Robert Johnston (1814 - 1884)

Born 1814 in Ireland

Husband of Mary Elizabeth (Way) Johnston — married about 1842 in Ohio, USA [uncertain]

Husband of Sarah Margarite (Russell) Shaffer — married 25 Oct 1871 in Fort Wayne, Allen, Indiana

Descendants

Died 23 May 1884 at about age 70 in DeKalb County, Indiana, USA

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Carole Whittemore [send private message] and Kathy Davis [send private message]

Notes

LAST NAME - Given as JOHNSON AND JOHNSTON in many documents

NAME - JohnSON or is it JohnSTON??? My Great Grandma Rosie (daughter of Margaret Johnson, Robert's daughter) personally told me stories of her family, especially her Grandpa IRISH BOB JOHNSON - notice spelling is Johnson. The name was always pronounced JohnSON. Great Grandma Rosie left a hand written list of names in her photo albums with all the Johnson names spelled as such. HOWEVER, I have been to the White City Cemetery in Spencerville, Indiana and found the tombstones of IRISH Bob JohnsTon, his son George JohnsTon, who was Killed in the Battle of Stones Crossing in the Civil War, and his daughters: Ellen and Rebecca JohnsTon. Now I am stunned - always thought the name was Johnson, but feel it must be JohnsTon because:
(1) Father, Irish Bob was alive in 1862 when his son, George was killed in the Civil War. I am sure if there was a mis-spelling of the last name on the tombstone they would have corrected it then. He was very proud of his son.
(2) Daughters, Ellen and Rebecca's stones are also spelled with the "T" as well as the stone for Father, Irish Bob Johnston.

Biography

ROBERT "IRISH BOB" JOHNSTON 1814-1884
CIVIL WAR

"Irish" Bob, Robert Johnston was born in IRELAND in 1814. Nothing further of his early life in Ireland or his family is known at this time, however, I am still searching and hoping for a clue.

According to a letter from "Irish" Bob's Granddaughter, Rosa Ellen FALES Widdifield 1878-1964, she said his wife died young, her name was Mary WAY, she lived in Ohio and she came to Indiana with Grandfather. They had 6 children, all dead now.

"Irish" Bob married Mary Elizabeth WAY 1814-1871 sometime before 1842, probably in the United States since Mary was born on the 13th of January 1814 in Stoystown, Somerset, Pennsylvania.

IRISH BOB and his 1st Wife, Mary were the Parents of:

• 1 - Elisabeth Eliza "Jane" Johnston Johnson 1842–1915
• 2 - George Johnston Johnson PVT Civil War KIA 1844–1862
• 3 - Rebecca "Reba" Johnston Johnson 1845–1895
• 4 - Margaret L. "Maggie" Johnston Johnson 1847–1921
• 5 - Thomas J. "Tom" Johnston Johnson 1850–
• 6 - Ellen Johnston 1852–1871

In 1845, "Irish" Bob, his pregnant wife, Mary, and their children came to Fort Wayne, Indiana, the trip being made on the old canal - the boat being drawn by a yoke of oxen. The family then settled on a farm a few miles north of here in Spencerville, DeKalb County, Indiana.

Tragedy has struck the family of "Irish" Bob Johnson and his wife, Mary when they received word that their son, Private George Johnston, was "Killed in Action" in the Civil War on the 31st of January 1862. George was Killed at the Battle of Stone River in Murfreesboro, Tennessee aged 19 years, 4 months, and 18 days. Private George Johnson enlisted in Company E, 30th Regiment on the 10th of September 1861 serving only 4 months and 21 days until his death.

Thanks to Kent S who sent me an e-mail on the 10th of August 2017 with a surprise. He had located Mary Elizabeth "Eliza" WAY Johnston's grave marker - I had been there numerous times without finding it. He said George Johnston's stone is on it's side and he tried to move it and when he did he discovered the other side had Eliza's name on it!! I am sooo happy! According to his discovery, Mary Elizabeth WAY Johnston died on the 27th of July 1870 at the age of 55 years, 10 months, and 18 days leaving her husband, "IRISH" Bob Johnston a widower.

