The Clopton Chronicles

A Project of the Clopton Family Genealogical Society

 

 

 

Regarding

 

The Descendants of Thomas Jefferson Johnston, Esq. &

His Wives, Mary Gilbert & Martha Bass

 

The First Three Generations

 

 

Compiled By William Purcell Clopton, James Penick Marshall, Jr., &

Suellen Clopton Blanton,[1] [email protected]

 

 

 

 

The information contained in the following genealogy must be judged on the evidence submitted supporting each claim.  Any additional information which will add to our knowledge of this family will be gratefully accepted.  Evidently, there were two families living in Putnam County in the early 1800’s with similar names, the Johnsons and the Johnstons.  Naturally, census takers and those responsible for recording county documents added the “t” or left off the “t” indiscriminately, making positive identification very difficult if not impossible in some cases.  Much more research must be made on this line.

 

 

Generation No. 1

 

        1.  Thomas Jefferson2 Johnston, Esq.  (Cornelius1)1 was born February 15, 1771 in Virginia2, and died March 15, 1855 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia3.  He married (2) Mary Gilbert4, daughter of Benjamin Gilbert and Hannah Butler.  She was born August 4, 1779 in Bedford County, Virginia5, and died Aft. April 1855.  He married (1) Martha Bass, there is no record of any issue from this marriage. 

       

Children of Thomas Johnston and Mary Gilbert are:

+      2                 i.    Thomas Jefferson3 Johnston, Jr..

        3                ii.    Ashley Johnston, died Aft. April 18556.

+      4               iii.    Bushrod W. Johnston, born Abt. 1801 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably; died Aft. December 25, 1855.

+      5               iv.    Charlotte A. Johnston, born in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably.

        6                v.    Edmund Johnston, died Aft. April 18557.

        7               vi.    Frances A. Johnston8, born Abt. 18269; died Aft. April 1855.  She married Caswell B. Black November 26, 1852 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia10

        8              vii.    Martha P. Johnston, died Bef. April 1829.  She married James Z. Dismukes November 17, 1825 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia10

        9             viii.    Mary Johnston11, died Aft. 1855.  She married William S. Palmer December 21, 1837 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia12

+      10              ix.    William Butler Johnston, Sr., born November 19, 1809 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia; died October 20, 1887 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

+      11               x.    Elizabeth Ann Johnston, born 1824 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia; died February 26, 1901 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church.

+      12              xi.    Green Johnston, M.D., born Abt. 1798 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably; died Bef. 1855 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably.

 

 

Generation No. 2

 

        2.  Thomas Jefferson3 Johnston, Jr. (Thomas Jefferson2, Cornelius1)  He married Ann Elizabeth Hampton June 2, 1836 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia14. 

       

Child of Thomas Johnston and Ann Hampton is:

        13               i.    Thomas Jefferson4 Johnston, III, C.S.A.15.

 

        4.  Bushrod W.3 Johnston (Thomas Jefferson2, Cornelius1)16 was born Abt. 1801 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably17, and died Aft. December 25, 185518.  He married Lucy B. Marshall October 10, 1822 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia19.  She was born Abt. 1805 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably20.

        Bushrod Johnston, owned a large plantation and many slaves.  He was a devout man and was a leading member of Concord Methodist Church, and was very religious.   Some of the slaves on the plantation (saw) the falling stars (from a meteoric shower in November 1833) and immediately aroused old "Marster" and all the family.  Soon the whole plantation was in an uproar.  It seemed that all the stars in the heavens had become shooting meteors.  All were praying and shouting and confessing sins of omission as well as commission, mostly the latter.  The slaves were confessing to many things that they had stolen that "Old Marster" had never missed.  Everybody thought the world was coming to an end.  But as this was at eleven o'clock at night one half wag said, "How in the Hell could Judgment day come at night?"  There was a light shower or rain the next afternoon and the slaves on the plantation claimed that many of the rain drops left spots of grease.

       

Children of Bushrod Johnston and Lucy Marshall are:

        14               i.    Elizabeth4 Johnston, born Abt. 1830 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably21.

        15              ii.    Margaret Johnston, born Abt. 1834 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably22.

        16             iii.    George W. Johnston, born Abt. 1840 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably23.

        17             iv.    James F. Johnston, born Abt. 1842 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably24.

        18              v.    Caroline Johnston, born Abt. 1845 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably25.

        19             vi.    Ema Johnston, born Abt. 1848 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably26.

