephen Flinn moved to Desoto County, MS at approximately the same time as the Johnstons. Thomas Leonard, however, moved to TX.

Joseph Johnson, along with George W. Lane and William Saunders, was a State Representative for Limestone County in 1831-1832, and with John Wynne and Joshua P. Coman in 1835-1836.[97] This is almost certainly our Joseph, who later served in the Mississippi Legislature, as did his son Stephen.

28 Jun 1831: Joseph Johnston, administrator of the William Malone estate, sold a town lot and 40 acres to Lauderdale & Nichols for $150. He provided a full account of this sale on 13 Aug 1831.[98]

23 Aug 1831: Along with [son-in-law] John K. Wilburn and Calvin Hine, he witnessed the will of Benjamin Allen,. This will was proved in court on 27 Oct 1831 with John K. Wilburn.[99]

17 Oct 1831: He bought 2 acres for $25 from Thomas H. and Eliza T. Malone, part of SW¼ S30 T3 R4W and 20 acres, 1/8 of the E½ NE¼ S2 T4 R4W, from Thomas and Mary Malone for $150. The Malones then appeared before Justices of the Peace Joseph Johnston and John G. Lauderdale to prove the deed. And finally that day, Joseph and Polly sold 40 acres, E½ W½ NE½ S2 T4 R4W, to Lawrence Page for $150. That deed was proved before John G. Lauderdale and R. Joyner.[100]

28 Oct 1831: Joseph turned in the final account of the estate sale of Frederick Rottenberry.[101]

27 Mar 1832: Joseph and Polly sold several parcels to Wade H. Vining for $2,500. These included: 1) 159 6/10 acres described as NW¼ SE T4 R4W; 2) as much "as is used as a mill dam and pond and the ground where the canal is cut to the Township Road"; 3) 2 acres in SW portion of SW¼ S34 T3 R4W. This deed was proven before Justices of the Peace John G. Lauderdale and John K. Wilburn.[102]

30 Jul 1832: He served as administrator of the Hannah Malone estate in Limestone County, with the appraisers being Stephen Flinn and J. G. Lauderdale. Joseph turned in the accounts from the estate sale on 1 Oct 1832 with the final settlement occurring 15 Oct 1833.[103]

3 Jan 1833: James M. Brundidge signed a trust deed to Joseph for a loan from Joseph for $130.54. Brundidge's collateral was slave Amy. The loan would fall due on 1 Jan 1834. Witnesses: James Johnston and Samuel Johnston.[104] These witnesses were probably Joseph’s sons rather than his brothers.

11 Feb 1833: He produced his father's will in court with Stephen D. Johnston and John K. Wilburn as his securities on a bond of $1,000. He filed what was apparently intended to be his last account on Samuel's estate on 30 Jun 1834.[105]

13 Mar 1833: He appeared on list of claims against the Jonas Denton estate prepared by administrator Thomas Linard. The amount listed was $1.09 "for note and interest".[106]

16 Mar 1833: He sold slave Abram, who had belonged to father Samuel, to James Bailey for $366 in the form of a 12 month note.[107]

15 Apr 1833: As administrator, Joseph turned in his accounts in the final settlement of the William Malone estate.[108]

3 Mar 1834: In debt to Joseph for $184.45, James Hunt signed a trust deed for 80 acres to John K. Wilburn for the amount of the loan plus $1.00. This collateral, described as S½ NW¼ S15 T3 R4W, included a light blue frame house and a wagon. Payment would fall due on 1 Jan 1835.[109]

14 Mar 1834: Accounts of the Benjamin Peete estate listed: "To cash paid Joseph Johnston . . . . $8.50" on that date.[110]

31 Mar 1834: The accounts of the Andrew Foster estate listed: "This amt due Joseph Johnston on afc & Int . . . $37.70".[111]

7 Apr 1834: Administrator John G. Lauderdale listed Joseph in his accounts of the Peter Dunlap estate with $5.59 due Joseph ($5.15 + .46 interest) on 5 Jan 1833.[112]

1 May 1834: Joseph purchased S½ S½ NW¼ S15 T3 R4W from Mildred Hunt for $300. The deed was proved before Justices of the Peace John K. Wilburn and Randolph Mitchell.[113]

16 Jul 1834: He sold property at public auction held on 7 Jun 1834 to Nathaniel Terry for $1,000 to recoup a debt of Amos Vincent and Fleming Douglas that had fallen due on 29 Dec 1833. The parcel was described as Lot #15 in Mooresville.[114]

24 Jul 1834: He bought W½ of Lot #200 (1½ acres, 3½ poles) from George W. Lane for $300.[115]

31 Jul 1834: Joseph Johnston and Samuel Tanner sold land as trustees of James H. Gamble in Limestone County. The purchaser was John Jackson.[116]

24 Sep 1834: Joseph Johnson was buyer at the estate sale of John Humphreys, purchasing 1 harrow for $ .25, 1 bench screw for $ .74, and 3 wagon boxes for $ .25.[118]

15 Dec 1834: In debt to Joseph for $1,540, Jacob Lamb and Solomon York put up collateral on a mortgage held by John K. Wilburn consisting of: 79 acres, W½ NW¼ S3 T__ R4W and as much of N½ SW¼ S34 T3 R4W as is used as mill dam and pond and ground where the canal is cut; 2) 2 acres in SW¼ SW ¼ S34 T3 R4W and title bond from Andrew McCombs for 5 acres in SE¼ SE¼ S33 T3 R4W, including saw mill and grist mills and other equipment named.[119] Because of the "mill dam and pond" and the canal, this would seem to have been a portion of the parcels already sold.

2 Jan 1835: The accounts filed for a final settlement of the James Gray estate listed Joseph Johnson for $4.60, then again as Joseph Johnston for $4 with interest of $1.68.[120]

6 Jan 1835: Joseph Johnston purchased book entitled Presidents' Messages for $ .50 at the estate sale of Benjamin Peete.[121]

16 Jan 1835: John F. Scroggins granted power of attorney to Joseph to sell land in Limestone, Joseph selling the parcel on 14 Jan 1837.[122]

10 Apr 1835: "Amt of Joseph Johnston . . . $1.50" appeared in the schedule of debts in the Richard Brickell estate.[123]

6 May 1835: In a list of claims against the estate of Charles King appeared: "This amount due Joseph Johnston . . . $29.16".[124]

11 Jul 1835: Joseph Johnston and William Mason were securities on a check drawn on the New Orleans Bank for $2,000. Archelus M. Bradley sold 2 parcels of land to George S. Houston as collateral on a loan. If Bradley defaulted to Houston, both Joseph and Mason were to be re-imbursed from the sale.[125]

11 Sep 1835: Accounts for the estate of Thomas Mathews listed: "To cash paid Jos Johnston, Admns of F. Rottenberry . . . $50.62½". (The debt dated from 12 Jan 1833.) Also on 11 Sep Joseph was listed under credits in the final return on the Nancy McGeehee estate: "By amt paid Joseph Johnston on Afc and Interest . . . . $15.50".[126]

15 Jan 1836: Joseph purchased 40 acres (S½ E½ NE¼ S2 T4 R4W) from Thomas and Mary Malone for $200.[127]

16 Feb 1836: Notes due the estate of Calvin Hine in Limestone County included: "One on Joseph Johnson due 1st January 1834 for $5.43".[128]

17 Feb 1836: Joseph and Polly sold west ½ of Lot #200 in Athens (1½ acres, 3½ poles) to John Jackson for $300.[129]

13 May 1836: Joseph Johnston of Limestone County, AL purchased 640 acres (S34 T2 R7W) in Desoto County, MS for $2,000 from John D. Bradford of Pontotoc County, MS. Witness: James J. Wilson.[130] In a biography of Joseph Samuel Johnston, son of Stephen Darden Johnston, we find that said Joseph was "born on the old Stephen D. Johnston home place, which has been in possession of the Johnston family since it was occupied by the Indians, the father of Stephen D. Johnston having purchased it at that time - May 13, 1936".[131] Desoto County had only been organized on 9 Feb 1836, the earliest deed recorded there was dated April of 1836, and on 27 Apr 1836 its white population was only "140 souls". Joseph must have therefore been one of the earliest buyers of land in the area.

