Benjamin Johnson of Goochland County, Virginia
By Bonnie Flythe
fly1776@rcn.com
© 2004

Jan.26, 2004

The earliest Benjamin Johnson of Goochland County is probably a son of Michael Johnson.  No documents in Goochland County prove this, but he did appear in the area near the time when Michael’s known sons bought land there.  
Benjamin could also be a son of Edward Johnson, jr. or Daniel Johnson of Henrico County.  Edward, Daniel and Michael may be related, but it is not known just how.
DNA testing of a male descendant of this line would be particularly illuminating!    

Benjamin Johnson appears very early in the records of Goochland County.  By 1725, he was named as a neighbor in the land patent of Roger Powel and therefore was probably born before 1704. His first known patent was in 1727.  
Patent.  Oct. 13, 1727.  By Benjamin Johnson for 326 acres for 35 shillings.  Henrico Co. On north side of James River.  Bounded by Robert Woodson in the low ground of Genitoe Cr., Mr. Addams & Benj. Woodson (Foley, Vol I, pg. 71)
In 1732, Benjamin patented 400 acres further west in the county on the branches of Byrd Creek.  
Patent.  April 11, 1732.  400 acres to Benjamin Johnson for 40 shillings, on branches of Byrd Creek on Horsepen Branch of sd. Creek.  (Foley Vol.I, pg. 87)

He had purchased at least 726 acres of land, but by May of 1744, this Benjamin Johnson was dead.  He died intestate & his widow was Agnes Arrington.  There is no formal record of their marriage, but a sequence of documents reveals Agnes identity:  
May Court 1744  Johnson Administratr.  Agnes Johnson comes into court & makes oath that Benj. Johnson died without any will so far as she knows or believes & on her motion Certificate is granted her for obtaining Letters of Administration in due form.  Isaac Johnson, William Arrington, Outring(??) Thompson security for same
Ordered that Philip Webber, George Payne, Thomas Wadlow, Robt Burton Junr. or any three of them being first sworn by Justices of the Peace do appraise the estate of Benj. Johnson, Decd. & that this administratrix do return an inventory thereof to the next court. (OB#5, p. 389 ) 

There was some concern on the part of Isaac Johnson, a son of Michael Johnson, about this estate and he returned to court in May of 1746 and presented a petition:
May Court 1746.  Johnson agt. Barnet.  On the petition of Isaac Johnson agt. John Barnet, Jr. & Agnes his wife setting forth that they wasted the estate of Benjamin Johnson deceased for the said Agnes's administration on whole estate the petitioner _____ security & praying to be relieved It is ordered that the said John Barnet, Jr. do enter into bond to the petitioner with good & sufficient security to indemnify him from being security for the sd. Agnes as aforesaid on failure of which the said Barnet is ordered to deliver unto the petitioner the estate of the said Benjamin Johnson Deceased. (OB #6, p.191)

Obviously, John Barnet married Agnes Arrington Johnson not long after the death of her husband, Benjamin Johnson.  According to the Douglas Register, John Barnard and Agnes Arrington had a daughter Mary Howard on April 26, 1757 and a son Daniel on July 14, 1759 (Jones, 156).  There may have been other Barnet children, but they remain unidentified.  The parents of Agnes Arrington have not been identified at this time, but she may descend from William & Susannah Arrington who moved into Goochland County very early.
  
Later land transactions indicate that the Benjamin Johnson who married Susannah Pace was a son of Benjamin & Agnes Johnson. However, not all of the deceased Benjamin Johnson’s land has been accounted for.  It may have been sold and the deeds never recorded. 

From the wording of Isaac’s petition, it would appear that there may have been irregularities in the handling of the estate.  Isaac, himself, may have moved away to Lunenburg County as early as 1747 when he and his brother Joseph patented land in that area.  Order Books 5 & 6 which extend from 1741-1749 contain no guardian orders, bonds, or records for the children of Benjamin Johnson.  There could have been other male children who did not share in the father’s real estate.  Intestacy laws at the time required that the oldest son inherit all of the father’s land.  Presumably, Agnes and John Barnett kept the estate and used it to care for the orphan or orphans, but it is not known how many there were. The tracing of John and Agnes Barnett may help clarify this. 

