Martin & Sarah Combs Johnson

Note: This is a Work-in-Progress, with contributions by multiple researchers, and irregularly scheduled updates and additions. Researchers are advised to check our Combs/JOHNSON &c WebSite Index regularly in regard to updates. Also Note: Most primary sources have been included herein. When reference is made to a source not included, the source material can be located by referring to the above-noted Index.

3. MARTIN JOHNSON, son of James and Elizabeth (?) _____ Johnson (Murrell), was born between 1776 and 1780, possibly in now-East Tennessee, which would have then been part of either North Carolina or Virginia (See Elizabeth _____ Johnson Murrell). By 1797 at the latest (probably much earlier), Martin JOHNSON was residing in Hawkins County, Tennessee, which is also probably where he married, also by 1797, Sarah Combs, who was born in 1779, probably in Surry Co, NC, but possibly in East Tennessee (then part of North Carolina). Hawkins County, Tennessee was also probably where their firstborn child, daughter Elizabeth JOHNSON, possibly named after Martin JOHNSON'S mother, was born ca 1797. That same year, on the day after Christmas, Martin JOHNSON purchased 150 acres in Hawkins County on Dodson's Creek on the south side of the Holston River:

Hawkins Co, TN DB2:466 [or 422?] Robert Brown to Martin Johnson, dated 12/26/1797, recorded 12/26/1797, registered 1798 (March Session)

THIS INDENTURE, Made this 26th day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven BETWEEN Robert Brown of the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee of the one part, and Martin Johnson of the County and State aforesaid of the other part, WITNESSETH that the said Robert Brown for and in consideration of the sum of ninety pounds to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, HATH, and by these presents DOTH grant, bargain, sell, assign, infeoff and confirm unto the said Martin Johnson his heirs and assigns forever, a certain Tract or Parcel of LAND, containing one hundred and fifty acres, be the same more or less, lying and being in the county of Hawkins on Dodsons Creek being the place where Miles Barret & Jno. Willis now lives on and holds by a deed from James Dodson and Raleigh Dodson in that bounds joining John Payne and Jacob Lauson with all and singular the woods, waters, water courses, profits, commodities, hereditaments, and appurtenances whatsoever to the said Tract of Land belonging or appertaining, and the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders, rents and issues thereof, and all the estate, right, title, interest property, claim and demand of him the said Robert Brown his heirs, &c of, in and to the same and every part and parcel thereof either in law or equity TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said one hundred and fifty acres of Land, with the appurtenances unto the said Martin Johnson his heirs and assigns FOREVER against the lawful title, claim and demand of all and every person or persons whatsoever, SHALL and WILL WARRANT and FOREVER DEFEND by these presents.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the said Robert Brown hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written.
Signed, sealed and delivered s/Robert Brown
in presence of
Jno Payne Jno. Lawson [sp?]

(Transcribed by C. Hammett, 1995 from LDS Microfilm )

The above-described parcel of land has been researched and plotted from the earliest known grant through the early 1800s; a history of this tract of land and of its prior owners, and the backgrounds of both prior owners and neighbors, at the time Martin and Sarah Combs Johnson were residing there will be provided at a later date. Briefly, however, Robert BROWN was a Revolutionary War Pensioner as were Miles BARRETT, John WILLIS and Jacob LAWSON. All of the latter three had previously resided in Henry County, Virginia, as had, probably, the Rev. Thomas MURRELL of Hawkins Co, TN. Robert BROWN was the son of William BROWN of Augusta Co, VA to Rowan Co, NC to Burke Co, NC. After removing to Hawkins Co, TN, Robert BROWN later lived in Knox Co, TN before removing to Warren Co, TN. He may have been an associate of the Combs families of Hawkins Co, Tennessee. Raleigh and Mary _____ DODSON, formerly of Richmond and Pittsylvania Cos, VA, and Caswell Co, NC, were close associates of the Rev. Thomas MURRELL in east Tennessee. John and William PAYNE may well have been kin to Daniel PAYNE, husband of Sylvia Combs, who may have been a sister to Sarah Combs JOHNSON.

About 1800, Martin and Sarah Combs Johnson's eldest son, William M. JOHNSON, was born, and on 18 Feb 1801, Martin JOHNSON inexplicably signed the following Deed of Gift:

Hawkins Co, TN DB1:337 dtd 2/18/1801 Martin Johnson to his son, William Johnson, reg March Session 1801
p. 337

Deed of Gift Martin Johnson to William Johnson Trans from Leber E
Registered 1st March, 1801 Page 252

This Indenture made this 18th day of February, 1801 between Martin Johnson of the County of Hawkins in the state of Tennessee of the one part and William Johnson, son of the said Martin of the other part. Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the love and affection that the said Martin bears unto the said William Johnson and for Divers other considerations as well as also for and in consideration of the sum of five shillings have given and granted on and by this present doth give and grant align convey and confer unto the said William Johnson his heirs and assigns forever the tract or parcel of Land on Dodsons Creek where Miles Barrett and John Willis formerly lived containing one hundred and fifty acres joining John Payne Jacob Lawson & others beginning on a Birch tree running west one hundred and ten poles then with the conditional line and patent line to the beginning. Also all the horses cattle household furniture & farming utensils that I am in possession of and all which said tract of Land and personal Estate as [is?] also warranted and is hereby warranted & defended from the claim of all and every person or persons whatsoever unto forever the said William Johnson and his heirs &c forever.

Signed Sealed Delivered s/Martin Johnson
in presence of
Thomas Jackson
David Hyler

State of Tennesse
Hawkins County This Deed of Gift was proven in open court
by the Oath of David Hyler a Outstanding
Witness Hereto recorded ???? Session
Richard Mitchell Clerk of Hawkins Cty
by Edw Scott his Deputy

(Transcribed by C. Hammett, 1995 from LDS Microfilm )

The above deed raises numerous questions, of course: Why would a man deed his property to a one year old child, yet make no mention of the child's age, no mention of his wife, and no mention of his reason for executing the deed. It was not uncommon at that time for men to execute deeds in place of a will. As will be seen, Martin JOHNSON may have witnessed that very type of deed for a Mason Combs only a short time later. Generally, however, when an individual executed a deed in place of a will, some mention would be made of his reason for doing so. Examples would include phrases such as "being sick of body, but well of mind" or "as I am going to the far country and will return only if God so wills."

Moreover, Martin JOHNSON'S failure to make mention of his wife, Sarah Combs, or of his son, William's, minority status, is a serious omission: As his wife, Sarah Combs was legally entitled to her Dower Rights, one-third of Martin JOHNSON'S estate, yet no mention is even made of her. Given William's age, Martin should have named a guardian for his son and an administrator for his property (At that time, Sarah would not have automatically been granted that status). We have been able to learn of no particular event that might have occasioned the above deed, but know only that Martin did not himself appear in court to attest to his signature when the deed was recorded 12 days later, a fact which would normally be considered insignificant. However, the situation becomes even more puzzling because of the next deed recorded for the 150 acres on Dodson's Creek:

Hawkins Co, TN Deed Book 3, p 29, Martin Johnson to Jacob Lawson, registered 2nd February, 1802, Trans from Leber E page 245:

THIS INDENTURE, Made this 14th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eighteen hundred and one BETWEEN Martin Johnson of the County of Hawkins & State of Tennessee of the one part, and Jacob Lawson of said County and State of the other part witnesseth that the sd. Martin Johnson for and in Consideration of the sum of Five hundred Dollars to him in hand paid the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath and by these presents doth grant, bargain, sell, asign, infeoff, convey and confirm unto the said Jacob Lawson his heirs and assigns forever, a certain Tract or parcel of Land containing one hundred and fifty Acres lying and being in the county of Hawkins on Dodsons Creek it being the same Land that Martin Johnson Ocupies and the same that said Johnson bought of Robert Brown being one hundred & fifty acres more or less and With all and Singular the woods waters water courses profits commoditys, hereditaments, and appurtenances Whatsoever to the said Tract of Land belonging or appertaining and the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainders Rents ? and issues thereof, and all the Estate, Right, Title, interest property claim and Demand of him the said Martin Johnson his heirs and assigns forever of in and to the same and every part & parcel thereof Either in Law or Equity To have and to hold the said one hundred and fifty Acres of Land with the appurtenances, unto the said Jacob Lawson his heirs & assigns FOREVER against the Lawful Title claim and Demand of all and every person or persons whatever, will warrant and forever Defend by these presents.