31 Oct 1836: For $833.33 each, Joseph sold [sons] Stephen D. and Samuel Johnston each 1/3 of S34 T2 R7W in Desoto County. Stephen received the western 1/3 and Samuel the middle 1/3. Once again, Joseph was described as being "of Limestone County, AL".[132]

24 Dec 1836: He purchased S35 T2 R7W in Desoto from Ruffin Coleman for $3,250. Witnesses: William R. Cox and William Fildins. On 31 Jan 1837 Coleman proved the deed in front of Ebenezer Titus and Stephen D. Johnston.[133]

23 Jan 1837: Joseph was security in Orphan's Court in Limestone County, AL.[134]

6 Feb 1837: Joseph and wife Polly sold S½ NW¼ S15 T3 R4W in Limestone County to John H. Elliot for $200.[135]

23 Feb 1837: He sold 1/3 of S34 T2 R7W in Desoto County to [son-in-law] Jacob M. Pruitt of Lawrence County, AL for $833.33. A note at the bottom read: "$933.89 due 1st January 1838".[136] The first section purchased by Joseph in Desoto County was therefore divided between sons Stephen and Samuel, and son-in-law Jacob, husband of Nancy P. Johnston, leaving Joseph and Polly the 640 acres of Section 35 to Joseph and Polly.

24 Nov 1837: Joseph and Polly Johnson sold various parcels in Limestone County totaling 500 acres to James M. Lane for $10,000: 1) 320 acres, S½ S35 T3 R4W; 2) 80 acres, W½ NW¼ S1 T4 R4W; 3) 40 acres, S½ E½ NE¼ S2 T4 R4W; 4) 20 acres, E½ N½ E½ NE¼ S2 T4 R4W; 5) 40 acres, W½ W½ NE¼ S2 T4 R4W. Listed as an exception in this last parcel was that part of the enclosed land and houses lying south of Township Road and east of Mooresville Road. This exception was to remain in the possession of Nancy Gibson for her lifetime.[137] (Who was Nancy Gibson? She does not appear in the 1850 Census in Limestone, nor in Madison County in 1830 or 1840.) The very handsome price paid by James M. Lane would indicate the existence of a house (and probably other improvements) and in fact the present-day Lane-Gamble House, located on that portion of the 500 acres known as "Dogwood Flat", is full of architectural details of the early 1830s. (The cornice "is probably unexcelled in Alabama as a statement of the brickmason's art".) It was undoubtedly built by Joseph. The surname is given as "Johnson" in Axford, The Lure and Lore of Limestone County, but is very plainly "Johnston" in the deed itself. No reference is made in the deed, however, to the name "Dogwood Flat", it only appears in Axford.[138]

1 Dec 1837: The last deed recorded for Joseph in Limestone County saw he and Polly selling W½ NW¼ S25 T3 R6W to Hamilton Jones for $700.[139]

7 Mar 1838: Joseph Johnston, now described as of Desoto County, MS, purchased E½ S36 T2 R7W in Desoto County from Ruffin Coleman of Limestone County, AL for $474.[140]

9 Jul 1838: Joseph attested a will in Limestone County.[141] If he did travel to Limestone County, he was certainly back rather quickly, see below.

13 Jul 1838: Joseph Johnson purchased 640 acres in Desoto County, S2 T3 R7W, from Wyatt C. Mitchel, Thomas and Ann Petus of Marshall County, MS for $3,000.[142]

September 1838: Joseph Johnson brought suit against Murray & Coleman in Desoto County. Joseph won the case in March of 1839.[143]

March 1839: He filed suit against Asa Jarnigan for a $100 debt. Once again, the court upheld Joseph’s suit.[144]

c. 1839: He was appointed to a jury of view to alter the Chulahoma Road through Sections 21 and 28 in Desoto County. Shortly thereafter, his hands were assigned to work on the Germantown Road from Samuel Johnston's house to the Mount Pleasant Road under Samuel Johnston, overseer.[145]

20 Jun 1839: Joseph and Polly sold 80 acres, N½ NE¼ S36 T2 R7W to William Mitchell for $160.50. Witness: B. Perryman.[146]

16 Sep 1839: He purchased Hernando Lots #279, 281, 283, and 284 from the Sheriff at public auction for $254.50.[147]

20 Jan 1840: He purchased the southern half of Lots 12 and 13, S18 T3 R7W, at public probate sale (Davis S. James estate) for $150.[148]

28 Mar 1840: He received a written agreement from James W. Dupuy to remove all conditions on the bill of sale for "one negro woman Fanny" to Joseph.[149]

15 Apr 1840: Joseph and Polly sold NE¼ S19 T2 R7W (except for 40 acres in the western portion conveyed to David Thompson) to Susan Huddleston for $1,000. Wits: S. D. Johnston and R. T. Sanders.[150]

17 Apr 1840: He bought 320 acres described as N½ S19 T2 R7W from Ruffin Coleman of Lawrence County, AL for $1,700. Witnesses: William F. Stearns and William B. Fant.[151]

28 Apr 1840: He purchased SW¼ S25 T2 R7W from Andrew and Mary Ann Edmondson of Pontotoc County, MS for $470.[152]

1840: That spring Joseph was member of a jury of view to lay out the best route for a road from Hernando to intersect the Holly Springs and Germantown Road. Other members included Jacob Prewitt, Samuel and Stephen Johnston.[153]

1840 Census, Desoto County, MS: 1 male under 5, 1 10-15, 1 40-50; 1 female 10-15, 1 40-50; 32 slaves.[154] The under 5 male couldn't be grandson Alfred Dockery. Joseph didn't become his guardian until 1844. Who is it? Could it be Robert J. Humphries? Joseph was also his guardian in 1844. There seem to be discrepancies on this census, Joseph's age for instance. Yet this family is living cheek by jowl with the Stephen and Samuel Johnston families. It must be our Joseph.

July 1840: He was a member of jury of view to lay out a public road from Horn Lake to Milton Blockley's. In August his hands were ordered to work under overseer Samuel Johnston on the Germantown Road from the latter's house to the 11 mile post. Sam Johnston and Jacob Prewit were others who contributed hands.[155]

August 1840: Joseph and Mary were baptized the day after the Hernando Baptist Church was organized. In April 1841, he was one of four men appointed to attend a meeting in Chulahoma [neighboring Marshall County] to form a Baptist Association.[156]

1840 Tax List, Desoto County, MS: The amount loaned at interest or invested by Joseph was estimated at $150. This, along with 20 slaves aged 5-60, resulted in an amount of tax due of $12.87½. Apparently any slaves aged 5-60 were deemed to be of working age.

20 Nov 1840: He sold Lot #279 (½ acre) in Hernando to Samuel Crenshaw of Limestone County, AL for $100. Polly also signed the deed.[157]

December 1840: The Police Board ordered that Joseph be allowed $20 "for his services as Commissioner of Buildings".[158] The last word is difficult to read.

22 Mar 1841: Joseph purchased "negro woman Jane", about 16 years old, from John Green for $500.[159]

1841 Tax List, Desoto County, MS: 640 acres valued at $3,000, 1 town lot at $100, 27 slaves aged 5-60, clocks worth $20, resulting in a tax of $28.10.

February 1842: Joseph was ordered to contribute hands to work on the road from William Solomon's to the Camp Creek Bridge. Among others contributing were "John Denty [son-in-law] & hands, William Denty [John’s brother], Jacob Prewit & hands . . . [son] Jesse Johnston".[160]

July 1842: He was appointed to another jury of view to mark out a "neighborhood road" from the corner of Section 26 and 35 T2 R7W to Beal's and Mann's Mill. In that same session the Police Board also ordered that Joseph's portion of S36 T2 R7W be changed from "the 4th to the 5th class".[161]

1842 Tax List, Desoto County, MS: The amount loaned at interest or invested was estimated to be $515, clocks to be $10, 15 cattle (only those over 20 head were counted, thus the total owned must actually have been 35), 27 slaves ages 5-60, resulting in a tax $21.74.