On July 22, 1759, Benjamin Johnson married Susannah Pace/Pierce (Jones, 28), daughter of Joseph Pace &  Ann Bashford from Middlesex County according to Pace family researchers.  This marriage and the birth of their children were listed in the Douglas Register.  Margaret was born May 13, 1760, Joseph on Nov. 9, 1761, Benjamin on Nov. 18, 1763, Susannah on Oct. 17, 1765, William on Dec. 16, 1768, Curtis on Sept. 21, 1770 and Elizabeth on Nov. 25, 1776. (Jones, 223)  

Benjamin, the father of these children, must have been born by the late 1730s and was the son of the Benjamin who died in 1744.  He was probably the Stephen Benjamin Johnson left fifty acres in the will of John Johnson, son of Michael Johnson, dated 1750.  Benjamin Johnson, son of James Johnson the Elder, was also born in the 1730s, but was alive when his brother Isham Johnson’s estate was settled in 1799.  Susannah Pace Johnson’s husband died in early 1785. 

In 1756, Isaac Johnson, a son of Michael Johnson, sold 150 acres of land on the south side of Tuckahoe Creek.  
Jan. 19, 1756.  Isaac Johnson of Looningburg Co. To John Johnson of Goochland Co. For 100 pounds, 150 acres south side of Tockahoe Creek.  Bounded by Benj. Johnson Decd., Daniel Johnson, Decd. & John Johnson, Decd. And Moses Brumfield on Tockahoe Creek “except the graveyard where Michael Johnson, his wife and child is buried...” Wit: William Miller, Daniel Johnson , Wilmanton (his H mark) Harris.  Rec. Jan. 20, 1756.  Mary wife of Isaac Johnson, relinq. Dower right (DB#7, pg. 59) 
The mention of neighboring land owners as Benj. Johnson, decd, Daniel Johnson, decd., John Johnson, decd. reinforces the likelihood that all of these men were sons of Michael.  In addition, Agnes Barnett was a witness to the will of Moses Brumfield in 1758 (Henley, 45).  It seems that Agnes and John Barnett were neighbors of these Johnsons. 

In 1763, Benjamin Johnson sold 150 acres of land on Tuckahoe Creek to Elisha Leake.  It is not certain that this is the same land as that purchased in 1727, but both tracts had Robert Woodson as a neighbor and the location is near the land in the Isaac Johnson deed. 
Jan. 15, 1763.  Benjamin Johnson and John Barnett & Agnes his wife to Elisha Leake, for 120 pounds, 150 acres on Tuckahoe Creek.  Bounded by Robert Woodson, William Webber, John LaPrade, lands of Moses Brumfield, Dec. Benjamin Johnson & John Barnett & Agnes “agree to do and execute any other act or conveyance for 20 years if requested” Wit: Benj. Woodson, Jr., Wm Hodges, Joseph Johnson, John Johnson.  Signed:  Benj. Johnson, John Barnett, Agnes  (X) Barnett.  Rec. April 19, 1763.  Relinq dower right: July 19, 1763 (DB#8, pg. 322).  
Benjamin’s mother was relinquishing her dower right in signing this deed.   It is unusual for a 20 year commitment to be included in a deed and this reinforces the possibility that the title to the land might not be clear of confusion. 

Two years later in 1765, Benjamin Johnson sold to William Liggon ½ of the 1732 tract on Byrd Creek that his father had patented. 
Feb. 19, 1765.  Benjamin Johnson, son of Benjamin Johnson of Albemarle Co. to William Liggon of for 20 pounds, 200 acres in Goochland and Albemarle counties “granted unto Benjamin Johnson, decd.  By patent April 11, 1732 it being half of 400 acres” Bounded by John Lowry, Horsepen Branch of Byrd Creek. Wit: Thomas Pleasants, Michl Holland, Benjamin Johnson.  Signed: Benjamin Johnson.  Rec: Feb. 19, 1765 (DB#8, pg. 448). 
Part of the Byrd Creek patent fell in Albemarle and, when Fluvanna County was created in 1777, the land became a part of the new county.  

