Johnson Family History
The following is a short history of the Johnson family.
Origins of Johnson
Johnson is a patronym name, meaning it literally comes "son of John." It is believed that Johnson is Norman in origin and the name John itself derives from the Hebrew name Johanan, meaning Jehovah is favored . The first Johnson who would migrate to the new world would be Valentine Johnson (1670-1703) who came from Great Yarmouth, England. His migration is another example of people leaving the old world in search of something in the new world.
The Johnson's in America
Valentine Johnson would migrate to America and marry Elizabeth Sara Walker (1657-1725). They would give birth to Thomas Johnson (1703-1777) in Calvert County, Maryland. Valentine Johnson would die in Orange, Virginia shortly after the birth of his son.
The Revolutionary War
Thomas Johnson (1703-1777) would go on to marry Catherine Griffith (1710-?), and give birth to five children including Griffith Johnson in Montgomery County, Maryland. Griffith Johnson (1739-1805) would get involved in Pontiac's War (1763-1766) in some capacity, before becoming a captain leading into the Revolutionary War (1775-1783).
Continuing West
The next three generations of Johnson fathers would push farther west: Benjamin Johnson Sr. (1760-1842), Gabriel Johnson Sr. (1797-1869), and William N. Johnson (1819-1880). They mainly settled in and around Harrison County, Ohio. Not much is known about these specific ancestors, however, more than likely they were likely new chasing opportunities in an ever westward expanding country. Eventually Gabriel and William would make their way to Indiana.
Finally In Indiana
My first ancestor to be born in Indiana and Muncie in particular was John P. Johnson (1849-1912), the son of William. John would go on to have eight children with Mary Jane Stokes (1848-1928). For the next few generations the Johnsons would continue being born in Indiana mainly in the Delaware County area although sometimes in surrounding areas.
A Break in the Link
One of John's children, Florence (1872-1905) who was born in Gaston, Indiana, would give birth to Amial A. Johnson (1891-1932). Unfortunately my family does not know who Amial's father was, although it is possible that it was a man named Harry Johnson (1870-?) but that is unconfirmed. This is why my family trees follow this specific Johnson line instead of Harry's line.
Family Issues
My great grandfather Amial A. Johnson (1891-1932) had a lot of issues, and was described by older family members as having a temper. He was the father of my grandpa Jackie F. Johnson (1930-2010). Unfortunately two year after my grandpa was born, Amial would get shot by the wife of the man he killed.
Life in an Orphanage
My grandpa Jack Johnson (1930-2010) would grow up in the Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's Home in Knightstown, Indiana. It is here where he would meet my grandma, Beatty J. Farrington (1931-2013) who was also orphaned because of a parent's death. These childhood experiences were indicative of America's larger issue of supporting itself during the Great Depression.
Continuing Traditions
They eventually settled back in Muncie where they would spend the rest of their lives. Jack worked in a few different places around town including factories, and Beatty worked as a nurse. This was an era before the deindustrialization of the Midwest. My grandparents would continue the family tradition of having a lot children, seven in total. This includes my dad, Bradley J. Johnson (1956-now).
The Most Modern Johnsons
My dad, Bradley J. Johnson (1956-now), married my mom Elena Perez (1968-now) and had five children including me, Alec D. Johnson (2000-now). I continued the trend of being born in Indiana, except this time in Indianapolis. My older siblings were, however, were born in California, New York, and Virginia. This is because my dad was in the military, which seems to be a family trend that continued through out the generations.
The End
That's the current state of the Johnson family. I have multiple nieces and nephews and I will one day will have children and continue the Johnson name.