Johnston, John
Wednesday, July 5, 2017 post by the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook:
In 1800 JJ became secretary to the Washington Lodge, Masonic, no. 59 of Free and accepted Masons.
On July 1, 1802 John Johnston was appointed Government Factor in Fort Wayne with pay of $1000 per year and three rations a day, plus $365 for subsistence paid from at the Factory from trade. That same year Little Turtle traveled to Washington to speak with President Jefferson. William Wells traveled with the Turtle and translated for him. The Factory was the place where the goods would be received, stored, and distributed, where trading was carried on and payments made. Johnston was to be the representative of the Government in financial and commercial matters. Johnston was said to be an ‘intimate friend with William Henry Harrison ‘all through his service at Fort Wayne.’ The government was represented by the Indian agency and factory. The Factor ‘transmitted info concerning various Indians and whites and public opinions’ about both.
The intention of the Factory system was actually to put the Indians in debt and take their lands as mentioned in a secret letter from Thomas Jefferson to Wm Henry Harrison. One of Johnston’s first letters written as a Factor shows he had different ideas.
On June 04, 1802 construction was to begin on the Factor’s residence with William Wells overseeing it. Ordered by John Henry Dearborn, the secretary of war, it was to be built in full view of the garrison and have a garden and be made of hewn logs.
Page 177 of The pictorial history of Fort Wayne, Indiana : a review of two centuries of occupation of the region about the head of the Maumee River Volume 1 by Griswold, B. J. (Bert Joseph), 1873-1927; Taylor, Samuel R., Mrs, Publication date: 1917 on Archive.org
Wednesday, September 30, 2015 post by the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook:
John Johnston - Letter from Fort Wayne, September 30, 1804
An account of the buildings belonging to the United States Government at Fort Wayne.
The Public Store
Situate on the south side of the Fort, distance from it Forty rocks, one story and a half high, forty feet long, divided into two apartments one end for the retail and the other for the goods that remain in bulk, the upper story is for corn and lumber, the house is built of hewed Logs with a shingled roof, the doors and windows well secured with double-bolts. One sentry walks at night from the south gate of the Fort to the store to prevent robbery or accident by fire.
The Agent’s House
Is situate fifteen paces to the west of the store and in a direct line with it, is twenty eight feet long by twenty four wide. Two storys (sic) high with a large Brick Chimney in the west end, and a fireplace in each story. 4 windows of 12 lights to each story, the upper and lower part divided into two apartments, the lower apartment is occupied by the Interpreter, the Cook, the labourer and occasionally by Indians. In the upper story, the Agent and his family reside, under the whole house is a very complete cellar, well walled with stone, in the cellar is kept the furs during the warm weather as they are very apt to be hurt by the worms. The house is also built of hewed logs, has a shingled roof, and is almost situate directly opposite the south gate of the Fort, is on rising ground and commands a handsome view of the River and Priarie (sic).
The Indian House
Adjoining the Agent’s House in the rear is the Indian House. Twenty five feet by Twenty, one story high, built of rough logs and a claw board roof, with a cat and clay chimney in the South end. In this House the Indians sleep, cook and live when they come to trade and it is exclusively kept for their use. In this House the Factor has an Iron Mill erected for the purpose of chopping their corn.
Behind the Indian House is the Smoke House and the Fowl House.
The Skin House
Only finished during the present month, almost joins the store in the rear, is Twenty six feet by Twenty two, built of rough logs and a claw board roof. In the inside of the house the ground is dug away 2 ½ feet to make it cool in the summer.
About twenty paces from the Skin House stand two stables belonging to the Factory, one is for the House belonging to the Factory and the other for the Indian House.
In front of the Skin House is a wooden press for making up the Packs in the Spring previous to their being sent off to Philadelphia.
All the buildings have been erected under the superintendence of the Factor, are built of good materials, and well calculated for carrying on the trade on an extensive scale - In erecting the Agent’s House it was found necessary to deviate from the plan transmitted by the Secretary of War, as the house would have been too small to have accommodated the Agent’s family, the Interpreter, the Cook and the labourer, besides these the under story is frequently the lodging place of the Indians.