In 1766, Benjamin purchased 140 acres on Little Byrd Creek from Josiah Pace.  Benjamin and his wife appear to have settled in the western part of the county at that time. 
Sept. 3, 1766.  Josias Pace to Benjamin Johnson for 60 pounds, 140 acres on Little Bird Creek.  Bounded by George Payne, William Johnson, John Moseley & Joseph Pace.  Wit: Andrew Harrison, Wm. Harrison, Joseph Pace, Francis Houchins.  Signed: Josiah Pace.  Rec. May 19, 1767.  Elizabeth relinq dower right. (DB#9, pg. 71)  

The tax list of 1782 in the upper tax district shows a Benjamin and also a Benj.,jr./Inft/.  The Benj.,jr/Inft/ was Benjamin’s 20 year old, still described as an infant, tithable but under 21. (Personal Property Tax List, 1782-1809) The two also appear together on the 1784 list.  

In 1785, Benjamin’s will was probated.  The complete text is reproduced here:
In the name of God Amen.  I Benjamin Johnson of the County of Goochland being very infirm at this present but praised be God of sound sense & memory  as to what worldly estate it hathe pleased God to bless me with I give and bequeath in the manner and form following.  
Item I lend unto my loving wife Susanna Johnson my land and plantation whereon I now live also too hundred and sixty acres of land in Fluvannah County also four Negroes & their Increase also all my Houses and Stock of Cattle, Sheep & Hoggs also all my Household good & furniture of Every kind also my crop of corn wheat and oats also what money I have in hand  all debts that is due to me all that I have mention and my plantation Tools & other kinds of Tooles I have lent as aforesaid unto my Loving wife during her widowhood or natural live.  
Item after my wife death or marriage it is my will and desire that the whole of my Estate shall be sold to the Highest Bidder and the money Equally divided amongst my children Joseph Johnson, Benjamin Johnson, Susannah Pace, William Johnson, Curtis Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson & my grandson Charles Houchins after deduction fourteen pounds out of his part then to share an equal part with my above mentioned children now in _______ of my above mentioned children ___________ die before they arrive to the lawfull age or leave no lawful  _________  that their estate to be equally divided amongst the Survivors of my Children to whom I give the same & to their Heirs and do ordain constitute  and appoint this my last will & testament, and do appoint my loving wife Susannah Johnson my whole and soul Executor In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this Eighth day of March one Thousand seven hundred and eighty five. 
Signed Sealed in the presence; of William Massie, William Johnson, Stephen Johnson.
  Signed: Benjamin Johnson. 
At a Court held for Goochland County May 16, 1785 this writing was proved by the oaths of Wm & Stephen Johnson to be the last will & Testament of Benj. Johnson decd. and was thereupon admitted to Record.  Teste (DB#14, 160)

Benjamin Johnson was at least forty one years old when he died.  Susannah Pace Johnson appeared in the 1785 tax list for the Upper District of Goochland with tithables Joe and William Johnson.  She was again there in 1786 with “William under age”.   She was gone by 1789, but another Benjamin appeared (Personal Property Tax List, 1782-1809).  Susannah probably died in 1788 and although Benjamin’s will required a sale of all the property after Susannah’s death, there does not seem to be a record of such sale.  Some of the land was sold, but not all.  

Children of Benjamin and Susannah Pace Johnson

I.  Margaret (May 13, 1760- bef. 1785)
Margaret Johnson married James Houchins on April 18, 1780 in Goochland County (Jones, 27).  She seems to have died by the date of her father’s will where her child, Charles Houchins, is mentioned.  The child is untraced here. 

II. Joseph (Nov. 9, 1761-    )
Joseph Johnson married Mary Basket in Fluvanna in 1785 (Vogt & Kethley, 30).  In 1786, Joseph and Mary sold 261 acres of land there to Tunstan Quarles.
Sept. 19, 1786.  Joseph Johnson & Mary his wife to Tunstal Quarles for 100 pounds land on waters of Phillis Creek, 261 acres. Bounded by William Payne, Jr. William Basket, Samuel Richardson, Robert Furbush & Stephen Lile.  Wit: J. Haden, William Barnet, P. Napier.  Signed: Joseph Johnson  Mary Johnson.  Oct. 9, 1786 Private exam and dower relinq by Mary Johnson.  Prov. June 7, 1787 by Joseph Haden, William Burnet, Patrick Napier (Flu. DB#2, 174).  
This closely approximates the tract of land mentioned in Benjamin’s will.  They are untraced after this date. 