 

        5.  Charlotte A.3 Johnston (Thomas Jefferson2, Cornelius1)27 was born  in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably28.  She married (1) John Wright29 January 3, 1817 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia30.  He died Abt. August 1826.  She married (2) Augustus C. Horton December 17, 1832 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia30.  He died Bef. 1850.

       

Children of Charlotte Johnston and John Wright are:

+      20               i.    Amanda F.4 Wright, born Abt. 1819 in Georgia; died 1903.

+      21              ii.    Martha J. Wright, born Abt. 1825.

+      22             iii.    Adaline Wright, born Abt. 1817.

       

Children of Charlotte Johnston and Augustus Horton are:

        23               i.    Mary F.4 Horton, born Abt. 183931.

        24              ii.    E. A. Horton32.

 

        10.  William Butler3 Johnston, Sr. (Thomas Jefferson2, Cornelius1)33 was born November 19, 1809 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, and died October 20, 1887 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.  He married Ann Clarke Tracy August 2, 1851 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia, daughter of Edward Tracy and Susan Campbell.  She was born 1829 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia, and died 1896 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

        William Butler Johnston, began building a 24 room Italian Renaissance villa in 1855.   It took five years to complete.  Built for his young bride, Ann Tracy,  it was filled with art treasures purchased in Europe while on their honeymoon.  He could well afford such a mansion.   His father, recognizing his mechanical ability, sent him to New York City about 1829 where he spent a year in apprenticeship with the watchmakers Benedict and Company.  Arriving in Macon in 1832, he began making his fortune in the wholesale jewelry business with his younger brother, Edmund.  The brothers furnished swords to the US Government during the Creek wars of the 1830's and the Mexican War in 1846-47.  He then branched into other enterprises such as banking, railroads, and insurance.

        The first tragedy struck while they were still in Europe; their first child, Francis Campbell, died while they were in Paris a short time after his birth.   In 1855 their second child, Susan Mary died before her first birthday.  Their next two children, William Butler, Jr. And Edward Tracy, also died during their infancy.  Shocked and grieved, Ann seldom left her bedroom.

        Joyfully, a daughter, their fifth child, did survive.  However, even this happy occasion was tempered by the death of Ann’s younger sister, and then, her brother.  The child was named in honor of her sister, Caroline.  A sixth child, Mary Ellen, also survived.  William and Ann raised their two children as well as her sister’s son and the two children of her deceased brother.

        Although the house was now filled with the laughter of loved and cherished children, Ann continued to grieve for her lost babies and wore black throughout the rest of her life.

        Now called the "Hay House," it is open for tours.  It is located at 934 Georgia Avenue, Macon, Georgia  31201.  Directions to the house from I-75 to I-16 East, exit at Spring Street, turn right, and go 2 1/2 blocks to Georgia Avenue.  Tour details may be obtained by calling (912) 742-8155.  Local historian, Tommy H. Jones, has written a number of excellent booklets regarding the Johnstons of Macon which may be purchased at the house.

       

Children of William Johnston and Ann Tracy are:

        25               i.    Frances Campbell4 Johnston, born August 23, 1852 in Paris, France; died August 23, 1852 in Paris, France.

        26              ii.    Susan Mary Johnston, born 1855 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia; died 1856 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

        27             iii.    William Butler Johnston, Jr., born April 1857 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia; died June 1858 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

        28             iv.    Edward Tracy Johnston, born February 22, 1860 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia; died Abt. April 1860 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

+      29              v.    Caroline Johnston, born July 1862 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia; died in Probably Danville, Virginia.

+      30             vi.    Mary Ellen Johnston, born 1864 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia; died April 26, 1926 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

 

        11.  Elizabeth Ann3 Johnston (Thomas Jefferson2, Cornelius1)34 was born 1824 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, and died February 26, 1901 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church35.  She married Elisha King, Jr.36 July 12, 1849 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia by the Rev. Boring37, son of Elisha King and Margaret Hall.  He was born September 6, 1829 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia38, and died February 6, 1911 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church39.  See The Descendants of Elisha King, Sr. &

His Wives, Mary, Kesiah Sanders & Margaret Hall

 

The July 31, 1849 issue of Milledgeville's "Southern Journal" noted the marriage of Elizabeth and Elisha:

 

MARRIED:  On Thursday 12th inst., by Rev. Mr. Boring, Mr. Elisha L. King, of Hancock County, to Miss Elizabeth Johnston, daughter of Thomas Johnston, Esq., of Putnam county.  "The world was sad, the garden was a wild,  And man, the hermit, sigh'd, till woman smiled." 

