Father: Benjamin Johnson, Jr.
Mother: Ann Norman
Spouse: Ann Lightfoot Brown - b:
20/Jul/1798 - VA
d: 2/Apr/1872 - Rappahannock Co., VA
m: 29/Feb/1820 - Culpeper Co., VA
Child-1: Albert Marion - b: 27/Mar/1821 - Culpeper Co.,
VA
d: 26/Aug/1883 - VA - bur: Green Hill Cem., Page Co., VA
m: Catherine (Kate) Yowell - 5/Jan/1871 - Page Co., VA
2: Alcinda
- b: 2/Aug/1823 - Culpeper Co., VA
d: 1/Mar/188? - VA
3: Elizabeth
- b: 15/Sep/1825 - Culpeper Co., VA
d: 8/Mar/1888 - VA
m: William Matthey Story - 10/Sep/1850 - Rappahannock Co., VA
4: Alpha
Marion - b: 6/Sep/1827 - Culpeper Co., VA
d: 24/Aug/1855 - Rappahannock Co., VA
5: Eldridge
- b: 12/Jul/1829 - d: 14/May/1830
6: Hamilton
- b: 7/May/1831 - d: 23/Aug/1831
7: Tabitha
Browning - b: 13/Jun/1832 - Culpeper Co., VA
d: 21/Oct/1907 - VA
m: John Henry Wheatley - 20/Nov/1856 - Rappahannock Co., VA
m: Alpheus E. Fletcher - 11/Dec/1861 - Rappahannock Co., VA
8: Silas
Bruce - b: 16/Jan/1834 - Rappahannock Co., VA
d: 21/Mar/1920 - VA
m: Sallie Tabitha Menefee - 2/Nov/1871 - Rappahannock Co., VA
m: Ida Lester Menefee - 17/Oct/1876 - Rappahannock Co., VA
9: Edward
- b: 24/May/1836 - d: 31/Jul/1836
10: Warren - b:
13/Jun/1837 - d: 15/Aug/1837
11: Marie - b:
1/Oct/1838 - d: 21/Mar/1841
12: Ann R. - b:
1/Mar/1840 - d: 16/Mar/1841
13: James Lyle -
b:
4/Feb/1842 - d: 26/Jun/1842
Biographical Details:
James Johnson was born January 4, 1794, almost certainly in Culpeper County, Virginia, and was the son of Benjamin and Ann Norman Johnson. This is affirmed by an anonymous family history of the "Red Oak Johnson Family" as well as three Bible records currently archived in the Library of Virginia. In addition, it has been reported that James Johnson's middle name was "Silas" and, indeed, one of his sons was given this name; however, there is no objective evidence to support such a presumption. (Alternatively, the same anonymous history mentioned previously, stated that James' son, Silas Bruce, was named "for a Baptist preacher".) James Johnson and Ann Lightfoot Brown were married in Culpeper County on February 29, 1820. They were the parents of at least thirteen children of which only six survived to adulthood and only four of these married. Within this context, a fourteenth child, viz., John Henry, who died as an infant has been reported, but there is no documentary support for this, particularly in the known Bible records and, hence, his existence must be considered as doubtful. Concomitantly, the household of James Johnson appeared in the population schedule of the 1820 US Census for Culpeper County and consisted of a young adult male and female both between sixteen and twenty-six years of age along with two slaves, viz., a male of less than fourteen and a female between fourteen and twenty-six years. Evidently, the young couple can be plausibly identified as James and Ann Lightfoot Johnson, who were married that same year. Moreover, two persons within the household were reportedly engaged in agriculture and it may be supposed that these were James himself and the male slave. (In contrast, James' father, Benjamin, does not seem to have owned any slaves.) Subsequently, the household of J. Johnson appeared in the 1830 Culpeper County population schedule and included a male child between five and ten years of age, four female children less than five, an adult male and female both between twenty and twenty-nine years of age, and two slaves, a male between twenty-four and thirty-six and a female between ten and twenty-four years old. Even so, if this household is to be identified with James and Ann Johnson, it is clear that several recording errors have been made by the census taker. Of course, the male child corresponds favorably with their oldest son, Albert; however the household would have had only three daughters in 1830, one of which, viz., Alcinda, was was already older than five. Concomitantly, the fourth daughter may have actually corresponded to an infant son, Eldridge, who died that same year. In addition, that year James and Ann were thirty-six and thirty-two, respectively, which also does not accord well with the population schedule. Nevertheless, such discrepancies frequently occur in early census records for which the primary purpose was a correct tally of individuals and collection of demographic information was only of secondary importance. Moreover, the household still included two slaves, at least one of which was probably recorded in the earlier population schedule. Therefore, it is probable that this household should be identified as that of James and Ann Lighfoot Johnson. Rappahannock County was organized from the western part of Culpeper County in 1833 and, accordingly, the household of James Johnson appeared in the population schedule of