The Factory Garden is situate behind the Agent’s House, contains about an acre, is well fenced and under good cultivation, most of the vegetables raised in good gardens in the Atlantic states is cultivated and the soil is well adapted to their growth. The Factor has twenty five Peach Trees which he expects will bear the ensuing season, the stones from which they grew he brought from Pennsylvania, these are the only surviving ones of a much greater number that was destroyed by the worms and the severe Frosts, he intends next year to procure from the state of Ohio or Detroit a quantity of young trees to consist of as many kinds as can be had, and in a few years he hopes to make the Indians the better of his labours in this way.
During the last spring the Factor distributed among the Indians a considerable quantity of the Garden seeds sent from Philadelphia and took much pains to instruct them in the manner or using them and of saving the seeds themselves for the future, so that they might not have to depend on us for a supply.
The Honorable
The Secretary of War Mr. Johnston
US Factor
Fort Wayne, Sept. 30, 1804
Monday, January 15, 2018 post by the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook:
You can see this copper kettle at the Johnston House. Tradition holds that it belonged to the British army and was left behind after the Siege of Fort Wayne, which occurred in the fall of 1812. John Johnston returned to the fort after that to see what remained of the papers and goods he had left behind and to remove his deceased child's remains and bring them to Piqua where he now resided.
In an 1852 letter to his daughter, May, John Johnston stated: 'All my loved dead are there now (Note: the Johnston cemetery in Piqua, OH) in one enclosure, except that dear child who died at Fort Wayne 50 years ago, and which I once endeavored in vain to recover, the War of 1812 having obliterated all localities."
Family tradition holds that Johnston found the kettle on that journey and brought it back for his family's use. At his death or a short time before, it passed to his daughter Julia. This photo comes from the time of its use by the Patterson family.
[ 1852 Letter, John Johnston to Mary McLean, Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, July 26, 1852, in five parts: Part 1, Part 2 (mentions Fort Wayne), Part 3, Part 4, Part 5]
Monday, July 15, 2024 post by Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook:
Today we celebrate the 209th anniversary of John and Rachel Johnston's marriage. The couple were married in Lancaster PA on July 15th, 1802.
The first portion of John and Rachel Johnston's honeymoon journey from Lancaster PA to Fort Wayne IN was made during July. John Johnston uses the term 'my journey' when speaking of the preparations as the couples' unusual honeymoon came at the end of a carefully planned elopement, and Rachel's part in it was kept secret.
"Left the City of Washington on my journey to Fort Wayne, July 4th, 1802, and arrived at Peck’s Tavern in Baltimore on the same day. Arrived at Philadelphia on the 7th."
Johnston might have been allowed his expenses on his trip to Fort Wayne, at least they are itemized in the memorandum book.The total amount was $528.20
Some of the separate items listed are: ‘From Washington to Philadelphia $16.50, saddle bags and portmanteau, $13; cash paid for two horses, $204; two best saddles and bridles, $76; two whips, $5; paid for keeping my horses in Philadelphia, $18; three blankets, $12, and many others. Traveling expenses to and from Lancaster $40
The newlyweds' July journey from Philadelphia toward Fort Wayne started on Sunday July 24. Places named in route and mileage, to Lancaster 62, July 30, from Lancaster to Chickeys 9, July 31.
June 15, 2015 and July 8, 2017 post with photo on Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook:
Our next stop in the Johnston Cemetery is the Johnston Family area. We will start with John Johnston himself.
John Johnston was born on March 25th, 1775 in County Fermanagh, Ireland. He came to America at age 11 and settled in Pennsylvania, where he remained until the age of 16 when he entered the mercantile trade and began to transport supplies to the various forts on the frontier. During these journeys he first 'laid eyes' on the land known as Upper Piqua, near the Great Miami river in present day Piqua, Ohio. He 'determined' to have it for his own, and kept this promise to himself some 12 years later when, in 1804, he purchased the land. At the time Johnston was serving as an Indian Factor for the US Government, operating a trading post in Fort Wayne in the Indian Territory (now Fort Wayne, IN). Later Johnston became the Federal Indian Agent at the fort. He continued to serve in Indiana until 1811, when he retired to his beloved Upper Piqua farm to become a 'gentleman farmer'.