August 1842: He served on a jury of view marking a road from the Steam Mill to Chulahoma Road in the direction to Memphis. Also serving on the jury were Samuel and Stephen D. Johnston.[162]

29 Dec 1842: In his will written on that date, Joseph requested that all his lands be sold upon his death except S35 T2 R7W, "being the house and plantation whereon I now live".

30 Jan 1843: He witnessed a sale and agreement from J. Dupuy to [son-in-law] John R. Denty for 2 slaves, Jacob and Jane.

8 May 1843: Along with Stephen D. Johnston, Joseph bought 320 acres described as W½ S8 T2 R8W from Henry and Sarah Wright of Hickman County, KY for $1,000.[164]

1843 Tax List, Desoto County, MS: The amount loaned at interest or invested was valued at $1,200, 1 pleasure carriage worth $150, clocks $5, 7 cattle (over 20 head, thus 27 total), 22 slaves aged 5-60, thus taxes of $20.__ ½ were assessed.

15 Oct 1843: A Joseph C. Johnson witnessed the will of Clement Wynne, brother-in-law of James F. Johnston in Warren County, GA; along with George Darden and David Green. The will contained a behest to “sister Mary Johnson”.[165] Is this our Joseph?

8 Mar 1844: He loaned $250 to Obid Nicholson with slave Easter, age 11, as collateral. The due date was 1 Jan 1845.[166]

30 Mar 1844: Joseph witnessed a trust deed from Mark Hobdy to Samuel Johnston for a loan of $600. Hobdy's slave Isaac, age 20, was the collateral.[167]

15 Apr 1844: Joseph and Polly sold NW¼ plus 40 acres of NE¼ in S19 T2 R7W to David Thompson for $2,000. Witnesses: R. T. Sanders and S. D. Johnston.[168]

1844 Tax List, Desoto County, MS: The amount loaned at interest or invested was estimated at $500, 1 pleasure carriage at $100, clocks $10, 8 cattle (only counted over 20 head, thus 28 total), 2 polls, 29 slaves over 5 years, 9 under, resulting in taxes of $26.28 to the state, $6.57 to the county. Joseph has not been counted as poll heretofore. Thus the 2 polls must be sons Jesse and James.

26 Dec 1844: He was granted power of attorney by John C. Whitsell of Sumpter County, AL to sell certain of Whitsell's lands in Desoto County, with Joseph to retaining a 2½% commission. Witnesses: A. Perryman and Robert Humphreys.[169]

1 Jan 1845: He witnessed a sale from O. Nichols to [son] Jesse Johnston, along with Victor Cole and Stephen Johnston.

July 1844: As administrator of the P. B. Stubblefield estate of, Joseph presented a "proven note" against the estate of James W. Putnam for $11. Also that court term he made his annual settlement as guardian of Robert L. Humphreys.[170]

25 Oct 1844: Daughter Sarah Johnston Dockery died. Although Sarah's husband Benjamin was alive, Joseph became the guardian of young Alfred Dockery.

December 1844: Joseph presented a note for $30 as administrator of the S. M. King estate.[171]

1 Feb 1845: Joseph and Mary Johnston sold SW¼ S25 T2 R7W to William H. Denty for $700.[172]

In his history of the Leonard family written in 1884, Thomas Dunlap Leonard described Joseph’s son Samuel Johnston as being: "of wealthy parents, who were of good standing. All their family were good old-fashioned people".[173]

9 May 1845: A notice in The Phenix on 10 May 1845 announced that "Joseph Johnston Esq. died at his residence yesterday morning".[174] The Huntsville Southern Advocate, on 23 May 1845, carried the news that "Joseph Johnston, formerly of Limestone County, died on May 9 in Desoto County, MS, age 59".[175] Emmye Simmons claimed death date of 7 May 1845, "58 yr 8 m 2 d". She apparently had access to the Stephen D. Johnston Family Bible.

This day the foregoing last Will and Testament of Joseph Johnston deceased was presented in open court and being proven in due form of law was examined, allowed and probated and ordered to be recorded as the law directs. Given under my hand and seal this June 2, 1845.

Will of Joseph Johnston[176]

In the name of God Amen. I Joseph Johnston of the County of Desoto and State of Mississippi being mindful of my mortality do this 29th day of December in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty two make and constitute this my last will and testament in manner following:

1st I desire when I die to be decently buried and all my just debts paid. 2nd If my wife Polly Johnston should outlive me I desire that she have my whole Improvement with their appurtenances in Section Thirty five of Township Two Range Seven West, being the houses and plantation whereon I now live and the use and benefit of the whole section except a part of the North East quarter of said section which I conditionally promised or sold to William Denty and a child's part of all the balance of my estate forever, and one year's provisions. 3rd I desire that my son Stephen D. Johnston be my Executor and that he shall take out letters of Executorship and take orders to sell, that no doubt may exist in Title to any lands that I may own except Sec 35; if my wife outlives me or not it is not excepted and also to sell anything else that cannot be divided, but I wish my negroes particular divided as near equal as it can be done and any other property or all other property may be divided that can be divided without a sale, the division to be equal and in accordance with what follows. 4th As all my children have had some portion of my estate I desire that those that have received less be made equal to those that have more and then share equal afterward and in valueing the negroes hereafter for a division I desire that the valuation shall be made in accordance or proportion to the valuation of those that have been given away heretofore & which the following Items will more fully show.

Samuel Johnston

1st My eldest child a daughter Elizabeth by name married John K. Wilburn June 1825. Shortly after I gave a negro girl to them, Caroline five years old not smart at $175.00 & at sundry times up to the 2nd of January 1839 I gave to them including the negro girl sixteen hundred and seventy two dollars $1672. 1844 March 9th then gave to John K. Wilburn five hundred dollars through Jesse Johnston.

2nd A son Stephen D. Johnston 1833 October 1 then gave to my son Stephen D. Johnston one thousand dollars and at sundry times up to the 26th day of January 1838 including in the whole sixteen hundred and fifty one Dollars $1600.00 1844 March 30 then gave my son Stephen D. Johnston five hundred dollars partly in notes.

3rd Son Samuel November 27 1834 one thousand dollars and at sundry times including in the whole up to January 26, 1838 six hundred & fifty dollars. 1844 March 30 then gave my son Samuel Johnston five hundred dollars partly in notes $500.

4th A son James H. [sic] Johnston September 1838 then added up several sums of money which had been given to my son John [sic] F. Johnston which amounted to eighteen hundred dollars $1800. December 26th 1843 & in June 1844 then gave F. five hundred Dollars $500. $2300.

5th A Daughter Nancy who was married to Jacob M. Prewitt January 28th 1836. Feb 10, 1836 then gave to them my negro woman Lucy an able bodied negro woman but not smart about 30 years old and 2 children Reuben and Lavina, Reuben 4 years old and Lavina 28 months old likely at nine hundred dollars for the three and at sundry times up till January 26th 1838 amounting in the whole to sixteen hundred and forty dollars $1640. August 24, 1840 then gave Jacob M. Prewitt in a note for Thompson & Frey Saunders & Cash.

6th A Daughter Matilda who married John R. Denty September 1st 1836. October 19, 1836 then gave to them a small negro woman Biddy, lazy but honest, about 32 years old, Brister a small boy 10 years old, Milly & Elbert small children not likely, the four at one thousand dollars and at sundry times up to January 1st 1839 amounting in the whole to six hundred and thirty eight dollars $1638 January 1st 1842 then permitted John R. Denty to settle on the North West quarter of Section Thirty Six in Township Two of Range Seven West whereon he now lives and I do by these presents give the said quarter section of land to my daughter Matilda and her children forever as seven hundred dollars to be deducted from her share on a final division of my estate. January 1st 1845 then received back the above named quarter section & paid John R. Denty six hundred dollars for his Improvement on the same, a short time before the arrangement was made I then gave J. R. Denty five hundred dollars & took a bill of sale to his negro woman Lizzie and I made a deed of gift of Lizzie to Matilda & Denty not being willing to have property belonging to his wife and not him, he proposed to pay therefore Lizzy and I took his note for thirty Dollars a year hire if I called for it which I do not intend to do but intend that Matilda shall have Lizzy forever & that John R. Denty shall have no power to sell or otherwise dispose of Lizzy making the amount given to Matilda first $1638 & five hundred dollars which is $2038.