the 1840 US Census for Rappahannock County, Virginia, and at that time consisted of three males, viz., a child between five and ten years, an adolescent or young adult between fifteen and twenty, and an adult between forty and fifty years of age; seven females, viz., two younger chldren less than five years old, a child between five and ten, an older child or adolescent between ten and fifteen; two adolescents or young adults between fifteen and twenty, and an adult between forty and fifty years of age; and three slaves, viz., a female between the ages of ten and twenty-four and a male and female between thirty-six and fifty-five years. Clearly, this accords well with the family of James Johnson and with near certainty the three males can be identified as James himself and sons, Albert and Silas, and the seven females as his wife, Ann, and daughters, Alcinda, Elizabeth, Alpha, Tabitha, Marie, and Ann. As is usual, slave identities are difficult to determine, but it is likely that one or two of them had been longstanding members of the household and, moreover, it is plausible that they were a slave couple with one child, however, this is merely speculation.Source Notes and Citations:Civil records reveal that in order to settle the estate of his deceased father, Benjamin Johnson, in the fall of 1843 James Johnson brought a "suit in equity" against seven absent defendants identified as his brother, Jesse, and six neices and nephews.1 Moreover, James' oldest son, Albert M. Johnson, then only twenty-two years old, was evidently appointed by the court as commissioner to dispose of real estate associated with the inheritance. This might seem unusual (or even unethical) since Albert was so closely associated with the plaintiff (i.e., his father); however, it is likely that the suit was not contentious and, furthermore, Albert was apparently literate (a necessary skill to act as commissioner) since his occupation was identified as "teacher" in subsequent census records. In any case, the property was sold on March 1, 1844, to William Carder who was a member of a local, large extended family and may well have been a relative, since intermarriage between neighboring family groups was, of course, very frequent in nineteenth century. Indeed, in the 1850 population schedule James and Ann C. (sic - L.) Johnson were resident in Rappahannock County along with three unmarried daughters, viz., Alcinda, Alpha M., and Tabitha. In addition, the household included a young male laborer, Massie Rush, who was probably a hired hand, and a free black female child, Juda Richerson, aged twelve years. Circumstances surrounding this arrangement are not known since interracial relationships in the antebellum South were more complex than is commonly supposed. Indeed, the slave schedule of 1850 revealed that at this same time James Johnson also owned seven slaves, viz., three adults, an adolescent, and three children. Similarly, in 1860 James and Ann L. Johnson were apparently living near Sperryville, with their unmarried son, Silas, as well as their recently widowed daughter and grandson, viz., Tabitha and John H. Wheatley. Again, census records indicate that James Johnson owned seven slaves and, in addition, that his daughter, Tabitha Wheatley, owned three more. Of course, slavery was abolished as a result of the Civil War, yet the population schedule of the 1870 US Census for Rappahannock family indicated that in addition to James, Ann L., Alcinda, and Silas B. Johnson, seven free blacks were closely associated with the family, viz., an adult couple, Jerry and Mary Lawson and their five children, John, Samse, Philip, Lucy, and Alice. It is tempting to presume that these were the same seven individuals listed in previous census records, thus, projecting an image of the "kind master" and relative benignity of slavery as an institution (at least within the Johnson family). However, this is not supported by objective evidence. In particular, stated ages appearing in slave schedules definitively rule out such a presumption. Moreover, there is indication in the 1860 slave schedule that one of James' slaves was a fugitive. Hence, the inescapable conclusion must be that James Johnson bought and sold slaves in the decades preceding the Civil War and like other Southerners found nothing wrong in this practice. Of course, it is not useful to pass judgement grounded in current moral or legal standards on those living in a previous time, but neither should anyone living now attempt to justify or to mitigate the horror that was chattel slavery as it existed in the antebellum South. It is a stain on American history that can never be entirely removed and can only be lessened with the passage of time and the disappearance of prejudice.