III. Benjamin Jr. (Nov. 18, 1763-    )
Benjamin Johnson, jr. married Rachel Pace on Dec. 28, 1784 (Williams, 46). According to Pace family researchers, Rachel was a daughter of John Pace and Susannah Hutchins.   Benjamin was on the tax lists of the Upper District from 1789-1792, 1794, 1796-1805.  In 1805, 1806, & 1807 Benjamin was listed with another tithable, John Johnson.  Then in 1809, John was listed in the tax lists independent of Benjamin (Personal Property Tax List, 1782-1809).  I conclude very tentatively that John was a son of Benjamin and Rachel Pace Johnson.

IV. Susannah (Oct. 17, 1765-     )
Susannah Johnson married Edward Pace Sept. 21, 1784 (Jones, 72).  Edward Pace was the son of John Pace and Susannah Hutchins and brother of Rachel Pace who married Benjamin Johnson, Jr. They may have moved to Warren County, Kentucky.  

V.  William (Dec. 16, 1768-    )
William Johnson, son of Benjamin, married Susannah Holland on Aug. 18, 1788(Williams, 48). The couple may have moved to Edmonson County, Kentucky 

VI. Curtis (Sept.21, 1770-   )
Curtis Johnson married Sarah Bragg on Oct. 7, 1793 (Williams, 47). Edward Pace was a witness to the wedding.  They are untraced, but the Albemarle Co. 1810 Census does have a Curtis Johnson. 

VII. Elizabeth (Nov. 25, 1776-aft. 1785)
	She is untraced here, but was living at the time her father wrote his will. 
_______________________________________________________________________

Michael Johnson (ca. 1670-1719)
    m. Sarah Watson, ca. 1690
?1. Benjamin (bef. 1704-1744 Gooch.Co.)
     m. Agnes Arrington, bef. 1744
	a.  Benjamin (bef. 1739-1785 Gooch.Co.)
		m. Susannah Pace (  -1786GoCo), 1759
			A.  Margaret (1760- bef. 1785)
				m. James Houchins, 1780
					1. Charles Houchins
			B.  Joseph  (1761-      )
				m. Mary Basket, 1785
			C.  Benjamin, jr. (1763-      )
				m. Rachel Pace, 1784
					1. John? 
			D.  Susannah (1765-     )
				m. Edward Pace, 1784
			E.  William (1768-     1829 Edmonson Co., Ky)
				m.  Susannah Holland, 1788
			F.  Curtis (1770-      )
				m. Sarah Bragg , 1793
			G.  Elizabeth (1776-     )  

					Bibliography

Foley, Louise Pledge Heath, Early Virginia Families Along the James River Their Deep Roots and Tangled Branches Henrico County-Goochland County, Vol. I, (Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1983)
Fluvanna Co., Deed Book Vol. 1-3, 1777-1801, LDS#31467
Goochland Co., Deed Book (with Wills & Inventories) Vol. 6-8, LDS #31655
Goochland Co., Deed Book (with Wills & Inventories) Vol. 9-11, LDS #31656
Goochland Co., Deed Book (with Wills & Inventories) Vol. 12-14, LDS #31657
Goochland Co., Order Book Vol. 5-6, LDS #31672
Goochland Co., Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists 1782-1809 LDS #2024552
Henley, Margaret V., Abstracts of Wills From Goochland County, Virginia 1727-1777, (Goochland, Va.: Goochland County Historical Society, 1990)
Jones, W. Mac, The Douglas Register, (Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1977)
Schreiner-Yantis, Nettie & Florene Speakman Love, The Personal Property Tax Lists for the Year 1787 for Goochland County, Virginia, (Springfield, Va.: Genealogical Books in Print, 1987)
Vogt & Kethley, Virginia Historic Marriage Register, Fluvanna County Marriages, 1781-1849.  (Athens, Ga.: Iberian Press, 1984)
Williams, Kathleen Booth, Marriages of Goochland County, Virginia 1733-1815 (Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1979)
U.S. Census, 1850 Virginia