In Testimony whereof the said Martin Johnson hath hereunto set his hand and seal the date above written.

Signed, sealed and delivered s/Martin Johnson
in presence of
Isum Lawson
Raleigh Dodson
William Bowling

(Transcribed by C. Hammett, 1995 from LDS Microfilm)

Only nine months after gifting the 150 acres on Dodson's Creek to his son, William, Martin JOHNSON sold the same exact land -- land which he does not appear to even own -- to Jacob LAWSON. This would have been, of course, not only highly illegal, but highly improbable: Jacob LAWSON was no stranger recently come to town, but Martin JOHNSON'S long-time neighbor. Jacob LAWSON must have been aware of the earlier deed and the circumstances surrounding it, and thus would never have accepted Martin JOHNSON'S right to grant him the 150 acres had not yet another deed, one which we have not been able to locate, been signed, between 18 Feb and 14 Nov, returning title of the land to Martin JOHNSON. In other words, from 18 Feb 1801, the date Martin JOHNSON granted the land to his eldest son, William, only William, or William's guardian on his behalf, had a legal right of ownership to the 150 acres on Dodson's Creek.

Unfortunately, all (most?) of the early Hawkins County, Tennessee deeds were recopied by a later Court Clerk following the burning of the Courthouse during the Civil War ,and thus we may never be able to learn either what occurred in reference to the above deeds, including what occasioned Mason Combs to sign the following:

(Hawkins Co, TN DB3:69) Dtd. 2/22/1802 Reg. 11/1/1802
Trust Mason Combs to his Wife & Children
Registered 1 November 1802 Trans from Leber E, page 385

Know all men by these presents that I Mason Combs of the county of Hawkins and State of Tennessee for devers Good Causes & reasons well known, I do give & bequeath unto my wife Dorothy Combs Two Choice Cows all the Hogs & Sheep, two Sorrel mares all the beds & Furniture that now belongs to me to dispose of at her will after my decease the Tract of Land that I now live on I give and bequeath to my two Sons Simeon & Jeremiah to be Equally Divided between them Simeon to have the Lower end and Jeremiah Combs to have the upper End only Reserving to the use of their mother Dorothy Combs Ten acres out of each half when divided as She thinks proper to choose also the use of what Timber She may want for her use during her the two boys to have all the profits arising from Said Lands and their Mother to have the privilege of Renting and Seeing to the Said Land untill the boys comes of age [---] for all my Goods & chattles of every kinds whatsoever that now belongs to me I leive to my wife Dorothy Combs during her life or widowhood for the use and benefit of my children in Trust at the end of which it is to be Equally Divided among my surviving children only Simeon is to have the first Colt that the Big Sorrel mare brings and Jerry is to have as his own the yearlin colt now belonging to the Roan Mare Ther mother to have the charge & care of them untill the boys become of age and the Increase of sd colts young to Dispose of as She thinks fit. All these things I do Give and Grant as before mentioned and do hereby confirm.

In Witness of which I here unto set my hand & seal this 22nd day of February in the year of our Lord 1802.

Mason [M] Combs (Seal)
[his mark]

Signed sealed and Delivered in presence
of Wm Paine Jacob Manus
Martin Johnson

State of Tennessee)
Hawkins County ) August Session 1802

Then the within Deed was proven in open court by the oaths of William Paine Jacob Manus and Martin Johnson. Richard Mitchell-clerk

(Hawkins TN microfilm 972798 transcribed by C. Hammett, 1995)

In his will dated 14 Aug 1814, and proved in Hawkins County, Tennessee (no date), Jacob MANAS (MANUS) named wife, Margaret; sons Daniel, Ephraim, Elijah; daughters Elizabeth MANAS Heirs [not specified], Sarah PAINE, Annas JONES, and Nancy VARNUM. The will was witnessed by Edwin HAMBLEN, H M. BUSSELL and John JONES. (Hawkins TN WB1:348) Also Note: The BUSSELLS of Hawkins Co, Tennessee number among our Combs-Johnson Mysteries (See Madison Co, AR, and Van Buren, Warren and Hawkins Co, TN US GenWeb Page Queries) Wm. PAINE is believed to have been close kin of Daniel PAINE who maried Sylvia Combs.

The above deed is almost as unusual as those of Martin JOHNSON since it leaves open a number of questions, including why Mason Combs signed it -- whether he was dying, leaving on a trip, attempting to avoid some type of legal or financial problem, etc. It is not a will, it gives no indication that Mason died, and it most certainly does not document that he was the father of Sarah Combs Johnson. If anything, the reverse is true: If Sarah had been Mason's daughter, the fact that Martin JOHNSON witnessed the above record might have been considered a conflict of interest since as the son-in-law of Mason Combs, he would have automatically had a legal interest in any dispersal of Mason Combs' estate. Sarah Combs Johnson's ancestry, as noted above, will be covered in more detail under the Early Combs Genealogy, but one question raised by these series of deeds is whether they were occasioned by some type of problem or danger being jointly experienced by both Martin JOHNSON and Mason Combs.

By the end of 1801, another event had occurred in the lives of Martin and Sarah Combs Johnson: the birth of their third child, son James JOHNSON, possibly their last child born in Hawkins County, since by about 1803 when their daughter Dorothy JOHNSON (very possibly named after Dorothy _____ Combs) was born, the JOHNSONS may have already removed to middle Tennessee.

So far as we have been able to determine, Martin JOHNSON never owned more than the one tract of land in Hawkins County, Tennessee -- the 150 acres on Dodson's Creek. On 14 Nov 1801, Martin JOHNSON sold that land, and on 2 Feb 1802 it was so recorded. Yet on 22 Feb 1802, the date Mason Combs signed the above Land Trust, Martin JOHNSON was still in Hawkins County, Tennessee, raising numerous additional questions such as: Where he was living? What was he doing? How was he earning a living? When did he leave Hawkins County, Tennessee? We know that Dorothy, Simon and Jeremiah Combs were still residing in Hawkins County, Tennessee as late as 1807, and that Simon and Jeremiah Combs were residing in Warren Co, TN by 1812 (See Index), but where were Martin and Sarah Combs Johnson between 1802 and 1810 when their son, John Clark JOHNSON was born in Warren Co, Tennessee (Goodspeeds' History of Northwest Arkansas, Madison County biography of Robert L. JOHNSON, son of John Clark JOHNSON).

It appears, although not yet documented, that by 1804 Martin and Sarah Combs Johnson were already residing in middle-Tennessee, with children, Elizabeth, William M., James and Dorothy, on Indian Creek of the Caney Fork of the Cumberland River:

On February 1, 1806, a list of Smith County, Tennessee tax delinquents was published in The Impartial Review and Cumberland Repository, an early Tennessee newspaper, included the following:

"County sale for unpaid taxes on 25th February next, Martin JOHNSON, 320 acres, Indian Creek, last paid: 1804." (Tennessee Newspaper Abstracts, Vol 1, No. 8, Sistler, Nashville, TN)

On April 3, 1809, The Carthage Gazette and Friend of the People, published the Jackson County, Tennessee delinquent tax list for 1808, which included Martin JOHNSON, 320 acres, Caney Fork. (Ibid., Vol 1, No. 17); and on March 23, 1810, the same newspaper listed on the 1809 Jackson Co, Tennessee delinquent tax list Martin JOHNSON, 320 acres on the Caney. (Ibid., Vol 2, No. 53)

The land entry and/or grant for the 320 acres on Indian Creek has not yet been obtained; however, additional confirmation of the land's location exists as follows:

(Tennessee Record Group 50, Book 58, pg. 69, No. 238). James ROULSTON..39-3/8 acs..6th section..3rd range... Begin on the south fork of Indian Cr of the Caney fork... on a beech marked "A.S.I.V." Martin JOHNSON'S beginning corner... to include said ROULSTON'S improvement..31 Aug 1807. James VANCE, Loc. (Building Neighborhoods, Jackson Co, TN Prior to 1820, Abstractions from Record Group 50, Early Land Records, TN State Library and Archives, Betty Huff Bryant, 1992, p. 33, Reel 17)

One very strong reason for our belief that the above Martin JOHNSON was 'our' Martin JOHNSON is that this land was adjacent to that of a William RIDGE whom we believe to have been William RIDGE, Jr., son of William and Winnifred Combs Ridge, Sr. of Surry County, North Carolina (Winnifred Combs Ridge Allen is believed to have been the sister of Mason Combs of Hawkins Co, Tennessee). We have not yet determined the exact location of Martin JOHNSON'S land on Caney Creek; however, the headwaters of Indian Creek of the Caney Fork appear to be part of Warren County, Tennessee, and most certainly a good part of this creek fell in White Co, TN, where William RIDGE, Jr. is of record. We are currently in the process of attempting to locate the land entry for the above record, and much more research about this land and other Warren County, Tennessee deed transactions is still needed.