John Johnston's days of peace and quiet were short. Less than a year after he and his growing family moved into the Upper Piqua farm, in June of 1812, war broke out. The US government needed someone in Ohio with experience with both Indians and soldiers to act as their agent, and Johnston was the perfect candidate. John Johnston became the Indian Agent for the Shawnee in 1812, and for the Wyandot and Seneca tribes in 1816. He also handled the Lenape or Delaware during this time. Johnston's role in Ohio during the War of 1812 was crucial. By the strength of his character he earned the trust of the various Indian tribes, and this trust allowed him to keep the peace during this turbulent time.
After the war ended, the Upper Piqua agency continued until 1829. At that time there was a change of administration in Washington. As Andrew Jackson's Democrats took charge, those - like John Johnston - who were of the Whig party lost their jobs. By 1830 the Upper Piqua Indian Agency had ended, though Native Americans continued for years to come to the farm for aid and the company of their old friend.
John Johnston had many other interests, including farming, education, and the advancement of the state of Ohio, Miami County in particular. In 1825 he became one of Ohio's Canal Commissioners, and was responsible along with the others on the commission for choosing the route the Miami && Erie Canal would take through Ohio. He was on the traveling board of West Point Military Academy, and was one of the founding members of Kenyon College. Johnston was also a president and contributing member of the Cincinnati Historical and Philosophical Society.
John Johnston died in February of 1861, one month before the Civil War broke out. His grave stone is inscribed with these words:
John Johnston b. 3-25-1775, d. 2-18-1861.
Served the U.S. in various
important trusts for a period of forty years.
By his own desire, lies buried here
Close by the side of his beloved wife,
Rachel, hoping to rise together at the
Resurrection of the Just,
Life's labor done, securely laid
In this their last retreat.
Unheeded o'er their silent dust
The storms of life shall beat.
- Their honeymoon consisted of an app. 850 mile, two and a half month trip from Pennsylvania to Fort Wayne where John Johnston was to be a Factor for the government, meaning he would run a store where he handled trade with the Indians. On September 4, 1802 goods were purchased and forwarded for the Factory. They came by way of New York, Albany, Buffalo, Lake Erie, and the Maumee River. Their arrival was delayed until May 4 and 12th of the following year. Very few sales took place that year. Total value of this shipment was $13,320. From July 12, 2017 post on Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook.
- Their first 4 children, of 15, were the first all-white children to be born at Fort Wayne before Indiana became a state in 1816. From John Johnston (Indian agent) on Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
- In 1811 he transferred to the new Indian agency at Piqua, Ohio. His Johnston Farm and Indian Agency is a local attraction and posts photos and stories on Facebook.
- July 1, 1802 John Johnston was appointed Government Factor in Fort Wayne with pay of $1000 per year and three rations a day, plus $365 for subsistence paid from at the Factory from trade. That same year Little Turtle traveled to Washington to speak with President Jefferson. William Wells traveled with the Turtle and translated for him. Copied from discussion with drawing and key of locations around the old fort posted July 4, 2017 on Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook.
- September 21, 2017 Facebook post: Johnston 101 lesson post discusses about 3,000 Indians on March 25, 1814 order for necessaries near Fort Wayne. Johnston 101 continued August 10, 2017 William Wells terminated, Johnston 101 continued August 26, 2017.
- October 5, 2014 post discusses Polly (or Mary) Chatalie Native American girl living with the family that likely was living with the Johnston family in Fort Wayne and traveled with the family in 1811 to Ohio.
Apparently she lived 'in' the Johnston family, not as a servant but as more of an 'adopted' member of it. Polly was the daughter of Neebosh (see image below), a minor Pottawatomie chief. Her mother was Keeshwa. She later went on to marry a man by the name of Parent and eventually came into her own with money given to her in lieu of land by the government. Polly was in her 50s when she died.
Discussed again October 2, 2024.
- Lots of posts by Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook that mention Fort Wayne .
- Lots of Facebook post about the Johnson Cemetery on Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook.
- John Johnston on Find A Grave.
- John Johnston and the Friends: A Midwestern Indian Agent's Relationship with Quakers in the Early 1800s Max L. Carter, Quaker History, Vol. 78, No. 1 (Spring 1989), pp. 37-47 (11 pages), Published By: Friends Historical Association at jstor.org
Monday, April 8, 2024 post by the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook:
John Johnston carried on a fairly regular correspondence with Dr. Drake, the foremost physician in the western frontier for a number of years. Dr. Drake is mostly remembered for founding the Medical College of Ohio in 1819. The school merged with the University of Cincinnati and today is the UC College of Medicine. Drake was also the first Cincinnati historian.