 

During the Civil War my grandfather, Elisha King, Jr., fulfilled his patriotic duties by making whiskey for the Confederate soldiers.  When Sherman's troops ripped through Putnam County, he hid all their livestock out in the swamps to prevent the Yankees from stealing them.  As expected, the soldiers came to their plantation looking for booty.  The soldiers were frustrated in not finding any livestock and were preparing to leave, when young Johnston King, piped up and said, "You won't find any of our cows and horses, daddy hid them in the swamp!"  See Minnie’s Boys

       

Children of Elizabeth Johnston and Elisha King are:

        31               i.    Fannie Fletcher4 King, died June 25, 1871 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church40.

        32              ii.    William H. King, born in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia.

+      33             iii.    Mary A. King, born February 25, 1851 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia; died August 23, 1891 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church.

+      34             iv.    Campbell T. King, Sr., born July 26, 1852 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia; died 1938 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

        35              v.    Sarah Elizabeth King, born October 3, 1861 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, baptized August 26, 1870 and joined Concord Methodist Church August 7, 1870; died August 7, 1943 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church41.  She married Henry R. Pinkerton; born Abt. 1840 in South Carolina42.

        36             vi.    Cuyler E. King, born August 31, 1865 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia; died May 9, 1940 in Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church43.

+      37            vii.    Minnie Flora King, born January 7, 1869 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia; died April 10, 1942 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church.

+      38           viii.    Annie Tracy King, born February 5, 1855; died June 10, 1883.

 

        12.  Green3 Johnston, M.D. (Thomas Jefferson2, Cornelius1)44 was born Abt. 1798 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably45, and died Bef. 1855 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably46.  He married Martha W. Adams November 26, 1828 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia47.  She was born Abt. 181348.

       

Children of Green Johnston and Martha Adams are:

        39               i.    Anne E.4 Johnston, born Abt. 183249.

        40              ii.    Margaret Johnston, born Abt. 1832 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably50.

        41             iii.    John Johnston, born Abt. 1837 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably51.

        42             iv.    Sephronia Johnston, born Abt. 1839 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably52.

        43              v.    Benjamin Johnston, born Abt. 1840 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, probably53.

 

 

Generation No. 3

 

        20.  Amanda F.4 Wright (Charlotte A.3 Johnston, Thomas Jefferson2, Cornelius1) was born Abt. 1819 in Georgia54, and died 1903.  She married Wiley W. Arnold55 July 3, 1838 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia56, son of William Arnold and Sarah.  He was born Abt. 1815 in Georgia57, and died 1883.

       

Children of Amanda Wright and Wiley Arnold are:

        44               i.    Sarah A.5 Arnold, born Abt. 1839 in Georgia57.

        45              ii.    William T. Arnold, born Abt. 1843 in Georgia57.

        46             iii.    Martha M. Arnold58, born Abt. 1846 in Georgia, probably and baptized August 20, 1856 and joined August 16, 1856, Concord Methodist Church, Eatonton59; died September 1924 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and buried Old Arnold Cemetery, Eatonton.  She married Adams, Husband of Martha M. Arnold

        47             iv.    Mary Elizabeth Arnold59, born Abt. 1850 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia,  and joined Concord Methodist Church August 20, 190760; died March 16, 192761.  She married Thomas Christopher Bustin

        48              v.    G. W. Arnold, born Abt. 1854 in Georgia62.

        49             vi.    F. F. Arnold, born Abt. 1858 in Georgia.

        50            vii.    M. B. T. Arnold, born Abt. 1859 in Georgia62.

 

        21.  Martha J.4 Wright (Charlotte A.3 Johnston, Thomas Jefferson2, Cornelius1) was born Abt. 182563.  She married William Gholson.  He was born Abt. 182563.

       

Children of Martha Wright and William Gholson are:

        51               i.    Enius B.5 Gholson, born Abt. 184563.

        52              ii.    Joseph A. Gholson, born Abt. 184263.

 

        22.  Adaline4 Wright (Charlotte A.3 Johnston, Thomas Jefferson2, Cornelius1) was born Abt. 181764.  She married Presley E. Prichard April 9, 1837.  He was born Abt. 1812 in North Carolina64.

       

Children of Adaline Wright and Presley Prichard are:

        53               i.    Thomas5 Prichard, born Abt. 184264.

        54              ii.    T. A. Prichard, born Abt. 184564.

        55             iii.    James Prichard, born Abt. 184864.