On 27 Jun 1805, a fifth child was born to Martin and Sarah, son Pleasant Miller JOHNSON, probably named after one of two Pleasant MILLERS, who resided in east Tennessee at the time - the latter a well-known attorney and son-in-law of Willie E. BLOUNT, Governor of Tennessee.

In 1812, Martin JOHNSON appeared on Benjamin Lockhart's returns of the 1812 Warren Co, TN Tax List. (See 1812 Warren TN Tax List for a complete transcription). During the intervening years, three more children had been born to Martin and Sarah: Matilda JOHNSON, born ca 1807, John Clark JOHNSON, born 21 Aug 1810 and Thomas Murrell JOHNSON, born 9 Sep 1811, and believed to have been named after Martin JOHNSON'S step-father, Thomas MURRELL.

The 1812 tax list gives us the neighborhood of Martin JOHNSON; however, unfortunately, like Hawkins Co, Tennessee before it, Warren County is a burnt county (courthouse fires). Many records are missing, and others were re-filed, meaning that they may appear in deed books many years after their original filing, having been re-entered as part of later land transactions recorded. As a result it has been difficult to fix the exact locations where the JOHNSONS lived at various periods during their residence in Warren Co, Tennessee. Among the records we are still missing is the following:

"...After John RAE died in 1813, Moses RAE was executor of the estate, on April 8, 1816. The witnesses to his appointment were Daniel PAYNE and Uriah YORK. (Uriah YORK was a son in law of Baptist Preacher John RAE by his marriage to Rev. RAE's daughter Fannie RAE). Moses RAE sold the land to Martin JOHNSTON and then JOHNSTON sold it to Elijah DRAKE on October 3, 1818. This land was granted to John RAE on April 1, 1815, Grant No. 6795. (Tennessee Cousins," Worth Ray, Warren County Chapter, p. 526).

It is believed that the above land is that on which the RAY cemetery has been located, and that it was adjacent to Elijah DRAKE's land. The Rev. John RAY is believed to be the same who was father of Phoebe 'Feba' RAY Drake, Elijah's wife. Elijah's presumed brother was Jacob DRAKE who later removed to Madison Co, Arkansas, and whose daughter, Mary, later married John Clark JOHNSON, Martin and Sarah's son. It may have been on this land that, on 5 Jun 1813, Martin and Sarah's ninth child, Martin JOHNSON, Jr. was born.

In 1814, Martin JOHNSON, Sr. was called upon to serve his country. Although it was called 'The War of 1812," President Madison did not actually declare war against England until January of 1814 and for most Tennesseans, service was not against the British, but against the Creek Indians (the Creek Indian Wars of 1814 were classified by the U. S. Government as a sub-war of the War of 1812). On 28 Jan 1814, Martin JOHNSON was mustered in as a Sergeant in Capt. James TATE's Company of Col. Stephen COPELAND's 3rd West Tennessee Regiment of the General Thomas JOHNSON Brigade. Fortunately, not only did Capt. TATE's muster and pay rolls survive, but so did his personal pay voucher which specifed dates, actual miles travelled and locations, as well as the pay roll of Sgt. Martin JOHNSON:

1814 Creek Wars --
Warren County Militiamen in the Creek Indian Wars of 1814.
Capt. James Tait's Company
Col. Stephen Copeland's 3rd West Tennesse Regiment
General Thomas Johnson Brigade

Voucher: The United States to James Tait, Capt.

For transporting 1100 lbs. his private baggage as a Captain in the Regiment of West Tennessee Militia, commanded by Col. Stephen Copeland composing part of Genl. Thos. Johnson's brigade; ordered into service of the United States, on an expedition against the hostile Creek Indians from the 28th Jan. to the 13th day of May 1814 viz.

From Fort deposit to Fort Strother 53
From thence to Fort Williames 59
From thence to Tahopehsa & back to Ft. Williams 105
From Ft. Williams on ti---m March
by way of Caharvlea [?] to Fort Deposit 157
From thence Fayetteville the primary
place of rendevoius 57
Miles ------ miles is 431
$34.48
Less $ 4.24

/s/ James Tait $30.24

I do swear that the witin account is just and true, and that I performed the different marches, agreeable to the distance herein charged; and that on no part of the said several routes and distances was I allowed any public transportation whatever, for my private baggage allowed me as a Captain owing to a deficiency of the public means of tansportation [sic] in said regiment or brigade, and that I have never received any money or other compensation from the United States in lieu thereof, or any part thereof herein charged, to the best of my knowledge and belief.

James Tate Capt.
State of Tennessee
Warren Caunty [sic]

Sworn to and subscribed before me
this 9th day Jan 1817
John Cunningham
Justis of the peace

I certify that James Tait [sic] who filed this Claim served a Captain in the Regiment under my command which Regiment composed a part of Genl. Thomas Johnstons Brigad of West Tennessee Militia in the service of the United States that he performed the different marches as herein charged or stated.

Signed Stephen Copeland - Col

Recd. May 22nd 1818 of Howell Tatum agent for the department of War, Thirty dollars and Twenty four cents in full for this acct.

Signed James Tait
Test H L A [?] Gamble

Copeland's 3rd W. Tenn Militia

Martin Johnson
Sgt
Capt. James Tate's Company,
Col. Stephen Copeland's Regiment
West Tennessee Militia Infantry
(War of 1812)

Appears on Company Muster Roll
for Jan 28 to May 10, 1814
Roll dated July 5, 1814
Date of appointment or Jan 28, 1814
enlistment,
To what time engaged, May 10, 1814
Present or absent, present

Note: Each non-commissioned officer and private
travelled 120 miles marching to and from Fayetteville,
where mustered in and discharged,
to residence in McMinnville, Warren County, Tennessee

(Source location: NA, Washington, D. C.. RG NO 94, Stack Area 9W3, Row 17, Compartment 20, Shelf Bottom, Box 239, No. NNRI/M; described under record identification as 1 Brown NA Box, Copelands W. Tenn Militia Muster Rolls. Transcribed by C. Hammett, Boulder, CO, 1996) (See also Muster Roll of Capt. James TATE's Company)

Martin JOHNSON was discharged from the Tennessee militia in May of 1814, and the next summer, on 20 Jun 1815, their tenth child, daughter, Sarah JOHNSON, was born. The following year, Martin JOHNSON, Sr. witnessed a deed between Simeon [aka Simon] and Jeremiah Combs:

"An Indenture dated 11 October 1816 states: 'Between Simeon Combs and Jeremiah Combs both of Warren County, TN. Witnesseth: For ----- dollars Simeon sold to Jeremiah a tract of land in Warren County on the east side of Rocky River, being part of a 240 acre tract granted by Tennessee to Catron grant #4809. Beginning at a black oak on the south boundry line of said survey being a conditional line between Jeremiah Combs and Daniel Paine, running eastwardly to include 1/2 the spring to a large poplar on the side of the hill northward of the spring thence to a sassafras in the field and to a line made between Simon Combs and Daniel Paine, thence westwardly to the west boundry line of a 150 acres tract granted by Tennessee to John Catron grant #4816 to southwest corner of said survey to north boundary line of the 240 acre tract, then to the above named line between Jeremiah Combs and Daniel Paine, thence southwest to the beginning. Signed--Simon combs. Witness: William Logue and Martin Johnson." (Musings, Vol. 1, No. 2., Summer, 1982, submission by Ruby Johnson Wiedeman, book and page location not stated)