We thought a mention of the sun from one of Mr. Johnston's letters would be appropriate for 2024's eclipse day. Apparently, Mr. Johnston was trying to keep out of the sun, though we are sure he would have been watching today! [ see 2024 total eclipse ]
John Johnston to Dr. DC Drake December 3 1811 Fort Wayne "My thermometer at the Piqua stands in the shade in a large open Porch attached to my House. I had two boarded roofs between the thermometer and the sun."
Image: Johann Christian Schoeller painted this scene depicting crowds of people viewing the July 8, 1842, total solar eclipse over Vienna, Austria. Johann Christian Schoeller (Artist), Sonnenfinsternis, 8. Juli 1842, 1842, Wien Museum
Thursday, May 9, 2024 post by Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook:
We are beginning to work on restoring the front garden at the Johnston House. Not only did this require physical labor to reveal the garden that was abandoned over a decade ago, a great deal of research is going into what sort of plants and vegetables, etc. belong in the garden. Mr. Johnston stated that his garden had all of the things common to a good garden common to the Atlantic states. Contrary to many beliefs, this meant a garden rich with items that could be dried or preserved in another way to get an Ohio family through the long, cold winter.
Some of these foods can be gleaned through a search of John Johnston's letters.
#piquaohio #Piqua #historichouses #19thcenturyhistory #historichouse #19thcenturyhistorynerd #miamicoutyohio #historicgarden #historicgardens #historicgardening
Saturday, June 1, 2024 post by the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook:
June of 1835 was a difficult month in the life of the Johnston's. Due to the eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815, a great ash cloud settled over the northwestern hemisphere causing famine, illness and unnaturally low temperatures. This continued for decades.
You can find more information on Mount Tambora, considered by some to be the largest in history, and its eruption here:
Mount Tambora volcano, Indonesia
In June of 1824 John Johnston wrote:
"Near continuous rain for a month. Water very high. No farming. Corn suffering from want of work. Plenty of apples, some pears, few or no peaches. About ½ of the usual quantity of wheat, very good oats and grain....Many parts of the frontier are suffering for food. Everything for man and beast is scarce and beyond comparison.”
Monday, February 13, 2017 post by the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook:
A February letter in two parts, written from John Johnston to Lyman Draper. From the Draper Manuscripts.
John Johnston to Henry Howe, Piqua, Ohio February 18, 1847
Dear sir, Piqua, Ohio
Feb’y 18, 1847
On the 29th day of the last month I was favoured (sic) with your letter of the 22nd of same. I have been engaged at intervals during the winter in writing materials for a history of Ohio about to be published by Mr. Henry Howe esqr the person who has recently given the public a very interesting work on Virginia. [ Volume 1, Volume 2 ], Mr. H has spent the past years in Ohio and will be ready for the press about the close of this year. The work is to be interesting and valuable, to be embellished with views of the principal Cities and Towns of Ohio, together with many of the localities noted in our early annals. Mr. H is aided by many of the old pioneers like myself, and from his established reputation in such matters, we shall I trust have a work alike creditable to himself and this young giant buckeye state. I am not yet done with Mr. Howe. My health is far from good. Am now 72 years, and cannot write ore than 2 or 3 hours out of the 24. beside all this during the war of 1812 – the destruction by the enemy of the buildings of the Indian department at Fort Wayne. I lost nearly all my books and papers so that much of what I have to say is derived from memory, and like many old men there I find myself often at a loss and the labour (sic) of mind consequently encreased (sic)
I cannot answer you in detail until I get thro’ with Mr. Howe which will be in May. After that I shall take great pleasure in affording you replies to all your inquiries. During a part of the two last years I published in Cost’s advertiser at Cincinnati 14 nos, but by some oversight only the first 10 nos are found in it. I have no duplicate or I would supply you if the 14 papers could be had a Cincinnati. They would supply you with many facts. I am physically incompetent to copy them. It was my intention to continue those communications and I may yet do it if life and health permits. About the close of the 14 nos Mr. Howe discontinued his paper and formed a connexion (sic) with the Cincinnati Enquirer, a violent and intemperate party sheet. I could not appear or in my proper name in its columns, and this was one of the principal reasons of my stopping. Mr. Howe has lately informed me that Mr. Cist is about resuming the publication of his old journal. If he does, I shall have no objections to renewing my acquaintance with his columns. He is of the democratic party, but a very kind and worthy man.