7th A Son Jesse. December 1842 then gave to my son Jesse Johnston who is now about nineteen years old sixty dollars in cash and a saddle worth thirty five dollars making ninety five dollars, also in May 1843 twenty dollars sent to Tennessee, also August 8th 1840 sent to Tennessee by request fifty dollars in all amounting to one hundred and sixty five dollars $165. November 9th 1843 then gave fifty dollars $50.00. January 2nd 1845 then gave to my son Jesse Johnston my negro man Angus at six hundred dollars & my bay filly at one hundred dollars $700. And in notes and cash eleven hundred & eighty nine dollars 86 cts $2004.86 A cent is interlined. [sic]

8th A Daughter Sarah who married Benjamin H. Dockery in February 1842. March 25th 1842 then gave them two hundred and fifty dollars and at sundry times till December 1842 in the whole including the two hundred and fifty the sum of five hundred dollars $500.00. 1843 January the 1st then gave Washington a negro boy, honest and well disposed, about fifteen in June next at five hundred and fifty dollars & Jane a negro girl thirteen in April next likely and honest at four hundred fifty dollars.

October 25, 1844 then my daughter Sarah Dockery died, leaving a son named Alfred who was born December 26th 1843. Benjamin H. Dockery then gave me his son Alfred to raise & educate and gave back to me again Washington & Jane and all the property that I had given to him except the five hundred dollars given to him. I have adopted Alfred as one of my own children & just and equal heir except the above named five hundred dollars & I promise to educate Alfred while I live and give Benjamin H. Dockery the preference in becoming Alfred's Guardian when I die.

A bond of $32,000 signed by Stephen D. Johnston, Samuel Johnston, B. H. Dockery, Jacob M. Prewitt, and Jesse Johnston, and Letters of Administration were recorded along with the will.[177]

4 Aug 1845: The inventory of the estate filed by appraisers Lemuel Banks, James M. Tait, and William Gray totaled $16,459.38. This lengthy document listed, among many other tools, equipment and furniture: 7 mules, 2 horses, 1 jack, 1 stock of hogs, 1 stock of sheep, 34 cattle, 2 wagons, 1 cart, 1 barouche, 1 sidesaddle, 7 beds, 2 bureaus, 1 sideboard, 5 tables, 1 writing desk, 28 regular chairs, 7 Windsor chairs, carpet, books, valuable glass and tableware, and 42 slaves. The estate included cash on hand of $475 and notes due Joseph totaling $3,426.75. Robert Edward Johnston claims that Joseph owned 63 slaves when he died. Inventory indicates only 42.

The 1845 Desoto County Tax Roll listed Joseph's estate as follows: The amount loaned at interest or invested estimated at $530, 1 pleasure carriage valued at $175, clocks worth $10, 13 cattle (over 20 head, thus total 33), 30 slaves over 5, 10 or 11 under, resulting in a tax of $28.59.

5 Aug 1845: S. D. Johnston made his final settlement in the matter of the guardianship of Robert J. Humphries, showing a balance of $65.73.

1845: Daughter Matilda Johnston Denty died between May and November. Husband John was made guardian of their two children. The son died, but daughter Mary Denty had moved into the Stephen Johnston household by 1850. That household included Polly.

27-28 Nov 1845: Stephen also reported the sale of personal property not divided by commissioners amounting to $2,053.26. Buyers included Jesse Johnston, John R. and William H. Denty, F. Johnston, S. D. Johnston, Sam and the Widow Johnston, Patrick Riley, Yancy Ham, and J. M. Pruit.

10 Dec 1845: Commissioners William and Thomas Gray and Lemuel Banks were instructed to divide the estate, especially the 43 slaves. It had apparently already been done by late November, regardless of the date in the court record. They reported in Jan 1846 that the estate had been apportioned as follows: In lieu of amount advanced by decedent to other legatees in his lifetime, they allotted certain slaves to Polly Johnston (Bradford, Bird, Jenny, Mourning, Millry, and invalid Palina) and $500 plus notes from Samuel Johnston for $674.74 and C. Christopher for $570.35 to Alfred Dockery. And then, of the remaining slaves: Lot 1 to Nancy P. Pruit; Lot 2 to James F. Johnston; Lot 3 to Alfred Dockery; Lot 4 to the heirs of Matilda C. Denty, deceased (Kiniard, Seaborn, Violet, Anna, Octavia, Martha); Lot 5, Jesse Johnston; Lot 6, Stephen D. Johnston; Lot 7, Polly Johnston; Lot 8, Elizabeth Wilborne; Lot 9, Samuel Johnston (Washington, Truman, Irin). See Slaves Mentioned by Name in Johnston Records.

5 Jan 1846: Lands sold by Stephen Johnston as executor of the Joseph Johnston estate were confirmed in court: 1) NW¼ S½ NE¼ S36 T2 R7W to James F. Johnston for $900; 2) S½ S36 T2 R7W to Humphrey Cobb; 3) 160 acres, SE¼ S2 T3 R7W to Edwin Slaughter;[178] 4) 160 acres, SW¼ S2 T3 R7W to Jacob M. Prewitt;[179] 5) 160 acres, NW¼ S2 T3 R7W to William M. Stilwell or Jacob M. Prewit; 6) 320 acres, W½ S8 T2 R8W to Jesse Johnston; 7) S½ S2 T3 R7W to Edwin F. Slaughter; 8) Lots #283, #281, and #284 in Hernando to Robert Temple. [180]

3 Aug 1846: The annual settlement of estate by Stephen D. Johnston was entered.[181]

1846 Tax List, Desoto County, MS: Mary Johnston was listed with one pleasure carriage worth $100, clocks valued at $5, and 9 slaves, resulting in taxes of $6.45.

18 Sep 1850 Census, Desoto County, MS (Dwelling #256): Mary Johnston, age 60, is residing in household of son Stephen D. Johnston.

1860 Census, Desoto County, MS: The widowed Mary, age 70, was enumerated in household of son Stephen D. Johnston.[182] In the 1860 Slave Schedule Mary Johnston is shown owning 2 slaves, but had named 3 slaves in her will dated 13 Dec 1854.

Will of Mary Darden Johnston[183]

I Mary Johnston of the County of Desoto and State of Mississippi being well assured from advanced age of my liability to die and having formed in my mind the manner in which I wish my Estate divided when I am gone do make and publish the following as my last will and testament.

1st. As the last tribute of respect to my body, I wish a tombstone erected on my grave similar to the one that has recently been placed on my late husband's.

2nd. In the event of my death before that of my negro woman Mourning* I wish Five Hundred Dollars of my Estate in money left in the hands of my son Stephen D. Johnston to support her during her lifetime and at her death I wish said sum, or whatever part of the same may be left, equally divided between my children now living or their lawful heirs and my Grand Daughter Mary S. Denty.

3rd. I wish all of my children at some convenient time after my death that can conveniently do so to meet together in the spirit of friendship and divide my Estate in the following manner: I wish my son James F. Johnston to have my negro man Bird and my son Stephen D. Johnston to have my negro woman Marshall at a valuation by disinterested persons (and in valuation of Marshall I wish that no extra qualification which she may have over common servants be considered in pricing her) and the respective sums paid by each of them for said negros, together with all the balance of my Estate not disposed of as above named, I wish equally divided among my children now living or their legal heirs and my Grand Daughter Mary S. Denty.

4th. I have let each of my children now living have property or money to the amount of Eight-Hundred Dollars for which I hold their notes and at different times I have given Mary S. Denty small sums of money or goods which amount in all to Forty-Two Dollars. Now in the division of my estate I wish said notes estimated but without interest and the same rule carried out with regard to the sum that I have let Mary S. Denty have or to any amount which I may hereafter let her have.