The above Simeon and Jeremiah Combs were the same named in the 1802 land trust signed by Mason Combs, and witnessed by Martin JOHNSON, in Hawkins County, Tennessee. William LOGUE, who with Martin JOHNSON, also witnessed the above will, was the father of Mary LOGUE who, by 1820, had married William M. JOHNSON, eldest son of Martin and Sarah. Daniel PAINE, whose land is described as having been adjacent to that of Jeremiah Combs, was the husband of Sylvia Combs whom many believe to have been a sister to Simon and Jeremiah Combs and/or Sarah Combs Johnson. (Also Note: Add'l Warren Co, TN deeds yet to be entered)

For reasons not yet known to us, at some point prior to the Summer of 1815, Martin JOHNSON filed suit in White County, Tennessee against a John M. SIMPSON:

Friday morning, July 21st, 1815

Martin Johnson )
vs. Issd. ) Debt
John M. Simpson)

This day came the parties by their attornies and the Defendant by his council withdrew his plea and confessed Judgment for the sum of three hundred and twenty dollars the debt in the declaration Mentioned and agrees that the plaintiff hath sustained damage by occasion of the detention thereto twenty dollars besides cost.- It is therefore considered by the Court that the plaintiff recover against the Defendant the sum of three hundred and twenty dollars the debt in the declaration Mentioned together with the damage aforesaid agreed upon in manner & form aforesaid with his cost by him about his suit in this behalf expended &c. Whereupon the plaintiff by his attorney agrees to stay the execution of this Judgement ten months. (Historical Records Project, OP#465-44-3-115, WPA 9/29/1938, Tennessee Records of White Co, Court Minute Book, 1814-1817, p. 164) Note: We have not yet examined any White Co, Tennessee records, but intend to do so once Warren County, Tennessee research has been completed.

On 14 Aug 1817, another son, Richard Murrell JOHNSON, was born to Martin and Sarah Combs Johnson, and a few months later, on 15 Jan 1818, Martin JOHNSON, Sr., sold 60 acres on the Collins River to John DOUGLASS:

(Warren Co, TN DB A:477) Martin Johnston to John Douglass, both of Warren County, for $500, 60 acres on the Collins River . . . Jacob Hawk's occupant claim . . . John A. Wilson's corner . . . the conditional line between Daniel Pane and Jeremiah Combs." Reg. 15 Jan 1818. (Abstracted by C. Hammett, 1996) Note: A full and complete transcription of the above deed will be provided shortly.

We do not know at this point exactly where this land was located; however, note that it indicates that Martin JOHNSON, in 1818, owned land that was adjacent to that of Jacob HAWK, whose widow, Mary Ann "Polly" WARREN(?) may have been the same who later became Martin JOHNSON'S second wife, and possibly the mother of Lydia HAWK who later married Martin JOHNSON, Jr. Also note that this property was also adjacent to that of Daniel PAINE, husband of Sylvia Combs; and Jeremiah (and Charity RHODES) Combs. Moreover, a John J WILSON, married Sarah B., daughter of Daniel and Sylvia Combs Paine. His relationship to the above John A. WILSON, if any, is not known at this time. (Also Note: A HAWK Report is pending)

On 4 Jul 1818, a deed was witnessed by Martin JOHNSON which we believe was most probably that of Martin's brother, William JOHNSON:

Note: The following is a transcription from a copy off a microfilm roll of Warren Co, TN deeds; however, the deed was partly illegible, thus both the book and page number are unclear. It will be necessary to re-order the Warren TN deed index in order to be able to properly source this deed which was transcribed by C. Hammett, 1996.

This Indenture made and confirmed this fourth day of July in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighteen between William Johnson of the County of Warren of the One part and James Hurt [Hust?] of the ------ place Witnesseth that the said William Johnson for and in consideration of the ----- of Eighty dollars to him in hand paid the receipt which he doth hereby acknowledge hath Bargained and sold to the said James Hurt One certain Tract or parcel of land laying and being the county of Warren and third District on the waters of Collins river and ---- as follows; Beginning on a ----- poles South East course from a ------- on the ----- of the Mountain Thence North -- poles ---- to the brow [?] of the Bluff of the Mountain to a Stake. Thence West fifty four poles with the Mountain to a Locust tree. Thenc South sixty three oles to a ----wood thence East sixty four poles to a Black Gum and ------. Thence North forty three poles to the beginning. With all and Singular the woods waters water courses Hereditements and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise ----ing to the only proposd --- and behalf of ---- the said James Hust his heirs and asigns forever and further I the said William Johnson doth warrant and defend the said described tract of Land to --- said James Hart his heirs and assigns, forver against the lawful right title claim or demand of any person or persons whatever within law or equity. In testimony whereof I the said William Johnson hath hereunto set my --- and seal this first day of July 1818.

William Johnson (Seal)

------

Daniel Payn
Martan Johnson

State of Tennessee) I Joseph Colville clerk of the
Hawkins County ) court of Pleas and Quarter
--- do certify that the Execution of the within Deed of conveyance was proven ini open court and ordered to be Recorded & Registered. Given at office the 24th July AD 18?0
Registered ??? 1830 J. Colville Clerk

It appears unlikely that the above William Johnson was Martin and Sarah Combs Johnson's son, since the latter would have been only eighteen years of age at the time, and more likely to be purchasing land than selling it. Given that Martin JOHNSON and Daniel PAINE witnessed the deed, it is probable, although not yet documented that the above William JOHNSON was Martin's brother. The above James HURT/HUST/HURST (very difficult to read), may have been the James HUSK or HUSH who appeared on the 1820 Warren Co, Tennessee census, the transcriber of same also having apparently had problems reading this name.

In Apr of 1820, Martin and Sarah's twelfth child, Nancy JOHNSON, was born. By that time, both their eldest daughter, Elizabeth and eldest sons, William M. and James had married, as is reflected in that year's census. In 1820, Martin JOHNSON was listed on page 14, line 35 of the Warren Co, TN Census: 410010-11111 or 410010-11110 (Note: The original source has not yet been viewed, and the two transcriptions we have differ in that the former includes an elderly woman, probably the same unidentified, older woman who also appeared in Martin JOHNSON'S household in both 1830 and 1840). An analysis of the 1820 census indicates:

On this same 1820 Warren Co, Tennessee Census, on Line 36 of Page 14, the line immediately below Martin JOHNSON, is listed:

William JOHNSON 000100-10100, indicating that Martin and Sarah Combs Johnson's son, William M. and his wife Mary LOGUE, had already married, with one daughter, age 0-10, which was probably Sophronia who would have been age one in 1820.

On Line 37 of Page 14, immediately below William M. JOHNSON, is listed:

James JOHNSON 000100-00100-0, indicating that James, who would have been about 19 years of age at the time, was also already married with a wife aged 16-26, but no children.

On page 08, Line 12, of the 1820 Warren Co, Tennessee census is listed:

John MITCHELL 000100-30100-0, son of Mark and Mary RYDER Mitchell, and husband of Elizabeth "Betsy" JOHNSON, born in 1797, believed to be the previously-unidentified eldest daughter of Martin and Sarah Combs Johnson. At the time, John and Elizabeth JOHNSON Mitchell had three daughters: Mary MITCHELL, born in 1816, Sarah MITCHELL, born in 1817, and Margaret MITCHELL, born in 1819.