Continued....
Portrait of Lyman Draper from the collection of the Wisconsin Historical Society, dated 1854. John Johnston's portrait can be seen at the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency's Johnston House where it hangs in the Drawing Room.
Thursday, July 4, 2024 post by Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook:
On this 248th Independence Day, we celebrate the Fourth by sharing John Johnston's thoughts on George Washington.
From an autograph book belonging to Miss Harriet Pettit.
John Johnston writes:
As I cannot write verse and am not willing to decorate this article with borrowed plumes, and as there are few, if any, men living in Ohio who have seen Washington, myself excepted, I shall give you some notices of that great man. We find no uninspired character in history, ancient or modern that can compare with him. A man undoubtedly raised by God himself for the redemption of his country from a foreign dominion, one whose long and eventful life was not stained by a single crime, and I might add not marked by a single case of weakness. I count it among the most felicitous events of my own life, that I have in innumerable instances beheld with my bodily eyes the person of him whom John Marshall named in announcing his death to Congress ‘first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen’.
I was honored with a conspicuous place in the funeral procession commemorative of his life and death, in the city of Philadelphia in the winter of 1799 and 1800 being secretary that year to Washington Lodge No. 59 of the Free and Accepted Masons. General Washington belonged to the Society and lived and died a Federalist, however much the name is derided in the present day. More than once I was permitted to bow my knee within the walls of Christ Church, Philadelphia, when Washington and his family were present worshipping the good old Bishop White being the officiating minister. In the year 1799, this great man went to Fairfax court house to deposit his vote, ‘the viva voca custom is the law in that commonwealth’. Having entered the court house he said to the judges of the election ‘Gentlemen, I vote on the side of order, I vote the Federal ticket’, and after naming his candidates, retired.
Washington, a man of prayer, who trusted in God and God was with him in all that he took, giving him to triumph under every difficulty. In 1799 and 1800 I boarded with Mrs. Osborn of the Society of Friends, near St. Paul’s church, Philadelphia.
I often accompanied the family to night meeting and was present at the first meeting after the death of General Washington had been announced in the city. His death was sudden and all together unexpected and was the subject of universal mourning.
An aged and venerable Friend rose and spoke of Washington and said among other things that when the American army lay at Valley Forge in 1777 and ’78, an esteemed Friend named Potts, whose farm adjoined the encampment, being abroad one morning overlooking his premises, heard in a thicket of bushes, a human voice in earnest entreaty, being curious to ascertain the cause, he drew near, and to his great astonishment saw the Commander-in-Chief of the American Army on his knees in supplication before his God. Friend Potts hastened home and told his wife and family the circumstances declaring the American cause would ultimately succeed, because George Washington was a man of prayer.
Great and good men and women have at periods been sent into the world as examples. Washington was the gift of God to the American people; his high and holy patriotism, his public and private virtues are calculated to outlive all time. How far we have already fallen below the standard he bequeathed to his countrymen, the weeping pages of history will record to our shame.
Newspaper article of March 29, 1847 quoted in Leonard Hill’s A Reproduction of a Scrapbook from Newspaper Articles on Local and Regional History. Leonard U. Hill. Hammer Graphics, Inc. Piqua, OH 1970
Sunday, July 14, 2024 post by Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook:
The welfare of their growing town was important to the Johnstons as shown in this excerpt from an 1847 letter where he speaks of the progress made within his lifetime. Information courtesy of Cathie Schoppenhurst.
John Johnston to Henry Howe, Piqua OH, May 30
30 years ago it would require a whole month for a letter to travel by the mails from New Haven, Conn., to Piqua, O. 46 years ago it took 27 days hard riding on horseback from Fort Wayne Indiana to Washington City and in the fall of 1794 I was with a party going from Gen’l Wayne’s army from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh by water, one month ascending the Ohio in what was called a periouge (sic) a boat made out of a long poplar tree and propelled by poles and thirty-five years afterwards I passed over the same route in the steam boat Experiment in 48 hours and against a high current. Such are the changes wrought by the enterprise talent and skill of our Country men in the short space of the life of one individual.