 

        29.  Caroline4 Johnston (William Butler3, Thomas Jefferson2, Cornelius1) was born July 1862 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia, and died in Probably Danville, Virginia.  She married George Duncan 1884.  He died in Probably Danville, Virginia.

       

Child of Caroline Johnston and George Duncan is:

        56               i.    Wiliam Butler5 Duncan, born January 1885.

 

        30.  Mary Ellen4 Johnston (William Butler3, Thomas Jefferson2, Cornelius1) was born 1864 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia, and died April 26, 1926 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.  She married William Hamilton Felton, Sr. November 28, 1888.  He was born 1860 in Marshallville, Georgia, and died October 18, 1926 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

       

Child of Mary Johnston and William Felton is:

        57               i.    William Hamilton5 Felton, Jr., born September 20, 1889 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.  He married Luisa Macgill Gibson 1915 in Baltimore, Maryland

                                 Following the deaths of his mother, who had inherited the house, and his mother, William sold the house his grandfather had built more than 75 years before.  In December 1926, he sold it to P. L. Hay for $61,500.  He and Luisa moved to a new house they had built in the Macon suburb of Vineville..

 

        33.  Mary A.4 King (Elizabeth Ann3 Johnston, Thomas Jefferson2, Cornelius1) was born February 25, 1851 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, and died August 23, 1891 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church65.  She married James Asbury Knight, M.D., of Eatonton, son of John Knight and Eliza Curry.  He was born June 5, 1848, and died May 10, 1906 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church65.

       

Children of Mary King and James Knight are:

        58               i.    Thomas Pierce5 Knight, born February 5, 1874 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia; died October 27, 1930 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church65.  He married Carrie Lucy Holloman; born June 23, 1876 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia; died June 26, 1918 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church65.

        59              ii.    James Palmer Knight, of Eatonton.

        60             iii.    James Asbury Knight II66.

 

        34.  Campbell T.4 King, Sr. (Elizabeth Ann3 Johnston, Thomas Jefferson2, Cornelius1) was born July 26, 1852 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, and died 1938 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.  He married Stella Odille Hunt Abt. 1884. 

 

His obituary which appeared in the "Macon (Georgia) Telegraph and News, states that he was survived by his wife and named his son, Campbell T. King, Jr. of Lynchburg, Virginia; three daughters Mrs. Ben Dasher of Macon, Mrs. Thad Horton of Atlanta, Mrs. James P. Hartness of Starkeville, Miss.  The article also listed grandchildren:  Mrs. Raymond Phelts, North Conway, NH, Ben Dasher, Jr., Campbell King Dasher, Thad Horton, Jr., Tracey Horton, Antainette (SP?) King, James Hartness, Jr., and two great grandchildren, Odille and George Phelts.

 

"Mr. Campbell T. King was born in Baldwin County, July 26, 1852.  He spent his boyhood in Putnam County, and moved to Macon in 1873 to begin working in a hat store.  His parents were Elisha King and Elizabeth Johnston King.  He operated an ice plant and a little later became mailing room superintendent of the Macon Telegraph.  That was in the days before automobile and the Telegraph was delivered to the trains by pushcart.  Mr. King recently commented that at one time he owned "Controlling interest" in the Macon Telegraph.  It happened this way.  He owned one share of stock.  The Telegraph had been owned by Clisby Jones and Mr. Reese.  Mr. Reese sold his interest so that two of the owners each had twelve shares, and Mr. King had one share of stock.  Of course when voting took place Mr. King had the balance of power.  Leaving the Macon Telegraph Mr. King became interested in the drug business.  He passed the examination of the state board with the highest mark in a class of 30.  He was a partner in the Payne-King Drug Company, here for 32 years, located at Cotton Avenue and Mulberry Street.  Mr. King was a stockholder in Riverside Cemetery until his death was the last of the original owners.  He was elected to the board of managers in 1919, also manager.  Mr. King had lived in the same house 290 College Street, for 32 years.  He had been a Rotarian for 20 years.  He took part in Rotation affairs here and in other cities.  His ambition was to 'live long, be happy and healthy.'  He enjoyed good health until recently.  He was noted for being happy; Was fond of picture sows and never missed features in which he was especially interested.  Mrs. King was always his companion at the theaters."

       

Child of Campbell King and Stella Hunt is:

        61               i.    Campbell T.5 King, Jr..

 

        37.  Minnie Flora4 King (Elizabeth Ann3 Johnston, Thomas Jefferson2, Cornelius1)67 was born January 7, 1869 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia68, and died April 10, 1942 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church69.  She married William Thomas "Boo" Clopton70 November 15, 1893 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia71, son of William Clopton and Martha Lancaster.  He was born April 25, 1863 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia72, and died September 6, 1955 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church73.