Within this context, it would seem clear that James and Ann Lightfoot Brown Johnson remained resident in Rappahannock County for their entire lives. Similarly, their surviving children and many of their grandchildren evidently also remained in Rappahannock and nearby counties well into the twentieth century. Moreover, it would seem that members of the Johnson family were substantial citizens of Rappahannock County as well as the surrounding region. For example James' son, Silas Bruce, was identified as "sheriff" in census and civil records and afterward he was a merchant in the village of Woodville. Likewise, in the 1870's Albert Johnson was a teacher in neighboring Page County, where evidently met and married after being single until almost the age of fifty. Concomitantly, several members of the Johnson family appear to have been devout Primtive Baptists and, in particular, associated with early preachers, William C. Lauck and Silas Bruce, each of whom performed many marriages in Rappahannock County.2 Ann L. Johnson died April 2, 1872, followed by her husband just one day short of a year later. Their burial places are not known.
1. Initial Bill of Complaint filed in October of 1843: James F. Strother appears to have been an attorney acting on behalf of the plaintiff, James Johnson, and William J. Menefee can be identified of as the Clerk of Court, who also served as guardian ad litum for the six minor heirs. The suit was brought against the absent defendants because the plaintiff could not settle the estate of Benjamin Johnson, Sr., without either their explicit consent or, alternatively, a decree against them in a court of equity. Obviously, since the defendants had previously moved out of Virginia, their consent could have been obtained only with great difficulty if at all and, hence, court action was the only practical alternative for the plaintiff. As such, the case was not brought as a matter of law and it should not be supposed that there was a dispute of any substance among the parties, i.e., it may be supposed that this was probably a "friendly suit".To the worshipful Justices of the County Court of Rappahannock County in Chancery siting (sic - sitting) -
Humbly complaining sheweth unto your Worships, your orator James Johnson of the county of Rappanhannock. That Benjamin Johnson, deceased, late of the said county, the late father of your orator, and also of Jesse Johnson, and the late grandfather of John Johnson, James Mallory Johnson and Jane Johnson infant children of his deceased son (who died in the lifetime of his said father) Joseph Johnson, and also of Chapman Johnson, Sarah Maria Johnson, and Elizabeth Johnson infant children of his deceased son (who died in the lifetime of his said father) Benjamin Johnson Jr, the defendants hereinafter named, was in his lifetime and at the time of his death seized in fee simple of a certain parcel of land, lying in the said County of Rappahannock and containing acres, a plat whereof is herewith filed, exhibited (marked A), and prayed to be taken to be taken (sic) as part of this bill - And being so seized, the said Benjamin Johnson did recently depart this life intestate leaving your orator and Jesse Johnson, his sons, and John Johnson, James Mallory Johnson, and Jane Johnson, infant children of Joseph Johnson, decd, and Chapman Johnson, Sarah Maria Johnson, and Elizabeth Johnson, infant children of Benjamin Johnson Jr, decd, his grandchildren and coheirs him surviving; and upon his death the said parcel of land and premises descended upon and came to your orator and the said Jesse Johnson, John Johnson, Mallory Johnson, and Elizabeth and Chapman Johnson Johnson, Sarah Maria Johnson and Augustine Johnson (sic - John Johnson, James Mallory Johnson and Jane Johnson and Chapman Johnson, Sarah Maria Johnson, and Elizabeth Johnson) as such coheirs &c.