When I look back upon the commencement rise and progress of this great and growing commonwealth, the reflection seems more like romance than reality and if a man was to fall from the clouds into the Miami without knowing where he was, he would at once suppose himself in a county settled 500 years by civilized men from the style, character cost and extent of the improvements which would at every step meet his eye.
Here in the adjacent Town of Piqua on the site of which I have hundreds of times lodged with the Indians sleeping on the ground, and long before there was a white man settled in the Country, is already a population 3200 inhabitants rapidly increasing. 10 churches with all the corresponding improvements shewing (sic) an enterprising industrious intelligent, moral and refined people, and this is only a sample of the whole State. The revenue from the publick works of Ohio this year will amount to $700,000. She is honest and pays from her debts. ... Such is our position.
George Town and Federal City, or City of Washington. An 1801 view of Georgetown and Analostan (or Mason’s) Island. The new capital city of Washington is on the second hill in the distance. Aquatint engraving by T. Cartwright after George Beck. (Courtesy of the Library of Congress). Copied from A Place to Lay Their Heads: Housing in Early Washington City Merry Ellen Scofield | March 08, 2024 at Jefferson Papers Princeton.edu.
Johnston, Rebecca Rebekah
September 26, 2014 post by Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook:
Born September 03, 1805, the second child of John and Rachel Johnston, at Fort Wayne in the Indian Territory, died 26 April 1808 from her Find A Grave page.
Since we began posting information on the Johnston's children as of September 10th or so, with Margaret, we did not want to neglect the only Johnston child to die in infancy who was born prior to our first posting.
REBECCA (I) JOHNSTON
John and Rachel Johnston's second child, Rebecca, was born September 03, 1805 at Fort Wayne in the Indian Territory (present day Fort Wayne, IN). Like her sister, Elizabeth, it can be assumed that Rebecca was born in the safety of one of the fort's blockhouses, though this is not known for certain. Of all the Johnstons' children we know the least about Rebecca. According to the family Bible, she died April 26th, 1807 at the tender age of 2 years, 7 months and 23 days. Fort Wayne, like any far-flung frontier outpost, was filled with sickness, or what were known as 'billious' fevers. In a letter dated 1804, John Johnston states that ‘for twelve months I had it with scarcely any interruption, every summer it is looked for as regular as the season comes. Nothing but my poverty and the circumstances of the Secretary of War having placed me here would have induced me to continue at this place on account of its unhealthiness.’ Another letter of the same time relates that his wife, Rachel, has also been ill. Most likely, the baby, Rebecca, died of one of these fevers.
When one studies the past, it quickly becomes apparent that the death of a child was not an uncommon thing. In fact, it was to be expected. The average for the era the Johnston's lived in was that half of a family's children would die under the age of six. So did that make the loss any easier to accept than it is today? A letter of John Johnston's recently found and transcribed seems to answer that question. It is written to his daughter, Mary Reynolds, and dated 1852. After speaking of the recent burial of her brothers Robinson and Stephen, and of her younger sister, Margaret (all of whom died within three years of each other in the 1840s), John states: 'All my loved dead are there now in one enclosure, except that dear child who died at Fort Wayne 50 years ago, and which I once endeavored in vain to recover, the War of 1812 having obliterated all localities.' years had passed, but John Johnston still regretted having to leave Rebecca behind.
There is a marker in the family cemetery with Rebecca's name on it. In this way, John Johnston made certain his eldest daughter, brief as her life was, would never be forgotten.
April 26, 2024 post:
Also on April 26, in the year 1807, the first daughter of John and Rachel Johnston, Rebekah, dies at age 2 years, 7 months, 23 days in Fort Wayne of a 'fever'.
John Johnston would later write of this loss to Henry Brown, Dayton merchant and a friend. "I am much obliged for the sympathy which you take in my loss – I once thought that nothing could have ever happened that would have affected me so much as the loss of my little Girl We seldom know the value of any thing until it is found that we cannot possess it no longer. The Grave has swallowed up much of our happiness at this place. She was dearer than life itself to us. The way of Heaven is inscrutable. This is probably one of the means which Providence makes use of to detach us from the vain things of this world."
There were also posts on September 12, 2015, February 20, 2017 has a tombstone photo, July 26, 2017 and March 23, 2022.
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 post by Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook:
From the collections of the Dayton Metro Library comes this touching letter of John Johnston's in which he thanks Henry Brown for his expression of sympathy over the Johnston's young daughter, Rebekah's, death. Their first daughter was born September 03, 1805 and died less than three years later of a 'fever'.