        Georgia had barely recovered from the Civil War when the boll weevil hit.  Too much row cropping, and poor plowing techniques had brought tremendous loss of the fertile topsoil, bringing a decline in cotton production.  The boll weevil found a home in the fields and bolls.  This ruined the agricultural system throughout much of the South.  Then a larger economic depression gripped the Nation, and what cotton was produced was almost worthless.  William Thomas “Boo” Clopton and his wife, Minnie Flora King, both of Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, found themselves as poor as church mice with six boys to raise.  What they lacked in material possessions they made up for in love.  It was a good thing, too, the boys were raised on a farm because this big boisterous family needed all the space they could get, as they careened down the halls of the house in roller skates, or sailed little brother off the roof to see if he could fly.  See Minnie’s Boys

 

Children of Minnie King and William Clopton are:

        62               i.    Lemuel Thomas5 Clopton, of Eatonton, Georgia74, born January 25, 1898 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia75; died September 5, 1977 in Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church76.  He married Nell Cowan Gilmer77 December 31, 1917 in Gainesville, Hiawassee, Georgia, by the Rev. William E. Purcell78; born October 9, 1898 in Gillsville, Georgia79; died March 30, 1965 in Jacksonville, Florida and buried Concord United Methodist Church80.

        63              ii.    Walter Johnston Clopton, WW II, of Eatonton81, born October 1, 1899 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia82; died April 26, 1980 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church83.

When the pews were divided, the men sat on one side, the women and little children on the other.  It was considered a hallmark of sorts when a boy was permitted to sit on the men's side, something he could not do until he could be relied upon not to draw attention to himself and thus remind all the women the men were asleep.  One of the primary skills quickly learned on the men's side was to master the art of sleeping soundly without snoring too loud.   Walter, kept getting sent back to the women's side because he had an unfortunate tendency when asleep to fall out of the pew.  See Minnie’s Boys and O Worship the King.

        64             iii.    William King Clopton, of Eatonton, Georgia84, born July 21, 1901 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia85; died December 24, 1990 in Arcadia, Florida and buried Concord United Methodist Church, Eatonton86.  He married Ada Lucille Knight, of Eatonton, Georgia87 January 26, 1927 in Miami, Dade County, Florida; born September 6, 1902 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, baptized and joined Concord Methodist Church September 3, 1914; died April 13, 1983 in Florida and buried Concord United Methodist Church, Eatonton88.

        65             iv.    James Cuyler Clopton, of Eatonton, Georgia89, born August 30, 1903 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia89; died September 25, 1995 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church90.  He married Private.91.

        66              v.    Rufus Terrell Clopton, Sr., USAF Rt.91, born January 21, 1907 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia92; died September 9, 1992 in Warner Robins, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church93.  He married Martha Alice Bailey December 21, 1946 in Dublin, Laurens County,  Georgia; born September 23, 1924 in Dublin, Laurens County, Georgia; died October 8, 1998 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

Although the family had been told by the War Department Rufus was missing in action in 1942, they did not receive confirmation he was alive and captured by the Japanese, until 1943; his mother had been dead for 13 months.  While Rufus was held captive, his family kept his mother's death a secret.  They were able to send him boxes and mail from time to time.  In the first box sent him they tucked a letter his mother had written to him just before her death.  He clung to a future of returning to his parents and brothers.          When he returned to the States, Rufus picked up his mail and only then learned his mother was dead from a letter from the family.  He wasn't really surprised.  Although he had received 16 additional letters while held prisoner, no more came from her.  They hadn't told him,  "They figured I had enough bad news."  See With Quiet Grace and Dignity

        67             vi.    Private9494.  He married Private94.

 

        38.  Annie Tracy4 King (Elizabeth Ann3 Johnston, Thomas Jefferson2, Cornelius1) was born February 5, 185595, and died June 10, 188395.  She married James Willis Callaway November 21, 1878 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia, by Rev. John W. Knight96.  He was born January 12, 185197, and died June 14, 1920 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia and buried Concord United Methodist Church98.

 

Child of Annie King and James Callaway is:

        68               i.    Tracy King5 Callaway, born September 10, 187999.

 

 

Endnotes

 

1.  Compiled by Jack F. Cox, 1850 Census of Georgia Slave Owners,  (Copy located Clopton Family Archives courtesy of Suellen (Clopton) DeLoach Blanton), p. 165, Thos. Johns[t]on of Putnam County owned 27 slaves.