And your orator further shews that your orator and the said Jesse Johnson, and the said John Johnson, James Mallory Johnson & Jane Johnson, as infant children and representatives of Joseph Johnson decd and Chapman Johnson, Sarah Maria Johnson, and Elizabeth Johnson, as infant children and representatives of Benjamin Johnson Jr decd are severally seized in fee of the said parcel of land and premises, in four equal undivided shares and parcels; and that the value of the said shares is not equal to the sum of $6300.00 per share and that the interests of the said parties entitled thereto requires and will be advanced by a said (sic - sale) of the said parcel of land, according to the provisions of the Statute in such case made and provided, and a division of the proceed of the said (sic - sale) among the said parties according to their rights ...
And your orator further shews that the said Jesse Johnson, John Johnson, James Mallory Johnson, Jane Johnson, Chapman Johnson, Sarah Maria Johnson, and Elizabeth Johnson are not inhabitants of this Commonwealth. In under consideration whereof and forasmuch as your orator can only have adequate relief in a court of equity where matters of this nature are only properly cognisable and relievable. To the (xxx) therefore that the said Jesse Johnson and John Johnson, James Mallory Johnson & Jane Johnson infant children and representatives of Joseph Johnson decd, and Chapman Johnson, Sarah Maria Johnson & Elizabeth Johnson infant children and representatives of Benjamin Johnson Jr decd, may be made parties defendant to this bill and that the said Jesse Johnson may upon his answer out full and the said John Johnson, James Mallory Johnson, Jane Johnson, Chapman Johnson, Sarah Maria Johnson & Elizabeth Johnson by their guardians ad litum may full true and perfect answer to all and singular the matters the aforesaid and that as fully and justifiably as the same where there again repeated, and they (xxx) distinctly interrogated thereto And that the said parcels of land and premises may be decreed to be sold and the proceeds thereof distributed among the parties entitled thereto and that your orator may have such other and further relief in the premises as the facts of the case require and to the event may seem meet - May it please &c /s/Strother J FClerks office of Rappahk County Court 9 Oct 1843
This day James F. Strother personaly appeared before me W J Menefee clerk of the said Court, in the office aforesaid, and made oath that, Jesse Johnson, John Johnson, James M Johnson, Jane Johnson, Chapman Johnson, Sarah M Johnson and Elizabeth Johnson, who are defendants, in a Chancery suit now depending (sic - pending) in the said Court, in which James Johnson is plaintiff against the said defendents - are not inhabitants of this Commonwealth
Given under my hand this 9th day of Oct. 1843 /s/W J MenefeeThe joint and several answer of John Johnson, James M Johnson, Jane Johnson, Chapman Johnson, Sarah M Johnson, and Elizabeth Johnson, infants under the age of twenty one years by William J Menefee their gaurdian ad litum, to a bill of complaint filed in County Court of Rappahannock County by James Johnson complainant, against them, and another defendents.
The defendants reserving all benefits of exception to the said bill for answer thereto, or to as much thereof as they are advised that it is material for them to make answer, answering say. That they are infants under the age of twenty one years and that they repectfully plead their rights in the premises, under the protection of the Court. and serving fully answered they pray &c /s/W J MenefeePreliminary Decree issued February 12, 1844: It is evident that during the interim the defendants have not responded to the initial complaint, therefore, the court appointed Albert M. Johnson as commissioner to advertise and sell real estate inherited jointly by the plaintiff and the defendants, which is described as a parcel of one hundred and twenty-nine acres. The decree makes provision that three weeks notice should be given for any public sale. Accordingly, newspaper advertisements were published and included in the court record. In addition, payment is to be made in three installments of one third each, the first to be given in cash at the time of sale and the remaining two to be paid one and two years later respectively.