5th. Should I die before the marriage of my Grand Daughter Mary S. Denty I desire the property hereby willed to her to be kept and managed by my son Stephen D. Johnston for her until her marriage, and should she die without a living child I desire all the property hereby given her be equally divided between my children now living or their legal heirs. Given under my hand and seal this December 13, 1854.

J.G. Lauderdale

John Cup

I have this day given to my Grand Daughter - Mary S. Denty - a gold watch and chain worth One Hundred Dollars with which I wish her charged in the division of my Estate.

An instrument of writing purporting to be the last Will and Testament of Mary Johnston deceased was this day produced in open court and J. G. Lauderdale, John Cup and A. Crossett witnesses thereto appearing on their several oaths declared that the same was signed, sealed and published and declared by said Testatrix on the day the same bears date as and for her last will and testament before them and at her request by them in her presence and in the presence of each of each other was duly attested by them that said Testatrix was more than twenty-one years of age and of sound disposing mind and memory at the time and a resident of said County.

In the inventory of Joseph's estate dated 4 Aug 1845 only 2 slaves are valued below the childrens' lowest price of $150: man Isham at $100 and woman Mourning at $5.00. Isham was probably old; Mourning was listed in the Johnston Family Bible under "Births of Negroes". Her birth date was 17 Aug 1787. Her death date was not recorded, but she lived until at least 13 Dec 1854 when Mary wrote her will.[184] See Slaves Mentioned by Name in Johnston Records.

Robert Edward Johnston reports that Joseph's grave is in the family graveyard, but not Polly's. Neither was recorded by Bell and Scott in Desoto Cemetery Inscriptions, but descendant Reby Johnston Johnson has provided photographs of the graveyard, Joseph's tombstone included.

Reby Johnston Johnson believes that the Joseph Johnston (25 Mar 1836 – 7 Mar 1841) buried close to Joseph in the family graveyard is the son of Joseph and Polly. The latter would have been about 46 years old in 1836, and young Joseph certainly could have been her last child.

1790-1800: Based upon the 1830 Census, which is slim evidence indeed, Samuel was born between 1790 and 1800.

1815: Sgt. Samuel Johnson appeared on the Muster Roll of Capt. Flemen Hodges' [husband of sister Patsy] Company, William Russell's Separate Battalion, TN Volunteer Mounted Gunmen. Also listed were David Bailey [husband of sister Milly] and Jesse Hodges [husband of sister Ruth].[185] Surely Sam Senior was much too old for active service; this reference must have Samuel Junior, age 15-25?

12 Dec 1826: Samuel and Sarah Johnston sold W½ SW¼ S34 T3 R4W on Swan Creek to Thomas Malone, "except so much of the land as has been conveyed to Joseph Johnston . . . and right title, interest, claim, and demand, both at law and in equity" in a small part of W½ SW¼ S34 T3 R4W "being the ground whereon [brother] Joseph Johnston's mill dam and pond" was located. This deed was proved before Joseph Johnston and Francis Epps, as Justices of the Peace.[186]

11 Sep 1827: Samuel Johnston Senior bequeathed his grandchildren Elizabeth and Jesse Johnston, "the son and daughter of Samuel Johnston Junior", 1 brown mare, 9 sheep, 10 hogs, 8 cattle, 1 cart, 1 yoke of steers, all household and kitchen furniture "now in possession of Samuel Johnston Junior", 1 set of blacksmith's tools, and 1 set of wagon maker's tools. Not leaving these items to Samuel himself would seem to support the idea that father and son had had a dispute over property that resulted in Samuel Senior bringing "several judgments and executions against him in the office of John N. Beard" before 1832. In his will, Samuel Senior desired that Samuel Junior not "be pushed" on these.[187]

1830 Census, Limestone County, AL: 1 male 5-10, 1 30-40; 1 female 10-15, 1 20-30, 1 40-50.[188] Who is 40-50 year old female? Sarah's mother?

3 Jan 1833: Samuel Johnston, along with [brother] James F. Johnston, witnessed a bill of sale from James Brundidge to Joseph Johnston in Limestone County.[189] Sam Senior was still alive but had written his will the previous October. Will therefore assume that the witness was Sam Junior.

23 May 1833: At the estate sale of Philander Tisdale, Samuel bought 1 hogshead for $ .50 and 100 pounds of bacon for $8.18¾.[190]

6 May 1835: Listed in the claims against the Charles King estate was: "This amount due Samuel Johnson on account + interest . . . $22.61".[191]

3 Dec 1836: Accounts from the estate of Benjamin Peete listed: "To cash paid Samuel Johnston . . . $15.62½ " on 3 Dec 1834.[192]

In the 1840 Census there's a 30-40 year old Samuel Johnston in Desoto County, MS. He's not Samuel P. Johnston, the Desoto County constable who isn't related to this line; but he would seem to have too many children to be our Samuel. In 1860 the Samuel Johnston indexed for Limestone County is actually Lemuel Johnston, the son of James F. Johnston. Samuel Johnston can't be found in the 1850 Census in Limestone County.

14 Nov 1796: C. William Ham was born in Amherst County, VA.[193] The unnamed genealogy provided by Elizabeth Hogue names parents James Ham (1760-1834) and Mourning Burford, who married 18 Dec 1787; but History and Families claims his mother was Nancy Crews, the daughter of James Crews and Mildred Burford. Whatever his maternal lineage, his father James Ham's parents were Stephen Ham (1738-1810) and Lucy Mildred Rucker (1738-1814).[194]

Ruth was born on 30 Jul 1795. She would later claim that her birth place was SC rather than VA, and there is no reason to doubt her.[195] She was usually referred to as “Ruthy”, and may have had a middle initial of "B" or "R", so her full name may've been Ruth Ballenger Johnston or Ruth Brooks Johnston.[196]

4 Nov 1812: Ruthy Johnstone married Jesse Hodges in Madison County, AL.[197] Jesse’s parents aren’t known but he may have been related to Fleming Hodges, Ruth’s brother-in-law.

1814-1815: Jesse Hodges served in Capt. Fleman Hodges Company, Maj. William Russell's Separate Battalion, TN Voluntary Mounted Gunmen from 28 Sep 1814 until his death on 23 Feb 1815.[198]

17 Feb 1815: Jesse signed his will. Witnesses: James and Nancy Wyatt, John Canterberry.[199] His Muster Cards list his date of death as 23 Feb 1815, but there is some indication that he died on 17 Feb, shortly after signing his will.[200]

May 1815: Along with [brother-in-law] Fleming Hodges, [brother-in-law] James Baily, and Shelton Standifer, Ruth was appointed one of the executors of the estate of late husband Jesse Hodges in Madison County.[201]

1816 MS Territorial Census: Jesse Hodges was listed, along with Flemin Hodge, Johnson Hodges, and James Hodge.[202] This entry presumably refers to his estate.

9 Nov 1816: Ruth Hodges married William' Ham.[203] An unnamed genealogy provided by Elizabeth Hogue claims a date of 14 Jan 1816. The earlier date may have been when the license was obtained.

23 Jan 1817: William Ham witnessed the appointment of [father-in-law] Samuel Johnston as guardian of step-son Joseph Hodges in Madison County, AL.[204]

26 Feb 1826: Ruth received W½ NW¼ S25 T3 R6W in Limestone County, AL in a deed of gift from father Samuel Johnston for her use "during my life and my wife's". Witnesses: John and J. P. Wofford.[205]

1830 Census, AL: 1 male under 5, 1 30-40; 2 females under 5, 3 females 5-10, 1 40-50.[206] But Ruth is only 35 years old this year; is this another William? This census, as well as 1840, was supplied by Elizabeth Hogue from an anonymous genealogy. I've not been able to find the Hams in either of these two censuses, nor in 1850.