_________________________________________________________________________
Dear Sir Fort Wayne, May 29, 1808 I rec’d your favor by Mr. Manning with the Barrel of Dry fruit, the small Hat and the shoes all in good order....
I am much obliged for the sympathy which you take in my loss – I once thought that nothing could have ever happened that would have affected me so much as the loss of my little Girl We seldom know the value of any thing until it is found that we cannot possess it no longer. The Grave has swallowed up much of our happiness at this place. She was dearer than life itself to us. The way of Heaven is inscrutable. This is probably one of the means which Providence makes use of to detach us from the vain things of this world.
#piquaohio #Piqua #historichouses #19thcenturyhistory #historichouse #19thcenturyhistorynerd #miamicoutyohio
Silhouette is generic
Johnston, Stephen
Wednesday, June 17, 2015 post by the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook:
Stephen Johnston was born April 02, 1803 in Fort Wayne, IN during the time his father, John, served as United States Factor to the Indians. It is likely Stephen was born in one of the fort's blockhouses as his sister, Elizabeth, was years later, though we have no proof of this.
Stephen Johnston was 8 years old at the time the family moved to the farm at Upper Piqua. Stephen, as eldest son, would have had to grow up quickly and to shoulder adult responsibilites at a young age. This may explain why he entered the navy - his chosen career - at a much older date than most.
Stephen Johnston left home in 1823 at the age of 20 to join the United States Navy. His early years as a midshipman found him patrolling America's coasts. In 1830, just before being promoted to lieutenant, he took a trip to Russia. In 1838 Stephen Johnston and Elizabeth Clark Anderson were married in Louisville, KY. Elizabeth Clark Anderson was the great-niece of George Rogers Clark. A short time later the couple were parted when Stephen’s naval career resumed.
Stephen Johnston was appointed First Lieutenant of the ship Columbus, the flagship of the East India Squadron, under the command of Commodore Biddle. From 1846 to 1848 the Columbus traveled to China and Japan and was instrumental in beginning trade with both nations. Some time during this voyage, Stephen took ill. The nature of his illness is unknown, though the symptoms mimicked tuberculosis. Stephen was sent to the Sulphur Springs in Virginia in hopes of improving his health, but his condition continued to disintegrate and he died in Louisville Kentucky in 1848 at the age of 45.
Stephen and his wife had three daughters. Nell died in infancy. Hebe and Elizabeth (known as Lily) both lived and married.
Stephen's tombstone:
Lieutenant Stephen Johnston of the U.S. Navy, son of John and Rachel Johnston, born at Fort Wayne Aug. 2, 1803, died at Louisville Ky. April 2, 1848. Entered the navy 1828 (sic). Had seen much service. His last cruise was in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, as first lieutenant of the Columbus of 90 guns. He took his sickness at Japan, and reached his native shore in time to die. His remains were removed and deposited here 4-15-1852.
Saturday, February 18, 2017 post by Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook:
1. STEPHEN JOHNSTON
Stephen Johnston was born April 02, 1803 in Fort Wayne, IN during the time his father, John, served as United States Factor to the Indians. At the time, the Johnstons lived in the Factor's House near the fort, which was a two story building. The family occupied the upper level. Cooks, interpreters and Indians occupied the lower floor. It is likely Stephen was born in one of the fort's blockhouses as his sister, Elizabeth, was years later, though we have no proof of this. Fort Wayne at the time was a typical frontier post replete with natives, soldiers, traders and trappers and it may have been deemed safer for a woman to give birth within the fort itself. Fort Wayne Gateway of the West 1802 – 1813: Garrison Orderly Books Indian Agency Account Books, 1927, is filled with references to court-martialed officers, brawls, and duels being fought in the streets. It must have been an exciting if dangerous world for a young boy to grow up in.
... paragraphs repeat from 2015 ...
For the next few years, Stephen was stationed in the states and had some hopes of obtaining a position that would keep him permanently on land. According to a letter written by his father, John, these hopes were futile. The men of the family were committed Whigs, John remarked, and, as such, out of favor with those in power. Shortly after this, Stephen received orders to report to sea for what would prove to be his final voyage.
... paragraphs repeat from 2015 ...