In Rappahannock County Court 12th day of February 1844 James Johnson Plaintiff against Jesse Johnson, John Johnson, James M Johnson, Jane Johnson, Chapman Johnson, Sarah Maria Johnson, & Elizabeth Johnson the last named, six, being infants under the age of twenty one years Defendants
The Defendant, Jesse Johnson, who is out of this Country and against whom the Plaintiff appears to have proceeded in the mode prescribed by law against absent defendants, still failing to appear and answer on motion of the plaintiff by counsel his bill is taken for confessed as to the said defendant: And the cause coming on to be heard to be heard (sic), upon the bill and exhibit therewith filed, and the answer of the defendants John Johnson, James M Johnson, Jane Johnson, Chapman Johnson, Sarah Maria Johnson, and Elizabeth Johnson who are infants under the age of twenty one years, by William J. Menefee, their guardian ad litum was argued by counsel. On consideration the Court doth adjudge order and decree that Albert M Johnson who is hereby appointed a commissioner for that purpose, after giving three weeks previous notice by advertisements to be set up at, at least two public places in the neighborhood of the premises, do expose to sale by public auction, that tract of land in the bill mentioned of which the late Benjamin Johnson died seized and possessed, and which is shown by the exhibit filed with the said bill, contains one hundred and twenty nine acres, and which descends to the aforesaid parties to this suit as heirs at law of the said Benjamin Johnson, on the following terms to wit: one third of the purchase money to be paid in cash and the other two thirds to be paid in one and two years and to be well secured
And report his proceedings to the Court in order for a final decree.Report of the Commissioner and Final Decree issued March 14, 1844: The report of the commissioner, Albert M. Johnson, stated that the tract of land was sold to William Carder on March 1, 1844, for the sum of $760.78. However, as a condition of the sale the parcel was resurveyed and found to contain only one hundred and twenty-five acres and four square poles instead of one hundred and twenty-nine acres as indicated by plat. (An acre contains one hundred and sixty square poles; hence, in decimal notation the parcel actually contained 125.025 acres.) Consequently, the sale price was equivalent to $6.08½ per acre. This report was ratified by the final decree of the court, which further stipulated that the Commissioner himself should execute bonds in the sum of eight hundred dollars to insure faithful execution of the court decree.
Report In pursuance of the decree of the 12th February 1844 made in the case of James Johnson vs Jesse Johnson & others (of which the forgoing is an office copy) the undersigned appointed a commissioner to carry into affect (sic - effect) the said decree, after having given three weeks notice thereof by advertisements in strict accordance with the directions of the said decree, exposed to sale at public auction on the premises the tract of land in the said decree directed to be sold on the 1st day of March 1844 after the terms prescribed in the said decree and set forth in (xxx) said advertisements. At which sale William Carder being the highest bidder became the purchaser of the said land & premises at the price of six dollars and eight and a half cents ($6.08½) per acre - making the whole purchase money - the said tract of land containing one hundred and twenty five acres and four poles (and not 129 acres as set forth in the plat thereof filed in the said cause) - amount to the sum of $760.78.
Your commissioner in consequence of the doubts existing in the minds of those disposed to become bidders for the said land as to the true quantity contained in the said tract of land, which doubts were of such a nature as to affect their bidding being convinced that the interest of those concerned required it, sold the said land by the acre, and caused the same to be resurveyed, ascertaining thereby the true quantity to be 125 acres and four poles.
Your commissioner awaits the approval of the Court upon his proceedings and the further directions of the Court to close the business of the said sale, with the said William Carder, who is presumed to comply with the terms of the said sale, by paying one third of the purchase money in cash, and executing his bonds for the two deferred payments payable in one and two years.