29 Nov 1837: Sheriff Redus of Limestone County seized the lands of William Ham for debt. These lands, S½ E½ SW¼ S20 T3 R6W and W½ NW¼ S25 T3 R6W totaling 120 acres, were purchased by Hamilton Jones for $201.[207]

1840 Census, AL: 3 males under 5, 2 males 5-10, 1 10-15, 1 40-50; 1 female under 5, 2 5-10, 1 15-20, 1 female 50-60.[208] But Ruth was only 45 years old that year.

4 Aug 1845: In inventory of the estate of Joseph Johnston filed in Desoto County, MS, William's name is listed under "Notes Thought to be Due Doubtful". He owed $52.31, due 1 Mar 1845.[209]

1860 Census, Desoto County, MS (Olive Branch P.O.): Farmer William Ham, 63, born VA, with real and personal property valued at $1,200 and $600 respectively; Ruth 65, born SC; 26 year old farm laborer G. M. W. 26, born AL; farm laborer Stephen 21, born AL; farm laborer George W. 20, born AL; Mary 22, born AL.[210]

27 Jul 1870 Census, Desoto County, MS (Township 2 Range 6, Olive Branch P.O.): Farmer William Ham 73, born VA, with real and personal property valued at $1,000 and $500 respectively; Ruth 74, born SC; 26 year old "farm laborer George", born AL; 22 year old housekeeper A. E., born NC.[211] The latter couple had been married the previous December. The family is enumerated next to Jane Henley 39, and family.

Will of Ruth Johnston Ham[212]

Being sensible of my mortality and the justice of my making a will, I therefore make the following as my last will and testament. I desire that my husband William Ham shall have a certain tract of land I own [for] his lifetime, with the understanding that my daughter Jane Henley is to have a home on it during that time. The land above alluded to is known in the Survey of the Chickasaw Cessions as one hundred and ten acres of the east side of the north west quarter of Section twenty-one Township two Range six west of the basis meridian in Desoto Cty. Mifs – I do not wish said land subject to any debts during William Ham's lifetime. At the death of my husband William Ham, I desire that my son G. W. Ham shall execute my will, and shall have two hundred dollars of the value of the land above described, that my daughter Mary Ham shall have three hundred dollars of it's value, and I want the balance of what it sells for to be equally divided among all my heirs except Madison Clark or his children, who are my grandchildren, and James Humphries or his heirs, who are my grandchildren, and finally I do not want my daughter Mary to be compelled to leave the land and home above described while she remains single without her consent. I give to Mary and George W. Ham more than the rest of my children because they have done a great deal of labor for me in nursing and supporting me, in sickness and in old age. In testimony of what is here written I hereunto affix my mark of the date above.

24 Jan 1872: Ruth died, cause unknown, in Olive Branch, Desoto County, MS.[213] She was buried in Lebanon Cemetery.[214] Gandrud claimed that Ruth "Died 1870, age 74"; but if so, her death had to occur after the family was enumerated on the census on 27 Jul 1870.[215]

1 Jan 1879: Ruth's will was proved by the testimony of W. W. Kelsey. A. C. Stewart had died and witness S. P. H. Kelsey had "removed to TX. Why'd it take so long to prove the will if she'd died in 1872?

Letitia Jane Ham (c. 1824 – ; m. 1st William Goodwin; m. 2nd Thomas F. Henley 11 Aug 1858)

Matilda ('Tilley") Ham (9 Aug 1830 – 10 Jun 1910; m. 1st John S. Humphreys 26 Dec 1854; m. 2nd H. G. Merritt 7 Jan 1869)

George W. Ham (1841 – 1 May 1894; m. A. "Alcey" or "Allie" Evelyn Merritt 8 Dec 1869)

There were many Hams in Desoto County, MS, at least one of them being James Ham, William's brother, who also had children. Thus it's difficult to sort out the various Hams and the identity of Ruth's children. Anyone who can document the children of William and Ruth is urged to contact me.

6 Jan 1799: James was probably born in Warren County, GA. But although he listed GA as his birthplace in the 1850 Census, Louise Ryan claimed that he was born in South Carolina. He may even have been born on the journey south. His middle name is not documented to my knowledge, but his son James, who had the middle name of Francis, is generally assumed to have been a Junior.

18 Jun 1799: Mary J. Wynne was born in GA, the daughter of Clement Wynne and Frances Dewberry.[217] Her father, Clement Wynne, was the son of Robert Wynne.

20 Feb 1820: James married Polly Wynne, probably in GA.[218] Louise Ryan claims the marriage occurred on 11 Feb 1829, a date at which he already had 4 children. Emmye Simmons claimed a marriage date of 13 Feb 1820. The latter date was perhaps the date of the license.

The "James Johnson" listed in Limestone County, AL in 1820 already has 5 children; thus he can't be ours.

15 Oct 1827: James witnessed a deed from [father] Samuel Johnston to [brother] William Johnston for W½ NW¼ S24 T3 R2W. Other witnesses were Obediah Gerault and William East.[219]

16 Oct 1827: He received E½ NW¼ S24 T3 R2W in a deed from Samuel Johnston. Witnesses: William Johnston, Obediah Gerault, and William East.[220] The abstract does not make clear whether this was a purchase or deed of gift, although the latter would seem more likely.

3 Jan 1833: James F. Johnston, along with Samuel Johnston, witnessed the sale of slave Amy in Limestone County from James Brundidge to [brother] Joseph Johnston.[221]

1 Jan 1834: He and wife Polly, sold E½ NW¼ S24 T3 R2W, the land he had been deeded by his father in 1827, to Benjamin Dunkin.[222]

12 Dec 1842: Along with S. Bailey, James was appointed co-administrator of the Daniel Bailey estate in Limestone County. The appointed was acknowledged in Limestone County before [brother-in-law] John K. Wilburn, J. P.[223] The estate name is recorded incorrectly, it was actually David Bailey's estate.

1850 Census, Limestone County, AL: Wagon maker age 51, born in GA; Mary age 51, born in GA; wagon maker Lemuel age 22; farmer James F. 21; Mary A. age 19; Sarah A. F. 17; Nancy A. age 14; Joseph 12; Robert 11; Lucinda 7.[224] On the Slave Schedule, James F. Johnston was shown as the owner of 8 slaves.

30 Jan 1854: He was probably the James Johnston who was issued letters of administration for the William J. Bailey estate, with William Johnston and Nicholas McKensie acting as sureties. When the estate sale occurred on 5 Apr 1854 James, William R. Johnston, and Sarah A. Bailey were among the buyers.[225] William R. Johnston was the son of brother William; Sarah A. Bailey may have been Sarah Johnston Bailey, James' sister.

20 Nov 1855: James F. Johnston was appointed guardian of James Lafayette, Mary, Dock, Eliza, Martha, and Lucy Inman.[226] I’m assuming this to be James Senior. Son Robert Johnston later married Lucy Inmon, presumably this little Lucy.

16 Mar 1860: Lemuel Johnston and James C. Baker petitioned to probate the will of James F. Johnston, the will being proved on 23 Apr 1860. Witnesses to the will were John Turrentine and William F. Hoke. Administrators: Lemuel and James C. Baker. Securities: Clement Johnston, J. C. Baker, Elisha French, George R. Anderson, and Alexander L. McKinney.[228] Lemuel and Clement were James' sons; James C. Baker was his son-in-law.

16 Jun 1860 Census, Limestone County, AL: Mary J. Johnson, age 61, born GA; Robert age 19; Lucinda R. age 16.[229]

24 Jan 1872: "Mrs. Polly Johnston, widow of James F. Johnston, died Jan 24, aged 72. She and her husband were among the early settlers of Limestone."[230] Emmye Simmons claims a death date of 23 Jan, as does Thomas Sydney Johnston.