2.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, Gives his age as 80 and born in Virginia.

3.  His will was probated April 1855 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia.  It was written January 23, 1844.  It is clear he didn't update the will because his daughter, Elizabeth, married Elisha King in 1849, but she is referred to as Elizabeth Johnston.

4.  She is named in her husband's will.

5.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, A Mary aged 64 (born about 1786) is living with Thomas.

6.  He is named in his father's will which was probated Apri 1855.

7.  He was named in his father's will.

8.  She is named in her father's will.

9.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, She is aged 24 and living with her father and mother.

10.  Putnam County, Georgia, Marriage Book.

11.  She is named in her father's will, probated April 1855 as Mary Palmer, "wife of William Palmer."

12.  Putnam County, Georgia, Marriage Book.

13.  He is named in his father's will and may have been dead by that date.

14.  Hull, Early Records of Putnam County, Georgia, 1807-1860,  (Courtesy of Michael Flanagan), p. 47, He is listed as Thomas J. Johnson.

15.  "Union Recorder," Milledgeville, Baldwin County, Georgia, Tuesday, July 9, 1861, The muster roll of the Yancey Independents shows Thomas Johnston and Daniel Johnston as privates.

16.  He is named in his father's will.

17.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, He is the head of his household and is 49 years old.

18.  Milledgeville, Georgia, Southern Recorder,  (Courtesy of Leia Katherine Eubanks), "WILL be sold on the 15th day of January next, at the late residence of Thomas Johnston, of Putnam county, deceased, the property belonging to the estate of said deceased, consisting of household and kitchen furniture, farming utensils, corn, fodder, mules, cattle, hogs and sheep, together with other articles too tedious to mention.  The sale to continue from day to day until all shall be sold.  Terms of sale will be made known on the day of ssale.  BUSHROD W. JOHNSTON, Ex'r.  December 25th, 1855Copy located Clopton Family Archives, courtesy Leia Katherine Eubanks.

19.  Hull, Early Records of Putnam County, Georgia, 1807-1860,  (Courtesy of Michael Flanagan), p. 47, Listed as Bushrod W. Johnson.

20.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, She is aged 45.

21.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, She is aged 20.

22.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, She is aged 16.

23.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, He is aged 10.

24.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, He is aged eight.

25.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, She is aged 5.

26.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, She is aged 2.

27.  She is named in her father's will, probated April 1855, as Charlotte Horton.

28.  Putnam County, Georgia, 1850 Census,  (Courtesy Eatonton-Putnam County Historical Society).

29.  Named in his brother, Parson's, will.

30.  Putnam County, Georgia, Marriage Book.

31.  Putnam County, Georgia, 1850 Census,  (Courtesy Eatonton-Putnam County Historical Society).

32.  Putnam County, Georgia, 1860 Census,  (Courtesy Eatonton-Putnam County Historical Society).

33.  He is named in his father's will.

34.  Putnam County, Georgia, Will Book, Book B - 1822-1857, Her father's will was written in 1844, before her marriage and she is referred to as Elizabeth Johnston.  It is of some note that her mother would have been about 51 years old when she was born.

35.  William Thomas Clopton & Minnie Flora King Holy Bible,  (Courtesy Frank Campbell Clopton).

36.  Leia Katherine Eubanks and Suellen (Clopton) DeLoach Blanton provided this information unless otherwise noted.

37.  Milledgeville, Georgia, Southern Recorder,  (Courtesy of Leia Katherine Eubanks), July 31, 1849 Issue, Page 3, Item Number 1, Copy located Copton Family Archives, courtesy Suellen (Clopton) DeLoach Blanton.  Also Putnam County Marriage Book.

38.  Washington County, Georgia,  1830 Census.

39.  William Thomas Clopton & Minnie Flora King Holy Bible,  (Courtesy Frank Campbell Clopton).

40.  Nineteen Ninety Directory of Concord Church, Courtesy William Purcell Clopton, Her grave is unmarked.

41.  Concord United Methodist Church Register,  (Courtesy William Purcell Clopton), Records she married Pinkerton, Baptized 26 Aug (18)70, Vows 7 Aug (18)70, and died Aug 7, 1943.

42.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 23, She is 10.

43.  Tombstone, loc. cit.

44.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, He is the head of family number 457.  Also at that residence are two children, A.S. Johnston, age 9 months and Z.T.B., aged 7 months.

45.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, He is 52 years old.

46.  He is not named in his father's 1855 will.

47.  Putnam County, Georgia, Marriage Book.

48.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16.

49.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, She is 16 years of age.