All of which is respectfully submitted /s/Albert M Johnson Commissioner1844 March Court Johnson vs Johnson} Final decree James Johnson Pltff Against Jesse Johnson, John Johnson, James M Johnson, Jane Johnson, Chapman Johnson, Sarah Maria Johnson, & Elizabeth Johnson, the last named six being infants under the age of twenty one years. Defts
This cause came on this day to be further and finally heard, upon the papers formerly read, and the report of the sale made by the Commissioner pursuant to the order of the 12th February 1844 to which there is no exception, and was argued by counsel. On consideration whereof, the Court approving and confirming the said report, doth adjudge order and decree, that the said Commissioner do convey to William Carder the land and premises in the said report mentioned, having first received from the said William Carder payment of that part of the purchase money of said land required to be paid in cash, (being one third part thereof) and the bonds of the said William Carder for the two deferred payments taking at the same time ample security either real or personal for the payment of the said bonds. And the Court doth further adjudge order and decree that the said Commissioner shall in the first place pay the costs attending the prosecution of this suit, as well those of the plaintiff, as those of the defendants, and also the costs attending the execution of the said order of sale out of the cash payment required to be made by the said order of sale, and shall then pay over and distribute the residue of said money in manner as follows to wit, one fourth part thereof to James Johnson, or his assigns, one fourth part thereof to Jesse Johnson, or his assigns the one third of one fourth part thereof to the guardian of John Johnson, the one third of one fourth part thereof to the guardian of James M Johnson, and one third part of one fourth part thereof to the guardian of Jane Johnson, and the one third of one fourth part thereof to the guardian of Chapman Johnson, one third of one fourth part to the guardian of Sarah M Johnson, and one third of one fourth part thereof to the guardian of Elizabeth Johnson. And that whenever the said Commissioner shall receive payment of the said two bonds he shall pay over and distribute the money as received in the manner and to the persons last aforesaid, taking receipts therefor, and filing the same among the papers of this cause. The effect however of this decree is to be suspended, until the said Commissioner shall enter into bonds (to be filed with the papers of this cause) with good security in the penalty of eight hundred dollars condtioned for the faithful performance of the provisions & of this decree
And liberty is reserved, to the infant defendants to shew cause against this decree at any time in six months after they shall respectively attain the age of twenty one yearsBond of the Commissioner made April 22, 1844: In compliance with the final decree of the court, Albert M. Johnson and James Johnson executed the required bond. Within this context, the commissioner, Albert M. Johnson, can be identified as the son of the plaintiff, James Johnson, who, accordingly, also became a party to the bond. This might seem a conflict of interest, nevertheless, it probably indicates a desire to keep the proceedings "within the family". The court record also included partial drafts of two bonds required of the buyer, but copies of fully executed bonds were not included. Presumably, however, William Carder discharged the required obligations at the prescribed times. Even so, although the court stipulated that receipts of payment should be included within the record, none were found. Perhaps, this is an indication that proceeds of the sale were never distributed to the absent heirs, but it may merely be a simple defect in the record. Moreover, there is no evidence of any subsequent dispute involving either the buyer, the commissioner, or any of the heirs. Consequently, one may conclude that the estate was successfully settled.
Know all men by these presents that we Albert M Johnson and James Johnson are held and firmly bound to the Commonwealth of Virginia in the sum of eight hundred dollars to be paid to the said Commonwealth of Virginia. To which payment will and truly be made, we bind ourselves our heirs & jointly and severally by these presents, sealed with out seals this 22nd day of April 1844
The condition of the above obligation is such, that whereas the said Albert M Johnson, was, by a decree of the County Court of Rappahannock, made on the 12th February 1844 in the case of Johnson vs Johnson &c, appointed a commissioner to sell certain real estate mentioned in the said decree; and after having executed the said order of sale, and reported his proceedings, to the said Court, was by the final decree of the said Court, made March 14th 1844 in the said cause, directed to make a conveyance of the said real estate to William Carder, the purchaser thereof, and to receive and collect from the said Carder, the purchase money of the said real estate and after paying the costs of the said suit and of the said sale, to divide and distribute the residue of the said purchase money among the parties to the said suit in the proportions to which they are entitled as heirs of Benjamin Johnson, after giving bond with security for the faithful execution of the directions of said final decree of March 14th 1844 -- Now therefore if the said Albert M Johnson shall well and truly execute the orders of the said decree, first paying the said costs & then by paying over and distributing the residue of the said purchase money remaining after his payment of the costs aforesaid, to & among the heirs of Benjamin Johnson (parties to the said suit) according to the proportions as set forth in the said decree, then this obligation is to be void, or otherwise remain in full force /s/Albert M Johnson /s/James Johnson
Teste James F. Strother (Chancery Records, Rappahannock Co., Washington, VA, Case #88, (Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA, (microfilm: roll - Chancery Records #42; img. 557)).)