On 5 Jun 1820, Elizabeth JOHNSON'S husband, John MITCHELL, sold a sixty acre tract of land to her brother, William M. JOHNSON, who had recently married Mary LOGUE. Their father, Martin JOHNSON, Sr., witnessed the deed, as did William LOGUE, father-in-law of William M.:

(Warren TN Deed Book ?, Page 148) 5 Jun 1820. John MITCHELL of Warren County, TN to William JOHNSON Junr. of same, $250, land in Warren County in the 3rd District, poplar marked JS east 80 poles to a white oak, thence south 80 poles to a hickory on the side of the mountain, thence south thirty five degrees west fifty poles to a stake thence north one hundred and thirty poles to the beginning containing sixty acres granted by the said State of Tennessee to Jesse Scaife grant No. 9486 also one tract containing five acres adjacent to the above described tract on Dry creek west of Rocky River Branch as follows, viz Beginning at a poplar marked thus J. S. Runs thence East thirty poles to a poplar thence south twenty seven poles to a white oak thence west thirty poles to a dogwood thence north twenty seven poles to the beginning Including a spring granted by the sd State of Tennessee to Jesse Scaife grant No. 9485 together with all and Singular... unto and for the only proper use and behoof of him the sd William JOHNSON Junr his heirs and assigns forever and the said John MITCHEL… defend the Right of Sd land and primeses from all Rights titles or claims of any person or persons whatever Since the opening of the Land office in the 3rd district of the Land office in the 3rd district of the State of Tennessee to the sd William Johnson Junr... Signed Sealed and delivered in
presence of us ) (his)
William LOGUE ) John X MITCHEL (seal)
Martin JOHNSON ) (mark)

State of Tennessee ) October term 1823
Warren County Court ) I do hereby certify
that the execution of the witin Deed of convayance was this day proven in open court by the oaths of William LOGUE and Martin JOHNSON the subscribing witnesses there to and ordered so to be certified.
Given at office the 6th October 1823
Jos COLVILLE clk
(Transcribed by C. Hammett, 1996, Hawkins TN microfilm, roll and book number to be inserted)

A possible thirteenth, and last, child was born to Martin and Sarah Combs Johnson about 1824: Eliza JOHNSON who married either a James, an Isaac, or a James Isaac MITCHELL. Note: Eliza's status as a child of Martin and Sarah Combs Johnson is currently in question and in need of further research (See Below)

It is not yet known where Martin and Sarah Combs Johnson attended religious services during their early years in Warren County, but in 1828, the Rocky River Baptist Church was organized and Martin and Sarah appear to have been charter members, their names appearing very high on an extant list of members which reads like a "Who's Who" of their friends, neighbors and family, including: Simon and Martha MURRILL Combs, Jeremiah and Charity RHODES Combs, John and Nancy Combs Fleming, and Mark and Anna HAWK Mitchell (Mark and Mary RYDER Mitchell were the parents of John MITCHELL who married Elizabeth JOHNSON; Anna HAWK was Mark MITCHELL's second wife). (See Also the 1828 Rocky River Church Membership List).

By 1829, a number of Martin and Sallie's older children had departed for Arkansas, including sons Pleasant Miller (and wife, Margaret COUNTS), John Clark (and wife, Mary DRAKE) and Martin JOHNSON, Jr; their daughter, Matilda, who had married George COUNTS, and possibly, Sarah who married Nicholas COUNTS.

Early that same year, 1829, Sarah Combs Johnson died (Goodspeeds' History of Northwest Arkansas, biography of Thomas M. JOHNSON) It is not known if her death occurred before or after her older children had left Tennessee; however, Martin JOHNSON, Sr., was now a widower with a number of young children still at home, including (possibly) Eliza, about 5, Nancy, about 9 and Richard, 13 (Thomas Murrell JOHNSON may have had his own household by this time, as he was married by 1830).

On June 14, 1829, in Warren County, Tennessee, Martin JOHNSON married Mary Ann "Polly" WARREN(?) Hawk. Polly was born between 1774 and 1780, possibly in Surry Co, North Carolina, and was possibly the widow of Jacob HAWK who owned land in Warren Co, Tennessee by 1812 when he appeared on the Warren County tax list returned by Benjn. LOCKHART, and who had also been a near neighbor of the JOHNSONS, Combs and PAINES. Jacob HAWK had died in Warren County in 1828 or early 1829, as noted below.

In 1830, Martin JOHNSON was listed on page 363 of the Warren County census with a complex and confusing household - undoubtedly the result of his marriage to Polly WARREN Hawk. It appears that some of each of their children from their earlier marriages were living with Martin and Polly, and that others may have been living in the households of siblings, both HAWK and JOHNSON, and thus far, deciphering the various statistics has been nigh to impossible:

Note: The many questions regarding the identities of the children in the above household will be addressed at a later date. However, it is possible that son Thomas Murrell JOHNSON* had already married Sarah McMURRAY and was in his own Warren Co, TN Household (add'l in regard to this to be added later), and that daughter Sarah JOHNSON** had already married Nicholas COUNTS and gone on to Arkansas. The identity of the elderly female in the household is interesting because of both the 1820 Warren Co, Tennessee and the 1840 Madison Co, Arkansas census records (See below).

Martin and his second wife, Polly, remained in Warren County, Tennessee until about 1832 when they removed to Richland Creek, now in Madison, but then in Washington County, Arkansas, joining some of their children who had gone ahead, and leaving others behind, although additional of those would also later remove to Northwest Arkansas.

In 1840 the Madison County, Arkansas Census, Richland Township, Page 25, Line 19 included:

Note: The latter female was presumably the same unidentified, elderly woman who probably appeared in Martin's household on the 1820 census, and did appear in his household on the 1830 census.

In 1850, Martin JOHNSON, Sr. appeared in US Census records for the last time:

That same year, 1850, as a result of his military service against the Creek Indians, Martin JOHNSON became eligible for government bounty land, filing the following affidavit on 16 Nov 1850:

State of Arkansas County of Madison On this 16th day of November A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for the county and State aforesaid Martin Johnson aged Seventy-Two years, a resident Of Madison county in the State of Arkansas, who being duly sworn according to law declares that he is the identical Martin Johnson who was a 1st Sergeant in the company commanded by Captain James Tate in the 3d Regiment commanded by Colornel Copeland of Tennessee Militia, in the war with Great Britian [sic] declared by the United States on the 18th day of June, 1812, that he was drafted at Fayetteville Tennessee on or about the 25th day of January A. D 1814, for the term of Three months, and continued in actual service in said war for the term of four months, and was honorably discharged at Fayetteville Tennessee on or about the 9th day of May 1814, as will appear by the muster rolls of said company, he having lost or mislaid his discharge. He makes this Declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which he may be entitled under the Act granting bounty land to certain officers and soldiers who have been engaged in the military service of the United States passed September 28th, 1850.

Martin Johnson
[his signature]

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify, that I believe the said Martin Johnson to be the identical man who served as aforesaid, and that he is of the age above stated.

Ralph Lucas, Justice of the Peace

(National Archives, Bounty Land Files, 1812, Act of 55-160-77615, Veteran: Martin Johnson, Grade: Serg; Service Col Copeland, Tenn Mil; Can No 1316; 15)

Only a few months after signing the above affidavit, Martin JOHNSON was dead, probably on 19 Jan 1851, but most certainly between 16 Nov 1850 and Sep 1851. Martin JOHNSON's grave is unmarked, but it is believed that he and 2nd wife Mary are both buried in the remote, overgrown Martin Johnson (Jr.) Cemetery in Madison County. No record of his estate has yet been located, but he apparently did have one, and deeds are probably of record based on the following valuable document:

Know all men by these presents that we William Johnson and
Dorothy Griffey formely Dorothy Johnson both of the County of
Vanburen and State of Tennessee having full faith and
confidence in our worthy friend Richard M. Johnson
of the County of Madison and State of Arkansas do make
Constitute and appoint him our lawful agent or attorney for us
and in our name and Stead to apply for the whole of our
Distributive Sheres or portion or heirship of the Estate of Martin
Johnson Deceast wheather the same be in Land or money or
other Effects and in our name and Stead to receipt for
or otherwise to adjest as may become necessary and to
suer [sue?] for and by corse of Law obtain or otherwise to adjest
and dispose of our Said disterbutive shars portion or
heirship in our name and Steads and we do now
Record our assent and consent to all Sutch acts and
deeds whitch may by Said attorney be done in and
about the Settlement and adjestment collection and
disposition of Said distributive Sheers or portion or
heirship in all respects as tho we ourselves had done the
Same in person we do further empower our Said attorney
to Sue for and Recover the Same or any part Thereof
wheather the same be real or personal Estate and we do
further authorise our attorney to make Sale of our undivided
sheers of all the Lands that our father Martin Johnson
died Seazed of in the County of Madison and State of
Arkansas and to make title to the Same we do
Authorize our Said Attorney in the presences (?) as fully
as if we ware present and doing the same ourselves
the heirs of Said Estate ar as follows Elisabeth William
James Dorothy Pleasant Metildy John Thomas
Martin Sarah Richard and Nancy in testimony
whereof we hereunto Set our hands and Seals on this
the 3rd day of September 1851.
Signed Sealed and ) William Johnson (Seal)
Delivered in the presents of ) her
) Dorethy X Greffey (Seal)
mar
State of Tennessee ) I Uriah York J.P. an acting Justice of
Van Buren county ) the peace duly commishioned in and for
the County of Vanburen and State aforesaid do certify
that William Johnson and Dorthey Griffy on the third day
of September 1851 came before me and acknowledged
this to be their act and deed this Third day of September 1851.
Uriah York
Justice of the peace
(Madison Co, AR DBC:545-546, LDS Roll #1035196, Provided by W. Waits, Muskogee, OK; Transcribed by C. Hammett, Boulder, CO, 1997)