Stephen Johnston to John Johnston, May 10, 1833
Partly owing to my time being much employed, and partly to our sailing sooner than I had expected, I did not write you from Norfolk. All the ladies is (sic) seasick which circumstances does not make them more beautiful or interesting. I like the ladies on shore everywhere but at sea, with my will, not one ever should get afloat.
Stephen Johnston to AR Johnston, Brooklyn, May 2, 1841
We this morning received the letter which I send you now bringing the melancholy intelligence of the death of our Poor sister Rebecca at a time when her hopes and wishes for the future were excited to the highest degree…. In a few short months we as a family have been called upon to mourn the departure of two of our nearest relatives, a melancholy event that has not taken place in the same circle for the thirty three years proceeding…. Within the range of my knowledge I do not now recollect an instance when a family had been so highly favoured by kind Providence by the absence of death among its members as our own.
Similar post August 3, 2024.
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 post by Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook:
On April (or possibly August 03) 1803 John and Rachel Johnston’s first child, Stephen, was born in Fort Wayne in the Indiana territory. According to the book ‘Headwaters of the Maumee’, Stephen was the first white child born in the fort.
Stephen was eventually commissioned a first lieutenant in the Navy. On Commodore James Biddle’s ship, the U.S.S. Columbus, he took part in missions that took the massive ship to China and Japan during the opening of negotiations with both countries. He took ill there and returned home in the spring of 1846.
After two years of illness and many futile treatments, Stephen died in Louisville, KY on April 02, 1848, age 44. He was re-interred in Johnston Cemetery on April 15, 1852 with full military honors. Stephen married Elizabeth Clarke Anderson, niece of George Rogers Clark and had two daughters, Hebe and Lily.
See more in February 18, 2017 post, his tombstone photo June 17, 2015, October 18, 2023 posts on Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook. See Find A Grave memorial.
Sunday, May 19, 2024 post by Johnston Farm & Indian Agency on Facebook:
John Johnston's involvement with the massacre of Native Americans in Indiana continued on for over a year. In this letter he addresses the need to do something to secure the suspects as well as to pacify the Indians. Though justice was sought and carried out by the United States Government, Mr. Johnston was the driving force that saw it physically and literally done.
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Anderson’s town, White River, Madison County, Indiana 19, May, 1824
John Johnston, Indn agent –
Reports his proceedings for prevent the escape of the prisoners, who murdered same Indians, le.
I have come to this place in pursuance of an understanding with Gov. Cass to make arrangements for the trial of the persons who murdered the nine Indians within the County of this Country in the month of March last. The Presiding judge not attending the trial cannot take place before October next.
It having been represented to me by every person of intelligence on this frontier that the persons would effect their escape if a special guard was not kept over them, the country being too poor to furnish one, and the Governor of the state not having acted. The (case) thus far, in any way, under their consideration and with a view of saving the settlers from, the anger of the Indians should the criminals flee from justice. I have deemed it my duty to (illegible) the employment of a guard Four men of 2$ p. month for pay & subsistence with some (illegible) with the use of a waggon (sic) a few days to hawl (sic) packets to enclose the temporary prison. This expense being (illegible) authorities with much (illegible) and only from a consideration that (illegible) in case the safety of the (illegible). I have (illegible) in the employment of the guards that compensation is not to be expected until the next session of Congress when an appropriation may be made for the purpose, but the War Department would approve the measure payment might be made sooner. I have requested the honorable James Noble to appear as counsel in aid of the prosecution. Gov. Cass has intimated that he would attend the trial to assist in conducting the prosecution. The character of the Governor who is deeply implicated in rendering justice to the Indians on this occasion. The affair has the (illegible) the whole frontier people have moved away, and those who remain are under continual dread. Nothing will satisfy the Indians but the execution of some or all of the murderers. We are now in hopes that this will take place, and confidence be restored.
Nothing has ever occurred in the history of our intercourse with the Indians of this country so embarrassing as the murder alluded to. I have been almost entirely in motion ever since its occurrence, and in a season unusually wet, lying out, crossing high waters, my health not good before have suffered greatly since I set out on this trip, have not experiences an active dry day. I will be home in a few days.
I have the honor to remain with great respect, Sir
yr. mos. ob. st.
John Johnston
Ind. Agent
The Honorable
J. D. Calhoun
Secy of War