back to bio.2a. "THUMB RUN (1771) Thumb Run Church was organized on September 9, 1771, by members dismissed for that purpose from Broad Run Church. The Church was first called the Manor Church, from the Manor of Lord Fairfax, who gave the land for the meetinghouse. The presbytery was composed of Elders Daniel and William Fristoe.
The charter members included John Rogers, Joseph Barbee, Peter Laurence, Clement Norman, Angus Cameron, Elizabeth Utterback, Jemmyma Norman, Peggy Wine, Catharine Shaw, Elizabeth ??, John Riley, Richard Martin, George Bailey, Jacob Utterback, William Allen, Matthew Neale, John Randol, James Jett, John Hambrick, Stephen Bailey, Ann Rogers, Lubina Weaver, Eleaner Jett, Catharine Duncan, Joel Riley, Phebe Bailey, Milner Strother, Elizabeth Dearing, Hannah Johnston, Elizabeth Camron, Elizabeth Barbee, Sarah Jett, Frances Allen, Letticia Ship, Molly Neale, Elizabeth Eliot, Sarah Bailey, Nancy Hambrick, Nancy Randoll, Susanah Hanley, Knie Garret, Nancy Bailey, Jane Moreley, Peggy Hailey, and Nancy Hailey. One source says that the original covenant was signed by about fifty white members, and an almost equal number of slaves.
The first building was a log structure, on the old Markman Marshall property, known as 'Priestly' farm, not far from the present building. The present brick building was erected between 1840 and 1844, and the bricks were made on the grounds. The membership of the church ranged from 51 in 1792 to 214 in 1833.
Pastors have included Elders William and Daniel Fristoe (1772); Benjamin Dawson, Cumberland George, John Pickett, Walter McCoy, John Clark, William C. Lauck, Paul Yates, Charles L. Yates, C. H. Waters; T. N. Alderton; John K. Booton (1892); W. T. Eaton (1897); T. S. Dalton (1899); A. L. Harrison (1921); Earl S. Quinn (1945); A. F. Suddeth (1949; A. J. Hylton (1977)." (Robert Webb, "Church and Family History Research Assistance for Fauquier County, Virginia", www.carthage.lib.il.us/community/churches/primbap/FamHist-FauquierVA.html, 2006.)b. "ROBINSON RIVER (BRIGHTWOOD)(1790) Robinson River Church was organized January 4, 1790, at Criglersville, Virginia. There were 76 charter members, 28 white males, 39 white females, 3 black males, and 6 black females. The members were primarily from Ragged Mountain (later known as F. T.) Church near Peola Mills, but a minority also came from Rapid Ann Church.
The church met in a frame building until 1860, when a brick building was erected in Criglersville, on land which was deeded in October 1858, by Thomas P. Simms and wife to Lewis Finks, David Story and John Fishback, trustees.
The division in the Baptist Church caused by the Burnam faction occurred during a session of the Ebenezer Association while held at this church in August 1888. Trouble soon arose as to the use of the church building. This was finally decided by arbitration, a judge granting each party equal use of the house. However, the majority of the Primitive Baptist membership lived in the locality of Madison and Brightwood, about eight miles from Criglersville. They soon began holding their services in a school house, and in 1895 procured possession of one and three quarter acres of land at Brightwood, on which they built the present church building the following year. In April 1904, they procured one acre more for a cemetery.