Clement Wynn Johnston (18 Jun 1822 – 13 Oct 1901; m. Margaret Harvey 25 Sep 1845)

Elizabeth D. C. Johnston (8 Feb 1826 – 27 Jul 1904; m. James C. Baker 21 Dec 1848)

Lemuel Johnston (7 Sep 1827 – 17 Jul 1906; m. Martha L. French 5 Jan 1852)

James Francis Johnston (20 Feb 1829 – 1879; m. Martha Jane Clem 11 Oct 1854)

Robert Johnston (25 Mar 1841 – 18 Jan 1912; m. Lucy Turner Inmon 4 Feb 1868)

If you have material about or photos of any individuals included in Nancy's Dead Relatives, can add well-documented family lines, have corrections and/or comments, or wish to establish a link to or from this site, please contact me at nancy@nancysdeadrelatives.com. However, the decision whether or not to include any submitted material is the webmaster's (mine) alone.

Any information is only as reliable as its source. Evaluate the following sources accordingly.

[1] Saunders, Early Settlers of Alabama, p. 116

[2] Book A, p. 530

[3] Blair, Some Early Tax Digests of Georgia, p. 196

[4] Sue Sullivan, from Gandrud, Alabama Records, v. 80, p. 34

[5] Sue Sullivan

[6] Gandrud, Alabama Records, v. 149

[7] Sue Sullivan

[8] Sue Sullivan, from Valley Leaves, Dec 1969

[9] Muster Card, copy provided by Cleone Hodges

[10] ALGenWeb/Madison County/War of 1812 Soldiers, from Old Huntsville Magazine

[11] Sue Sullivan, from Madison County Orphans Court Minutes 1810-1817, p. 8

[12] Sue Sullivan

[13] Sue Sullivan, from Alabama Records , v. 80, p. 15

[14] Sue Sullivan; Johnson, Madison County, Alabama Orphans Court Minutes 1810-1817, p. 20, from original p. 101

[15] Sue Sullivan, from Alabama Records, v. 159, p. 59, and Johnson, Madison County, Alabama Deed Books A – F: 1810 - 1819, p. 14

[16] Sue Sullivan, from Alabama Records, v. 115, p. 57 and Johnson, Madison County, Alabama Deed Books A – F: 1810 - 1819, p. 12

[17] Sue Sullivan, from Alabama Records, v. 149, p. 62, v. 138, p. 37

[18] Alabama Records, v. 1, n. 4, p. 188, Dec 1959

[19] Sue Sullivan

[20] Sue Sullivan

[21] Alabama Records, v. 127, p. 2

[22] Sue Sullivan

[23] Sue Sullivan

[24] Sue Sullivan, from Alabama Records, v. 149, p. 46, and Johnson, Madison County, Alabama Deed Books A – F: 1810 - 1819, p. 86

[25] Saunders, p. 116

[26] Sue Sullivan

[27] Mrs. J. D. Simmons in Alabama Records, v. 21, p. 68; Johnson, Cemeteries of Madison County, Alabama, p. 232

[28] Cemeteries of Madison County, Alabama, p. 232

[29] Lucas, Some Georgia County Records, Vol. 1, p. 190

[30] Lucas, p. 314, from Administrators Bonds, Book A, p. 15

[31] Blair, p. 196

[32] Alabama Records, v. 21, p. 91

[33] Johnson, Madison County, Alabama Orphan's Court Minutes 1810-1817, p. 20, 21, from original p. 101

[34] Alabama State Dept of Archives and History, Alabama Historical Quarterly, v. 1, n. 4, p. 186, Dec 1959

[35] Alabama Records, v. 136, p. 52

[36] Alabama Records, v. 136, p. 52

[37] Madison County, Alabama Orphan's Court Minutes 1810-1817, p. 27, from original p. 148

[38] Deed Index, original located in Book E, p. 148 and Book H, p. 362 Why two sources cited? Were there actually two deeds?

[39] Alabama Records, v. 48, p. 61, from Orphan's Court

[40] Alabama Records, v. 175; v. 143

[41] Will Book 4, p. 139

[42] Will Book 4, p. 149

[43] Alabama Records, v. 135, p. 52, from Book R, p. 61

[44] Alabama Records, v. 136, p. 52, from Book T, p. 176

[45] Mrs. J. D. Simmons in Alabama Records, v. 21, p. 68; Axford, The Lure and Lore of Limestone County, Alabama, p. 61

[46] Alabama Records, v. 100, p. 17

[47] Cemeteries of Madison County, Alabama, p. 232

[48] Alabama Records, v. 137, p.14, from Probate Record 12, p. 26

[49] Limestone County Historical Society, Limestone County 1850 Census, p. 179,from original p. 442

[50] Alabama Records, v. 97, p. 35

[51] Alabama Records, v. 137, p. 14-16, from Probate Record 21, p. 571; Probate Minute Book 5, p. 208; Probate Records 22, p. 164; Probate Record 24, p. 132

[52] ALGenWeb/Madison County/War of 1812 Soldiers, from Old Huntsville Magazine

[53] Alabama State Department of Archives and History, v. 1, n. 4, p. 189, Dec 1959

[54] Limestone County Historical Society, Limestone Legacy, v. 12, n. 1, p. 26, Autumn 1989, from original p. 10-12

[55] Deed Index, original located in Book K, p. 253

[56] Alabama Records, v. 130, p. 40, from Book L, p. 350

[57] Alabama Records, v. 130, p. 40, from Book L, p. 351

[58] Alabama Records, v. 130, p. 41, from Book S, p. 25

[59] Limestone County 1850 Census, p. 173, from original p. 438

[60] Alabama Records, v. 130, p. 75, 79-80, from Book 1, p. 335

[61] Warren County Marriage Book A, p. 23

[62] Alabama Records, v. 53, p. 60

[63] ALGenWeb/Madison County/War of 1812 Soldiers, from Old Huntsville Magazine

[64] Alabama Records, v. 80, p. 12, 30

[65] Alabama Records, v. 136, p. 52, from Book M, p. 288

[66] Alabama Records, v. 97, p. 98; v. 138, p. 41, from Chancery Record, Case #249, p. 370

[67] Johnson, Madison County Deed Books A, B, C, D, E 1810-1819, Item 631, from original p. 322, 326

[68] Madison County Deed Books A, B, C, D, E 1810-1819, Item 627, from original, p. 317

[69] Alabama Records, v. 88, p. 4

[70] Alabama Records, v. 114, p. 51

[71] S. D. Johnston Family Bible, transcribed in Desoto County Genealogical Society, Desoto Descendants, v. 20, n. 4, Nov 2002

[72] S. D. Johnston Family Bible, transcribed in Desoto Descendants, v. 20, n. 4, Nov 2002

[73] Book A, p. 32

[74] Lucas, p. 314, from Administrators Bonds, Book A, p. 15

[75] Lucas, p. 344

[76] Darden, Darden Family History, p. 171-172; Boddie, Historical Southern Families, p. 181

[77] Axford, p. 182; Limestone Legacy, v. 17, n. 1, p. 13, from Limestone Democrat, 5 May 1910

[78] Limestone Legacy, v. 15, n. 2, p. 39, Winter 1993

[79] Alabama State Department of Archives and History, p. 424, Fall 1944

[80] Limestone Book 1, p. 222; Desoto County Probate Record, p. 567

[81] Animal Take Up Book 1824-1853, p. 603, copy provided by Jackie Leonard

[82] Book 1, p. 301

[83] Will Book 3, p. 1-4

[84] Book 3, p. 64

[85] Book 3, p. 338, 339, 340

[86] Deed Book 4, p. 130; Will Book 3, p. 348; Alabama Records, v. 88, p. 34; Tennessee Valley Genealogical Society, Valley Leaves, v. 6, n. 1, p. 89, Dec 1971, from original Vol. 1, p. 168, State Archives

[87] Will Book 3, p. 76

[88] Will Book 3, p. 76

[89] Valley Leaves, v. 19, n. 1, p. 33, Sep 1984

[90] Will Book 3, p. 315

[91] Book 4, p. 139

[92] Will Book 3, p. 405

[93] Book 4, p. 130

[94] Will Book 3, p. 384

[95] 1830 Census, p. 1

[96] Alabama Records, v. 237, p. 114, from original p. 290

[97] Walker, History of Limestone County, Alabama, p. 191

[98] Will Book 4, p. 35

[99] Will Book 3, p. 382

[100] Book 4, p. 128, 129, 142

[101] Will Book 3, p. 504

[102] Book 4, p. 235

[103] Alabama Records, v. 98, p. 26; Will Book 4, p. 118

[104] Book 4, p. 381

[105] Cash Fee Book 1826-1846, copy provided by Jackie Leonard; Will Book 4, p. 141, 149