50.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, She is 18 years of age.

51.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, He is 13 years old.

52.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, She is aged 11.

53.  Otto, 1850 Census of Putnam County, Georgia, p. 16, He is 10 years old.

54.  Putnam County, Georgia 1850, Census,  (Courtesy Eatonton-Putnam County Historical Society).

55.  Hull, Early Records of Putnam County, Georgia, 1807-1860,  (Courtesy of Michael Flanagan), p. 40, Named in his father's will.

56.  Putnam County, Georgia, Marriage Book.

57.  Putnam County, Georgia 1850, Census,  (Courtesy Eatonton-Putnam County Historical Society).

58.  Concord United Methodist Church Register,  (Courtesy William Purcell Clopton), She is entered as Mattie M. Arnold.  Notes she married Adams, she is Baptized August 20, 1856.  She takes her vows of Membership August 16, 1856 and is death September 1924.

59.  Putnam County, Georgia 1850, Census,  (Courtesy Eatonton-Putnam County Historical Society).

60.  Putnam County, Georgia, 1910 Census,  (Courtesy Eatonton-Putnam County Historical Society).

61.  Concord United Methodist Church Register,  (Courtesy William Purcell Clopton), Records she took vows 20 Aug (19)07, received by Rev. J. H. Pace, died Mar 16, 1927.  She is entered as Mary E. Bustin.

62.  Putnam County, Georgia 1860, Census,  (Courtesy Eatonton-Putnam County Historical Society).

63.  Putnam County, Georgia 1850, Census,  (Courtesy Eatonton-Putnam County Historical Society).

64.  Putnam County, Georgia, 1850 Census,  (Courtesy Eatonton-Putnam County Historical Society).

65.  Tombstone, loc. cit.

66.  Concord United Methodist Church Register,  (Courtesy William Purcell Clopton), It is not clear who this man is the son of James A. Knight.  He was baptized September 3, 1914.  He took his vows September 3, 1914 and was received by The Rev. J. L. Hall.  He was removed by Certificate in 1927.  His death is noted.

67.  Suellen (Clopton) DeLoach Blanton provided the information regarding this family unless otherwise noted.

68.  William Thomas Clopton & Minnie Flora King Holy Bible,  (Courtesy Frank Campbell Clopton).

69.  Georgia Death Certificate,  (From the Clopton Family Archives and Resource Library), No. 8866, from the Thomas B. Clopton, M.D. Collection, courtesy Suellen (Clopton) DeLoach Blanton. Tombstone, loc. cit..  Also Family Bible.  Concord Church's Register of Members notes her death as April 10, 1942

70.  William Thomas Clopton & Minnie Flora King Holy Bible,  (Courtesy Frank Campbell Clopton), The Bible as a whole is in terrible condition.  The cover is plain cardboard with no embossing.  All of the first pages are missing through a portion of Genesis.  Four pages of the Family Register are intact and in good condition.  The first eight names on the Birth page were entered at the same time by the same hand.  In 1998 the Bible was in the possession of Frank Campbell Clopton, Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia.

71.  William Thomas Clopton & Minnie Flora King Holy Bible,  (Courtesy Frank Campbell Clopton), Also Marriage License, dated November 13, 1893, signed by ---Adams, Jr, Ordinary.  Certification dated November 15, 1893, signed by S. B. Ledbetter, minister.   According to Concord United Methodist Church records, S. B. Ledbetter was the minister at that church from 1893 until 1896.  Special thanks to Pauline S. Carter, Deputy Clerk, Probate Court of Putnam County, for providing a copy of the marriage certificate, July 30, 1998.

72.  William Thomas Clopton & Minnie Flora King Holy Bible,  (The Thomas B. Clopton, M.D. Collection, courtesy Frank Campbell Clopton), tombstone, Loc. cit.

73.  Tombstone, loc. cit, On July 2, 1998,  the Georgia Department of Human Resources, prepared a certified notification that a search of the state death index for the years 1954 through 1956, had located no death certificate.  Concord Church's Register of Members notes he is deceased.  Letter located Clopton Family Archives and Research Library.

74.  William Thomas Clopton & Minnie Flora King Holy Bible,  (Courtesy Frank Campbell Clopton).

75.  Social Security Birth and Death Records, courtesy of Suellen (Clopton) DeLoach Blanton, 262-03-3620, Also, on December 14, 1918, Mr. Clopton purchased a life insurance policy with New England Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Boston, Massachusetts for $1,000.  His application gives his date of birth as January 25, 1898 in Putnam County.  He is a "store keeper," and the policy, number 359307, named his wife "Mrs. Nell Gilmer Clopton," as the beneficiary.  His premium payment is $29.40.  He cases in the policy October 6, 1965.  A copy of this policy is located in the Clopton Family Archives, courtesy William Purcell Clopton.