The importance of the above document to documenting the children of Martin and Sally Combs Johnson cannot be overestated. As will be seen, it is the the foundation for building a properly documented genealogy for their descendants. Also, as is often the case in historical research, the finding of the above record raises as many questions as it provides answers - in this instance questions regarding Eliza, the mysterious 'thirteenth child' of Martin and Sarah. This record has also caused a revision of Martin JOHNSON's death date, which was previously recorded as 19 Jan 1852 based on the 1857 affidavit of Martin's widow, Mary. In Goodspeeds' History of Northwest Arkansas, the biography of Martin's son, Thomas M. JOHNSON states that Martin JOHNSON died Feb 1851. At this point we can state with certainty only that he was still alive on 16 Nov 1850 when he signed his declaration for bounty land, and deceased by 3 Sep 1851 when his son and daughter, William and Dorothy gave their power of attorney to Richard Murrell JOHNSON. It is probable that his death date was 19 Jan 1851, and that his widow or the court clerk mis-transcribed the year.

Following Martin JOHNSON'S death, serious dissension took place between his widow, Mary, and some of his children in regard to Martin's estate and their rights as heirs, including what appear to be a number of illegal actions on the part of a number of various individuals:

State of Arkansas )

County of Madison )

On this tenth day of May A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty eight personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county and State aforesaid, Mary Johnson aged eighty-two years, a resident of Madison County in the state of Arkansas who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Martin Johnson, deceased who heretofore made application for bounty land under the act approved September 28, 1850, and obtained a land warrant for forty acres, No. -----, which he did not dispose of, and which was heretofore returned, together with an application for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she was entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855."

She further states that she has been informed and believes that a land warrant was awarded her for one hundred and sixty acres No. 77615, and was received a short time since by Benjamin Vaughan for her, that said Vaughan delivered said land warrant to Richard M. Johnson. She further declares that heretofore to wit; on the 17th day of April 1858, that Thomas M. Johnson visited her and desired her to assign said land warrant to him for 1/13 of the amount that said warrant could be sold for, she thinks that the said Thomas M. Johnson had said land warrant in his possession at that time. Afterward on the 22nd April, Hugh C. Berry came and proposed to pay her ten dollars if she would assign said land warrant to him, tho said Berry again visited her on the 29th April and insisted ['that she' -- crossed out] upon her assigning said land warrant to him for fifty dollars, and that he would divide fifty dollars more between twelve children of Martin Johnson, deceased, and pay expenses for obtaining said land warrant, the said Hugh C. Berry informed her that he had said land warrant in his possession at that time, (29th April, 1858.) and he also informed her that if she would not assign it to him for the sum of fifty dollars to be paid to herself, and fifty dollars more and expenses as above stated, that he would not let her have it, (the said land warrant.) but that he would return it to the said Richard M. Johnson. She further declares that she does not know where said land warrant is or who has possession of it at this time, and that she has not sold, or assigned it to any person.

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3, 1855, and that the said land warrant No. 77615, that has been awarded her be cancelled.

her

Mary [X] Johnson

mark

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.

James Johnson J. P.

Exact transcripts of all remaining certificates, warrants, affidavits and letters in Martin Johnson's NARA Pension File, including those purtaining to Mary Ann "Polly" WARREN(?) Hawk Johnson's, are now being transcribed.

Based on a combination of records, including the above 03 Sep 1851 power of attorney, the Goodspeeds' biographies of Thomas M and Richmond JOHNSON, census records and other sources as noted, issue of Martin JOHNSON Sr. and Sarah Combs were:

Note: The phrase, Documentation Status, refers only to status as a child of Martin and Sarah Combs JOHNSON, not to documentation of the marriages, deaths, and/or issue of their children.

+9 i. Elizabeth JOHNSON -- born 1797, Hawkins Co, Tennessee, died after 1880, Van Buren Co, Tennessee; married before 1817, probably in Warren Co, Tennessee, John MITCHELL, born 1795, Tennessee, died aft 1880, Van Buren Co, TN, son of Mark and Mary RYDER Mitchell. (Documentation Status: Strong, but Circumstantial. In need of additional data. Sources: 1851 Power of Attorney, Madison Co, AR; deeds, Warren Co, TN; census records, Warren and Van Buren Co, TN; Mitchell Family Tradition, James T. Clark correspondence, Mark Mitchell RW Pension File)

Note that it appears that John and Elizabeth "Betsy" JOHNSON Mitchell named their first-born son, Ichabod, after his (probable) maternal grandfather, Ichabod RYDER; their second-born son, Mark, after John's father, Mark MITCHELL, their third-born son, Martin, after Elizabeth's father, Martin JOHNSON; their first-born daughter, Mary, after John MITCHELL'S mother, Mary RYDER; and their second-born daughter, Sarah, after Elizabeth's mother, Sarah Combs.

+10 ii. William M. JOHNSON -- born 1800, Hawkins Co, Tennessee, died 28 Sep 1885, Madison Co, Arkansas, married (1) Warren Co, TN before 1820, Mary LOGUE, daughter of William and Hannah _____ LOGUE; married (2) RoseAnna DRAKE or JONES (Documentation Status: Complete. Sources: 1851 Power of Attorney, Madison Co, AR; Hawkins and Warren Co, Tennessee deeds, census records, Van Buren and Warren Cos, TN, and Davies Co, MO; letters; Johnson Family tradition, Mooneyham Family Tradition)

Question: Why and when did William M. JOHNSON return to Madison Co, AR where he died, and with whom was he living?

+11 iii. James JOHNSON -- born about 1801, Hawkins Co, Tennessee, died 16 Nov 1856, Madison Co, Arkansas; married (1) Lydia? BOYD?; married (2) Rachel RUSSELL? (Documentation Status: Circumstantial, incomplete. Sources: 1851 Power of Attorney, Madison Co, AR; census records, Warren Co, TN, and Madison Co, AR; Johnson Family tradition)

1850 Madison Co, AR Census Richland Twp #364 farmer $400 James JOHNSON 49 m TN Rachael 38 f TN Ibbey 14 f TN John 10 m AR Nancy 6 f AR Lucy 5 f AR Clarissa 3 f AR James 2 m AR Martin 4/12 m AR James McCOY 20 m TN lbr Sarah RUSSELL 16 f TN (1850 Madison Co, AR Census, transcription from true copy by C. Hammett, 1996)

Important! We do not yet have the complete, up-to-date information documenting the various wives and children of James JOHNSON, and desperately need researchers of this line to forward same to us for posting. We may have additional data of import, but without additional supportive data, posting what are now only surmises would be premature.

+12 iv. Dorothy "Dolly" JOHNSON -- born about 1803 in Tennessee, died after 1860, probably in Madison Co, Arkansas; married (1) probably in Warren Co, Tennessee, (Hugh?) GRIFFITH or GRIFFEY and (2) in Warren Co, Tennessee or Madison Co, Arkansas, _____ SHIPLEY. (Documentation Status: Complete for the Dorothy JOHNSON Griffey/Griffith of Van Buren Co, TN, but no documentation yet that she was the same individual as Dolly JOHNSON of Madison Co, AR in the 1860 Census. Sources: 1851 Power of Attorney, Madison Co, AR; census records, Warren Co, TN, and Madison Co, AR; Johnson Family tradition)

+13 v. Pleasant Miller JOHNSON -- born 27 Jun 1805, Tennessee, died ca 1860-1861, last known to have resided on the headwaters of Lollar's Creek, in Madison Co, Arkansas, married Margaret COUNTS, born 14 Nov 1807, (Maury?) Tennessee, died aft 1860, possibly in Madison Co, Arkansas, may have been a daughter of Isaac and Martha McELHANEY Counts. (Documentation Status: Complete. Sources: 1851 Power of Attorney, Madison Co, AR; Co, census records, Warren Co, TN, and Franklin and Madison Co, AR; Estate Records, Madison Co,AR; Goodspeeds' History of NW Arkansas; Johnson Family tradition.)