[106] Will Book 4, p. 201

[107] Will Book 4, p. 149

[108] Will Book 4, p. 204

[109] Book 4, p. 500

[110] Book 4, p. 589

[111] Will Book 4, p. 317

[112] Will Book 4, p. 319

[113] Book 4, p. 551

[114] Book 4, p. 657

[115] Book 4, p. 554

[116] Book 4, p. 569

[117] Will Book 4, p. 348-349

[118] Will Book 4, p. 429

[119] Book 4, p. 608

[120] Will Book 4, p. 427-428

[121] Will Book 4, p. 452

[122] Book 7, p. 207, 208

[123] Will Book 4, p. 479

[124] Will Book 4, p. 492

[125] Book 4, p. 713

[126] Will Book 4, p. 513, 524

[127] Book 5, P. 59

[128] Will Book 4, p. 576

[129] Book 5, p. 85

[130] Book A, p. 31; Scott, Nineteenth Century Hernando, p. 1-2

[131] Typed account by unknown author, copy provided by Ozelle Scott

[132] Book A, p. 204

[133] Book B, p. 244

[134] Alabama Records, v. 98, p.36, from original p. 141

[135] Book 5, p. 234

[136] Book A, p. 283

[137] Deed Book 5, p. 295

[138] Axford, p. 182; photos on p. 181, xv, xix

[139] Book 5, p. 389

[140] Book D, p. 19

[141] Alabama Records, v. 98, p. 62, from original p. 234

[142] Book E, p. 44

[143] Circuit Court Minutes 1836-39, copy provided by J. P. Bell

[144] Circuit Court Minutes 1836-39, copy provided by J. P. Bell

[145] Board of Police Minutes 1838-1843, p. 37, 44, copies provided by J. P. Bell

[146] Book D, p. 89

[147] Book H, p. 112

[148] Book D, p. 263

[149] Book D, p. 260

[150] Book G, p. 296

[151] Book D, p. 273

[152] Book D, p. 277

[153] Board of Police Minutes 1838-1843, p. 87, copy provided by J. P. Bell

[154] 1840 Census, p. 2

[155] Board of Police Minutes 1838-1842, p. 94, 96, copies provided by J. P. Bell

[156] Desoto Genealogical Society, Desoto Descendants, v. 15, n. 3, p. 10-11, Aug 1997

[157] Book F, p. 54

[158] Board of Police Minutes 1838-1842, p. 116, copy provided by J. P. Bell

[159] Book F, p. 111

[160] Board of Police Minutes 1838-1842, p. 198, copy provided by J. P. Bell

[161] Board of Police Minutes 1838-1843, p. 227, 230, copies provided by J. P. Bell

[162] Board of Police Minutes 1838-1843, p. 233, copy provided by J. P. Bell

[163] Desoto Descendants, v. 14, n. 1, p. 12, Feb 1996

[164] Book G, p. 42

[165] Lucas, p. 365, from original p. 143-144

[166] Book G, p. 281

[167] Book G, p. 281

[168] Book G, p. 305

[169] Book G, p. 528

[170] Desoto Descendants, v. 12, n. 2, p. 65, from Probate Record 1843-1845, p. 166; ibid, v. 12, n. 2, p. 67, from Probate Record, p. 176

[171] Desoto Descendants, v. 12, n. 4, p. 183, Nov 1994, from Probate Record 1843-1845, p. 301

[172] Book H, p. 60

[173] Leonard-Gill, p. 17

[174] Wiltshire, Marriages and Deaths from Mississippi Newspapers, Vol. 1, 1837-1863, p. 150

[175] Wellden, Death Notices from Limestone County, Alabama Newspapers 1828-1891, p. 162

[176] Desoto County, Mississippi, Probate Record, June 1845 , p. 476-480

[177] Desoto County, Mississippi, Probate Record, June 1845 , p. 480-482

[178] Book H, p. 233

[179] Book H, p. 235

[180] Book H, p. 237 Desoto Descendants, v. 15, n. 1, p. 3 does not completely agree with Deed Book H, but the original must, of course, be definitive.

[181] Desoto Descendants, v. 16, n. 1, p. 12, Feb 1998, from Probate Court Final Record, p. 70-73

[182] 1860 Census, p. 92

[183] Desoto County, Mississippi, Will Book 1, p. 299-30

[184] Probate Record 1843-46, p. 556; Will Book 1, p. 299; Johnston Family Bible: Desoto Descendants, v. 20, n. 4, p.2, Nov 2002

[185] Copy provided by Cleone Hodges

[186] Book 3, p. 338-339

[187] Book 3, p. 157; Alabama Records, v. 21, p. 59-60

[188] 1840 Census, p. 40

[189] Book 4, p. 381

[190] Book 4, p. 243

[191] Will Book 4, p. 492

[192] Will Book 4, p. 588

[193] Bell and Scott, Desoto Cemetery Inscriptions, p. 186

[194] Desoto County Genealogical Society, Desoto County, Mississippi History and Families, p. 107

[195] Louise Ryan; although Emmye Simmons claimed a birth month of June.

[196] Bell and Scott, p. 187

[197] Alabama Records, v. 147, p. 1; Alabama Records, v. 4, p. 8, from Book 1, p. 85.

[198] Copies of original muster cards provided by Cleone Hodges

[199] Alabama Records, v. 4, p. 23, from Madison County Deed Book A, p. 117; Alabama Records, v. 115, p. 50; Madison County, Alabama Orphans Court Minutes 1810-1817, p. 20, from original p. 101

[200] Copies of original muster cards provided by Cleone Hodges

[201] Madison County, Alabama Orphans Court Minutes 1810-1817, p. 20, from original p. 101

[202] Alabama Historical Quarterly, v. 1, n. 4, p. 188, Dec 1959

[203] Alabama Records, v. 147, p. 4, from Book 1, p. 283. Unnamed genealogy provided by Elizabeth Hogue claims date of 14 Jan 1816.

[204] Alabama Records, v. 4, p. 42

[205] Book 3, p. 215

[206] Copy of unnamed genealogy provided by Elizabeth Hogue

[207] Deed Book 5, p. 390

[208] Copy of unnamed genealogy provided by Elizabeth Hogue

[209] Desoto County Probate Record 1843-1846, p. 468

[210] Desoto County 1860 Census, p. 186

[211] Desoto County 1870 Census, p. 20

[212] Desoto County Will Book 2, p. 141

[213] Louise Ryan; Elizabeth Hogue

[214] Bell and Scott, p. 187

[215] Alabama Records, v. 114, p. ___

[216] Bell and Scott, p. 186

[217] Lucas, p. 343, 352; Austin, The Georgians: Genealogies of Pioneer Settlers, p. 413; Sherry Norton

[218] Austin, p. 413.

[219] Alabama Records, v.30, p. 40, from Book L, p. 350

[220] Alabama Records, v.130, p. 40, from Book L, p. 351

[221] Book 4, p. 381

[222] Deed Index, original located in Book O, p. 624

[223] Alabama Records, v. 114, p. 51

[224] Limestone County 1850 Census, p. 138, from original p. 183

[225] Alabama Records, v. 97, p. 20, 35, from Probate Minute Book 2, p. 303; Probate Record 31, p. 232

[226] Alabama Records, v. 40, p. 11, from Probate Minute Book D, p. 214

[227] Wellden, p. 175, from Huntsville Democrat, 14 Mar 1860.

[228] Alabama Records, v. 209, p. 49-50, from Will Book 12, p. 322

[229] Todd, Limestone County, Alabama 1860, p. 166, from original p. 32

[230] Wellden, p. 34, from original Athens Limestone News, 31 Jan 1872

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