Another death broke the heart of recently widowed "Irish" Bob Johnston when unmarried daughter, Ellen Johnson died, on the 1st of January 1871 at the age of 18 in Spencerville, DeKalb County, Indiana. I am still searching for the cause of her death. Robert's 1st Wife, Mary Elizabeth WAY Johnston who died in 1870 is buried at the White City Cemetery located in Spencerville, DeKalb County, Indiana next to her son, George who died in 1862, and daughter, Ellen who died in 1871 only a little over 5 months after her Mother's death.

After the death of Mary WAY Johnston, "IRISH" Bob married 2nd, Sarah RUSSELL 1839-1916 1)Wilson 2)Orcutt on the 25th of October 1871 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana, USA. Sarah was 25 years younger than her husband.

"IRISH" Bob and his 2nd Wife, Sarah Johnston were the Parents of:

• (1) Minnie JOHNSTON Chestnut 1872–
• (2) Artemesa "Artie" Belle JOHNSTON Jury 1876-1953
• (3) Loma Ellen JOHNSTON Wynd 1879-1943
• (4) Harriett "Hattie" Ethel JOHNSTON Schnetzler 1881–1951

Even though, "Irish" Bob Johnston was from Ireland, he was very patriotic and enlisted in the Civil War along with his son, George. The tombstone of Irish Bob Johnston has a US Veteran emblem that was attached. The book, THE HISTORY OF SPENCERVILLE, INDIANA by Carey 1926, quotes: "After the playing of Yankee Doodle, a rousing patriotic address was given by ROBERT JOHNSON. He served as well as his son, George who is buried next to him and was killed in the Civil War Battle of Stone River." Robert Johnston died on the 23rd of May 1884 at the age of 70 years, 3 months, and 9 days. Robert and his children, Ellen, Rebecca, and Private George Johnston are buried together in White City Cemetery in Spencerville, DeKalb County, Indiana.

Eligible for joining the Daughters or Sons of the American Revolution. Quoted in the book: THE HISTORY OF SPENCERVILLE, INDIANA by Carey 1952 states that George Horn, Fredrick Shaffer, ROBERT JOHNSON, and others are all eligible and are buried in the Spencerville Cemetery. All can be traced through the DAR Library. Bio and research by 3rd Great Granddaughter, Carole Anne Brown-44556 Whittemore on the 25th of October 2016.

Sources

DAR Eligibility - Robert Johnson
1814-1884 Spencerville, DeKalb, Indiana, USA
History of Spencerville by Carey 1952 The record shows that George Horn Fredrick Shaffer ROBERT JOHNSON + others all eligible and are buried in the Spencerville Cemetery. All can be traced thru DAR library

Birth 1814 IRELAND
1850, 1860, 1870, 1880 US Census' and Indiana Deaths, 1882-1920
See detailed Links below

Married to Mary Way Woy Bef 1842 Indiana, USA
Letter From: ROSA ELLEN FALES WIDDIFIELD to Gr Grdau Carole Anne BROWN 1 Aug 1962: PAGE 3 His (IRISH BOB JOHNSON) wife died young, her name was MARY WAY - and she lived in Ohio and she came to Indiana with Grandfather. They had 6 children, all dead Letter in possession of Carole Anne Brown Whittemore
[1] Paid Members Only, ancestry.com

Moved from OH to IN on Old Canal by boat and oxen
1847 Fort Wayne, Allen, Indiana, USA From Obituary of Eliza Jane Johnston Foust 1842-1915: When 3 years old she came to Fort with her parents, the trip being made on the old canal, the boat being drawn by a yoke of oxen. The family then settled on a farm a few miles north of here.
1 - Obituary
[2] ancestry.com
2 - Googled image: Wabash & Erie Canal
[3] Google.com search

1850 Census - spelled JOHNSON
Place: Concord, De Kalb, Indiana; Roll: M432_142; Page: 277B; Image: 561. **JOHNSON: Robert 35 Ireland, Eliza 35 Penn., Jane 7 Ohio, George 5 Ohio, Rebecca 3 Ohio, Margaret 2 Iowa, and Thomas 0 (11/12 mo) Iowa.
[4] Paid Members Only, ancestry.com

Civil War Enlistment
1860 Spencerville, DeKalb, Indiana, USA History of Spencerville by Carey 1952 The following men are known to have served in the Civil War & enlisting from Spencerville: Thomas Johnson, Robert Johnson, J.D. Leighty, John Leighty, Edward White, others. Most enlisted in Spencerville.
[5] ingenweb.org