Note: The census-taker indicated that both Able and Livonia married within the census year, it is believed highly probable that Livonia was the wife of Able JOHNSON, and 'added on' by the census taker.

Important! A number of years ago, Susan Gladys JOHNSON Anderson located, on the flyleaf of an old book, the names and birthdates of the family of Pleasant Miller and Margaret COUNTS Johnson. It is believed that she forwarded same to the late Wayne Keeney of Modesto, California, who was an avid researcher of the JOHNSON family, and who contributed enormously to Ruby Johnson Wiedeman's The Johnson Family, 1743-1978. Although we believe that we probably have most or all of the information that was on the flyleaf of the book, we do not have the exact contents of the flyleaf; i.e., we do not know which of the information we have on Pleasant and Margaret COUNTS Johnson's family is from the flyleaf of the book as versus from other sources. Due to additional information recently collected, and to be posted shortly, we urgently need an exact transcription from the flyleaf and urge all of our 'cousins' to assist us in locating same.

+14 vi. Matilda JOHNSON -- born 1807-1808, Tennessee, died about 1899, Madison Co, Arkansas; married before 1828, probably in Warren Co, TN, George Washington COUNTS. (Documentation Status: Circumstantial; incomplete. Sources: 1851 Power of Attorney, Madison Co, AR; census records, Warren Co, TN, and Madison Co, AR; Estate Records, Madison Co,AR; Johnson Family tradition.)

+15 vii. John Clark JOHNSON born 1810, Warren Co, Tennessee, died Jan 17(?) Jan 1855, Madison Co, Arkansas; married 1828 in Warren County, Tennessee, Mary DRAKE, born 1811 in Warren Co, Tennessee, died 1880, Madison Co, Arkansas. (Documentation Status: Circumstantial, but strong. Add'l yet to be transcribed. Sources: 1851 Power of Attorney, Madison Co, AR; Co, census records, Warren Co, TN, and Madison Co, AR; Estate Records, Madison Co, AR; Goodspeeds' History of NW Arkansas; Johnson Family tradition.)

"Robert L. JOHNSON, justice of the peace, and one of the leading farmers of the county, was born in Madison County February 19, 1850, and is a son of John [Clark] and Mary (DRAKE) Johnson.

The father was born in Warren County, Tenn., in 1810, and by occupation was a farmer and horse trader. He was married in 1828, came to this county, driving from Tennessee in an ox-cart, and settled on the farm now owned by Mr. BEARD. He became one of the leading men of the county, a large owner of real estate, an extensive dealer in horses and mules for the Southern market, and was a member of the internal revenue committee. He died in 1850, leaving his family in good circumstances.

The mother, who was born in Warren County, Tenn., in 1811, was a daughter of Jacob DRAKE, of that county, and bore eleven children, all of whom grew to maturity. After the death of her first husband she married James PHILLIPS, a broker and real estate dealer, who died in 1874. She now lives with her daughter, Mrs. Allen WALKER, in Hindsville.

Our subject received a good common-school education, was instructed by I. A. CLARK, and attended the academy at Berryville. He holds a first grad certificate, and has taught school to some extent.

In 1871 he married Miss Mary HENDERSON, daughter of Nathaniel HENDERSON, who located in Prairie Township in 1830. Mrs. JOHNSON was born in this county, and received her education at Tesley [Wesley], Ark.

Mr. JOHNSON now owns a farm on Brush Creek of 254 acres of well-improved land, upon which he has erected good frame buildings. He is a dealer in horses and mule breeder. He owns a fine jack, of Kentucky stock, which is registered as Black Mammoth. Mr. JOHNSON is an active member and deacon of the Baptist Church, and is a liberal contributor to local charities. He is a Democrat, and served as justice of the peace in 1872, 1886 and 1888.

He is a man of fine physique, and when thirteen years of age weighed 180 pounds, measuring six feet and two inches in height. He served in the Confederate army, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. JOHNSON is also a member of the same church as her husband." (Goodspeeds History of NW AR…)

"John Coleman JOHNSON. Among the men who represent the mercantile interests of Madison County, Ark., is Mr. JOHNSON, who is a native of the county, and was born August 5, 1853, being a son of Jacob D. and Sarah E. (YOUNG) Johnson, who were Tennesseans.

The father was killed in a skirmish on Richland Creek during the war. He became a resident of Madison County when a boy, and at the breaking out of the war enlisted in Captain SMITH'S company of cavalry, and served as first lieutenant part of the time. He was a Democrat and farmer.

His widow afterward married E. H. [Elijah Ham] SHIPLEY, who is now deceased, and is residing in Madison County. She is 58 years of age, and is a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. Five children were born to her first marriage and three to her last.

John Coleman JOHNSON, who is the eldest child, made his home with her until he attained his eighteenth year. He then began depending on his own resources for a living, and spent some time at Hindsville learning photography, and afterward engaged in merchandising. In 1876 he came to Drake's Creek with a capital of $55, and since that time has been a prosperous merchant. In 1882 he formed a partnership with John KENNAN.

When nineteen years of age he was married to Sarah E. LEONARD, who was born in Tennessee in 1855, and by her became the father of the following family: Rosa M., Nina P., Elbert O., living, and Charles L., Thomas and Willie, deceased. Mr. JOHNSON is a notary public, and a Democrat, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Mrs. JOHNSON'S parents, James G. and Louisa A. (HALL) Leonard, resided near Knoxville [ch: Knox Co], Tenn., and came to Arkansas when she was a child. The father died the first year of the war and the mother a few years later. Their children are Samuel T., Sarah E., Rosa F. and David Y.

They were taken to rear by an aunt, who started with them to Tennessee, but the boat on which they were making their journey became imparied and sank. All were taken off the boat except Sarah E., who threw herself into the river. Her brother Samuel, who was then but nine years of age, swam a distance of over 100 feet to her rescue. He caught her by the hair and swam with her to the land. They finally reached Tennessee, where they remained until the close of the war, and then returned to Arkansas." (Goodspeeds History of NW AR…) Note: Jacob D. JOHNSON was the son of John Clark and Mary DRAKE Johnson.

+16 viii. Thomas Murrell JOHNSON -- born 9 Sep 1811, Warren Co, Tennessee, died about 1892, Madison Co, Arkansas; married Sarah McMURRY, daughter of John McMURRAY. His middle name is documented by Arkansas History Commission, Arkansas State Land Office Tract Books, Book 12, p. 69. (Documentation Status: Complete; Sources: 1851 Power of Attorney, Madison Co, AR; Co, census records, Warren Co, TN, and Madison Co, AR; Estate Records, Madison Co,AR; Goodspeeds' History of NW Arkansas; Southern Land Commission Claims Affidavits; Bounty Land File of Martin JOHNSON, Sr.; Johnson Family tradition.)

Note: Seeking to identify the Smith children in the 1850 record; and all other members of the 1880 household.

"Thomas M. JOHNSON was born in Warren County, Tenn., September 9, 1811, and is a son of Martin and Sarah (Combs) Johnson, natives of North Carolina, and afterward residents of Hawkins county, Tenn. The father was born in 1777, and died in Arkansas in February, 1851. His father had been killed by the Indians, and he was taken to Tennessee by his mother, who afterward returned to North Carolina.

Martin JOHNSON was a farmer all his life, and in 1832 located in Madison County, Ark. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. The mother was born in Hawkins county, Tenn., in 1779, and died in Warren County of that State in 1829. Her husband afterward married Mrs. Polly HAWK. His first marriage was blessed in the birth of thirteen children.

Their son, Thomas M., was married in his twentieth year to Sarah, a daughter of John McMURRY, who was of Irish ancestry. She was born in Warren County, Tenn., January 12, 1809, and of four children born to their union only one is now living, John, who was born July 29, 1833. Those deceased are Lucinda, the wife of C. A. SAMS; Monroe, and Annie, the wife of Maj. Elijah D. HAM.

Mr. JOHNSON and family came to Madison County, Ark., in 1830, and he has become one of the successful farmers of the county, owning an excellent farm in Richland Valley. He has never been an office seeker, but at the termination of the war he was chosen county judge.