76.  Tombstone, loc. cit, Georgia Death Certificate No. 2035, located Clopton Family Archives and Research Library, courtesy Peggy Charlotte (Schleucher) Clopton.

77.  Suellen (Clopton) DeLoach Blanton provided the information regarding this family unless otherwise noted.

78.  Georgia Marriage Certificate, Copy located Clopton Family Achieves, Special thanks to The Honorable Wayne Garrett, Probate Judge Magistrate, of Hiawassee County who supplied the marriage certificate, September 23, 1998, courtesy Suellen (Clopton) DeLoach Blanton.

79.  William Alfred Gilmer & Mary E. Bell Family Bible,  (Courtesy of William Purcell Clopton).

80.  Tombstone, loc. cit, Florida Death Certificate, No. 65-013418, located Clopton Family Archives and Research Library, courtesy Peggy Charlotte (Schleucher) Clopton.

81.  William Thomas Clopton & Minnie Flora King Holy Bible,  (Courtesy Frank Campbell Clopton).

82.  Social Security Birth and Death Records, courtesy of Suellen (Clopton) DeLoach Blanton, 254-18-4752.

83.  Tombstone, loc. cit. and social security death records.  Family Bible gives his death date as April 27

84.  William Thomas Clopton & Minnie Flora King Holy Bible,  (Courtesy Frank Campbell Clopton).

85.  Social Security Birth and Death Records, courtesy of Suellen (Clopton) DeLoach Blanton.

86.  Tombstone, loc. cit, His tombstone has the incorrect date, July 21, 1909.   The Social Security Death records state date of death December 24, 1990 in Florida.  261-01-3048.

87.  Concord United Methodist Church Register,  (Courtesy William Purcell Clopton), She is entered as Ada L. Knight.  It is noted she married Clopton and was Baptized September 3, 1914.  She took her vow August 13, 1925 and is received by The Rev. J. L. Hall.  Her death is noted.

88.  Tombstone, loc. cit.

89.  William Thomas Clopton & Minnie Flora King Holy Bible,  (Courtesy Frank Campbell Clopton).

90.  Tombstone, loc. cit.

91.  William Thomas Clopton & Minnie Flora King Holy Bible,  (Courtesy Frank Campbell Clopton).

92.  Social Security Birth and Death Records, courtesy of Suellen (Clopton) DeLoach Blanton, 262-03-2615.

93.  Tombstone, loc. cit. and Social Security Death Records.  262-03-2615

94.  William Thomas Clopton & Minnie Flora King Holy Bible,  (Courtesy Frank Campbell Clopton).

95.  Ibid.

96.  Georgia Marriage Certificate, License dated November 20, 1878, but cannot read the name of the Ordinary.  Certification dated November 21, 1878, by J. W. Knight.  Special thanks to Pauline S. Carter, Deputy Clerk, Probate Court of Putnam County, who provided this document August 4, 1998.

97.  Carrielu Clopton & James Willis Callaway Bible,  (Courtesy of Suellen (Clopton) DeLoach Blanton).

98.  Ibid. and,  Concord Register of Members notes his death in 1920.  Tombstone, loc. cit.

99.  Carrielu Clopton & James Willis Callaway Bible,  (Courtesy of Suellen (Clopton) DeLoach Blanton).

 

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[1] The Descendants of Thomas Jefferson Johnston, Esq., & His Wives, Mary Gilbert & Martha Bass, The First Three Generations, is an excerpt from The Clopton Chronicles, the Ancestors and Descendants of Sir Thomas Clopton, Knight & Dame Katherine Mylde, and is the property of the Clopton Family Genealogical Society which holds the copyright on this material.  Permission is granted to quote or reprint articles for noncommercial use provided credit is given to the CFGS.  Prior written permission must be obtained from the Society for commercial use.

William Purcell Clopton is a direct descendant of this line.

James Penick Marshall, Jr., is the President, Eatonton-Putnam County Historical Society.

Suellen (Clopton) DeLoach Blanton, Founder and Executive Director of The Clopton Family Genealogical Society & Clopton Family Archives, is a direct descendant of this line.

The Society wishes to thank Peggy Charlotte (Schleucher) Clopton.    Also thanks to Clopton family descendants, Frank Campbell Clopton and Isabel Lancaster (Clopton) Steiner.