Elder William Mason was the first pastor. He was the second pastor at Ragged Mountain Church, succeeding George Eve. He was a member of the Mount Poney Church and remained so until his death in 1823. He served at Robinson River from 1790 until 1822. He was followed by Elders Ambrose Booten (1822-1836); William Lauck (1836-1875); Paul Yates; J. A. Norton (1892-1900); W. T. Eaton (1900-1903); A. J. Garland (1903-1904); J. A. Norton (1905-1919); A. J. Garland (1919-1945); F. E. Thompson (1945-1956); Charles W. Alderton (1956-1978); W. H. Lewis (1978-1980); and J. Tolliver Utz (1980)." (ibid.)c. "HAWKSBILL (STANLEY)(1826) On Feburary 4, 1826, fifteen male members and fourteen female members petitioned Mill Creek Church to organize a new church of the same faith. On February 11, 1826, Mill Creek Church granted this petition and authorized the constitution, to occur at Hawksbill meeting house. On March 10, 1826, the Hawksbill Church was constituted, with Elder Robert Garnett acting as moderator and Brother David Farmer as clerk. By 1830, the church had 115 members. The original building was a log meeting house which stood across the road from the present building. Elder William C. Lauck was pastor at the time the present building was erected in January 1875. He served the church faithfully from March 1865 until his death on February 6, 1875. His first sermon in the new building was preached from Psalm 127:1. Pastors of Hawksbill Church have included Elders Robert Garnett, Christopher Keyser, Ambrose C. Booton, William C. Lauck, Paul W. Yates, Benjamin Lampton, T. S. Dalton, John R. Daily, R. H. Pittman, F. E. Thompson, Charles W. Alderton, and Ernest M. Long. In 1971 a dining room was added, and in 1984 it was enlarged. The church is located in a flat plain at the foot of Hawksbill Mountain." (ibid.)
back to bio.
Additional Citations:
3. 1820 US Census Population Schedule for Culpeper County, Virginia, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 81, (microfilm: roll M33_133; img. 99).4. 1830 US Census Population Schedule for Culpeper County, Virginia, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 115, (microfilm: roll M19_197; imgs. 231-2).
5. 1840 US Census Population Schedule for Rappahannock County, Virginia, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 23, (microfilm roll M704_575; imgs. 46-7).
6. 1850 US Census Population Schedule for Rappahannock County, Virginia, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 125B, (microfilm: roll M432_972; img. 248).
7. 1850 US Census Slave Schedule for Rappahannock County, Virginia, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 990, (microfilm: roll M432_992; img. 505).
8. 1860 US Census Population Schedule for Rappahannock County, Virginia, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 238, (microfilm: roll M653_1374; img. 250).
9. 1860 US Census Slave Schedule for Rappahannock County, Virginia, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 156, (microfilm: roll M653_1396; img. 313).
10. 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Rappahannock County, Virginia, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 163B, (microfilm: roll M593_1674; img. 329).
11. Anonymous, A History of the "Red Oak" Johnson Family, privately published. (Not currently in print - facsimiles available at the Rappahannock County Historical Society, Washington, VA)
12. James Johnson Bible Record, Acc. No. 43075, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA. (Bible printed in 1828, Source: Elizabeth O. Scott, Woodville, VA)
13. James Johnson Bible Record, Acc. No. 43076, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA. (Coverage period: 1794-1940, Source: Elizabeth O. Scott, Woodville, VA)
14. James Johnson Bible Record, Acc. No. 43077, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA. (Coverage period: 1794-1980, Source: Elizabeth O. Scott, Woodville, VA)
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15. Marriage Register, Rappahannock Co., VA, pgs. 2, 7, 19, & 26, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA, (microfilm: roll - City and County Records #22). (Joan Hackett (tr), "Rappahannock County, Virginia, Marriages 1854-1930", www.rappahannockcountymarriages.com/, 2007.)
16. Green Hill Cemetery, Page County, Virginia (http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=50442&CScn=Green+Hill&CScntry=4&CSst=48&CScnty=2869&, continuously updated).