During the war he was a Union man, and on that account suffered many cruelties and indignities at the hands of the Confederate soldiers and Southern sympathizers. He was taken prisoner, and in one month and four days was compelled to travel on foot 1,200 miles, and for three days and nights went without water and for seven days without bread. He subsisted on a small piece of raw beef during that time. Although suffering from a severe spell of sickness when taken prisoner, he weighed 176 pounds, and when he succeeded in making his escape he weighed far less.

His son, Lieut. John JOHNSON, is also an influential citizen of the county, and made his home with his parents until 1874, when he moved to his present place of abode, and is engaged in farming and stock raising. He enlisted in the Federal service in March, 1863, and served until August 10, 1865. He was first lieutenant of Company G, First Arkansas Infantry, and was in a number of severe engagements.

April 7, 1853, he was married to Rosanna, a daughter of Hugh ALLISON. She was born in Maury Co, Tenn., September 28, 1833, and was reared by an uncle, Miller KILPATRICK. Five sons and two daughters have blessed their union: Fannie (wife of J. C. CALICO), Ben F., Thomas F., Alexander M., Alfred M., Elhannon S. and Anna M. Mr. JOHNSON is a Republican, and in 1882 was candidate for county clerk, but was defeated by an independent candidate and by a small majority." (Goodspeeds History of NW AR…)

+17 ix. Martin JOHNSON Jr. -- born 5 Jun 1813, Warren Co, Tennessee, died 29 Apr 1897, Whitman, Madison Co, Arkansas; married Oct 1831, Lydia HAWK, born 1814, near Abingdon, Virginia, in Sullivan Co, Tennessee, died Feb 1845, Madison Co, Arkansas, daughter of Jacob and Mary Ann "Polly" WARREN? Hawk (Lydia's mother may have been Mary "Polly" (WARREN?) Hawk" who married second Martin JOHNSON, Sr.) (Documentation Status: Complete. Sources: 1851 Power of Attorney, Madison Co, AR; Co, census records, Warren Co, TN, and Madison Co, AR; Estate Records, Madison Co,AR; Goodspeeds' History of NW Arkansas; Southern Land Commission Claims Affidavits; Johnson Family tradition.)

"Richmond JOHNSON was born September 7, 1836, and is a son of Martin and Lydia (HAWK) Johnson.

The father was born in Warren County, Tenn., June 5, 1812, and his father, Martin JOHNSON, was a native of that State, did active service in the War of 1812, and died in Madison county in 1850, having located here in 1832. The father of our subject came here when seventeen, and is the only man living here who was a resident prior to 1830. He married in 1831.

He is a member of the Baptist Church, and is a Republican. His first wife, the mother of our subject, was born near Abington, East Tenn., in 1814, was the mother of eight children, and died February 5, 1845. He afterward married Sally BAILEY, by whom he had twelve children.

Richmond JOHNSON grew up on the farm, receiving most of his education at home. April 19, 1855, he married Ruth J. Burchard [BURCHETT]. He settled upon a farm, and did not participate in the war until 1862, when he enlisted in Company C, First Arkansas Cavalry, and served to the end, being discharged August 23, 1865. He was in the battles of Prairie Grove and Fayetteville, and on Price's raid.

Returning home he found his farm devestated, but sturdily went to work and, with the aid of his wife and daughters, made another comfortable home. For three years after 1868 he went into the mercantile business at Huntsville. He afterward traded a farm for a grist mill, which he sold in 1877. He afterward engaged in saw-milling with his brother, but later returned to farming, two miles northwest of Huntsville.

Mrs. JOHNSON was born in Lee County, Va., December 6, 1838, and came with her parents to this county in 1852. She is the mother of six children: Mary J. (wife of Monroe NEAL), Lydia A. (wife of Thomas SULLIVAN), Samuel M., Elinor, Palistine and Sally. Mr. JOHNSON and family belong to the Baptist Church and he is a Royal Arch Mason." (Goodspeeds' History of Northwest, Arkansas…)

+18 x. Sarah (aka Susie?) JOHNSON -- born 20 Jun 1815, Warren Co, Tennessee, died 29 Aug 1896, Madison Co, Arkansas; married before 1832, Nicholas COUNTS, born 19 Apr 1810, Maury Co, TN, died 28 Aug 1877, Madison Co, Arkansas, son of Isaac and Martha McELHANEY Counts. (Documentation Status: Strong, but Incomplete. Sources: 1851 Power of Attorney, Madison Co, AR; Co, census records, Warren Co, TN, and Madison Co, AR; Estate Records, Madison Co,AR; Johnson Family tradition.) Important! Does anyone have a source for Sarah and Susie JOHNSON having been one and the same? Does anyone have any records that refers to Sarah JOHNSON Counts as "Susie?"

+19 xi. Richard Murrell JOHNSON -- born 14 Aug 1817, Warren County, Tennessee, died Dec 1859, Madison Co, Arkansas; married before 1838, probably in Madison or Washington Co, Arkansas, Nancy McMURRY, born 8 Feb 1815, Tennessee, died Aug 1850, Madison Co, Arkansas, ancestry unknown, but likely kin to Sarah McMURRAY, wife of Thomas Murrell JOHNSON. (Documentation Status: Complete. Sources: 1851 Power of Attorney, Madison Co, AR; Co, census records, Warren Co, TN, and Madison Co, AR; Estate Records, Madison Co,AR; Southern Land Commission Claims Affidavits; Bounty Land File of Martin JOHNSON, Sr.; Johnson Family tradition.)

+20 xii. Nancy JOHNSON -- born Apr 1820, Warren Co, Tennessee, died about 1897, Madison Co, AR; married Isaac DRAKE, son of Jacob and Hannah ROSS Drake, Sr. (Documentation Status: Circumstantial, Incomplete) (Documentation Status: Complete; Sources: 1851 Power of Attorney, Madison Co, AR; Co, census records, Warren Co, TN, and Madison Co, AR; Estate Records, Madison Co,AR; Johnson Family tradition.)

+21 xiii. Eliza JOHNSON -- born about 1824, Warren Co, Tennessee, died after after 1870; married Isaac or James or James Isaac MITCHELL. (Documentation: None. Sources: Incomplete? Nil? Johnson Family Tradition?) Note: Considerable confusion exists in reference to Eliza JOHNSON. It is possible that she has been confused with either or both her (possible) sister, Elizabeth, born 1797, Hawkins Co, Tennessee, who married John MITCHELL; or her niece, Elizabeth, daughter of William M. and Mary LOGUE Johnson, born 1836, Warren Co, Tennessee, who married a James MITCHELL (See 22 Dec 1996 update of her genealogy). Important! Does anyone know why some researchers originally claimed that Eliza or Betsy married a James MITCHELL while others claimed that she had married an Isaac MITCHELL, and/or why Ruby Johnson Wiedeman wrote in her book that his name was James Isaac? Based on the 03 Sep 1851 power of atty of William and Dorothy JOHNSON (Griffey), Eliza was not a child of Martin and Sarah JOHNSON. Certainly William and Dorothy appear not to have thought so. At this time, she remains 'assigned' to Martin and Sarah Combs Johnson purely because we hate to "discard" her without being able to provide a "new home" for her. On the other hand, there is yet another possibility in regard to Eliza JOHNSON Mitchell - and that is, she may have been alive in 1850 (See Census Record) yet deceased without issue by the time of Martin JOHNSON's death. According to one family tradition - that propounded by Oscar S. JOHNSON, Eliza JOHNSON Mitchell and her family removed to 'central east Missouri' where one? Some? of the family were killed.

Reminders! (1) Much additional information is still to be added; (2) Other researchers are requested to advise us immediately of any errors (including typos!); (3) Much additional documentation is needed; (4) We are seeking researchers willing to 'adopt' children of both William and Martin JOHNSON, and of Thomas, Jr. and Richard MURRELL; and (4) there is no need to attempt to download and 'cleanup' the contents of these pages at this time. Because the Combs-Johnson-Murrell Genealogy is an ongoing project, the information on these pages will change regularly and frequently, including additions, deletions and corrections. We do hope, however, to have the majority of the information collected thus far posted within the next four to six weeks. At that time, we will provide, at this site, a text file that will include all of the information, documentation, etc. that is included herein. Said text file will be in ascii format and thus should be 'readable' for all researchers, regardless of their word processing program. At that time, we will create an 'icon' which researchers can use to automatically download the text file which will be formatted as versus the current 'html' (hypertext markup language) style which would require an enormous amount of clean-up.

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