Civil War - Recruiting
1860 Spencerville, DeKalb, Indiana, USA History of Spencerville by Carey 1952 After the playing of Yankee Doodle a rousing patriotic address was given by ROBERT JOHNSON.
[6] ingenweb.org

1860 Census - spelled JOHNSON
Place: Concord, De Kalb, Indiana; Roll: M653_254; Page: 324; Image: 322; Family History Library Film: 803254. **JOHNSON: Robert 46, Eliza 46, George 16, Rebecca 19, Margaret 13, Thomas 10, Ellen 8.
[7] Paid Members Only, ancestry.com

Military - Civil War
24 Sep 1861 Spencerville, DeKalb, Indiana, USA DeKalb Co IN GenWeb Project Civill War - Roll of Honor p344-400 History of DeKalb Co IN ROBERT JOHNSON mustered in 24 Spe 1861 30th Inf Co H
[8] ingenweb.org

U.S. Civil War SoldierRecords &Profiles - PVT
Name: Robert H Johnson Residence:DeKalb County, Indiana Enlistment: 24 Sep 1861 Rank Enlistment: PVT State Servd: IN Service: Enlisted Company H, Indiana 30th Infantry Regiment on 24 Sep 1861
[9] Paid Members Only, ancestry.com

Death of Son PVT George Johnson killed in Civil War 31 Dec 1862
Private George Johnson, Killed in Action Battle of Stones River George Johnson Rank:PVT Enrolled:1861/10/09 Where: Indpls IN Residence: Allen Co. Age:18. Regt:30 Co:E Discharge Date: 1862/12/31 Notes: Killed at Murfreesboro, TN. Dec 31, 1862 other records state Stones River
[10] civilwarthosesurnames.blogspot.com

Military - Civil War 19 Dec 1864
Spencerville, DeKalb, Indiana, USA DeKalb Co IN GenWeb Project Civill War - Roll of Honor p344-400 History of DeKalb Co IN ROBERT H JOHNSTON commissioned 1st Lieutenant 30th Inf Co G
[11] ingenweb.com

1870 Census - spelled JOHNSTON
Place: Concord De Kalb Indiana Roll:M593_309 Page:275A Image:67 Family History Library Film: 545808 **JOHNS"T"ON: Robert 56, Elisa M. 56, Elisa J. 28, Rebecca 25, Margaret 23, Thomas J. 21, Ellen 19.
[12] Paid Members Only, ancestry.com

Death of Daughter Ellen Johnston 1 Jan 1871
DeKalb County, Indiana, USA Web: Indiana www.findagrave.com Index 1800-2011 Name: Ellen Johnston Death Date:1 Jan 1871 Burial Place: Spencerville, De Kalb, Indiana, USA White City Cemetery 2012 13 June Carole's note: Tombstone has name spelled JOHNSTON White City Cemetery Maintained by: Carole Whittemore Originally Created by: bettyJ288@gmail.com Record added: Mar 10, 2007 Find A Grave Memorial# 18336232
[13] FindAGrave.com

Marriage 25 Oct 1871 2nd Wife, Sarah M Orcutt
Fort Wayne, Allen, Indiana, USA Indiana Marriage Collection 1800-1941 Name: Robert Johnston Spouse Name: Sarah M Crcutt (Orcutt) Marriage Date: Oct 25 1871 Marriage County: Allen Index to Marriage Vol WPA Book 8 P402 Sarah Orcutt (1839–)
[14] Paid Members Only, ancestry.com

Indiana Select Marriages Index, 1748-1993 - spelled JOHNSON
Name: Robert Johnson Gender: Male Marriage Date: 28 Oct 1871 Marriage Place: Allen, Indiana Spouse: Sarah M. Orcutt FHL Film Number: 549310 Reference ID p 402
[15] Paid Members Only, ancestry.com

1880 Census - name spelled JOHNSTON
Place: Concord DeKalb Indiana Roll:273 Family History Film: 1254273 Pg:158A Enumeration District: 087 Image:0312 **JOHNSTON: Robert 65 Sarah 41 Minnie 8 Bell 3 Ellen 1 HULL: Joseph 30 Farm Laborer
[16] Paid Members Only, ancestry.com

Indiana Deaths, 1882-1920
Name: Robert Johnson Date: 23 May 1884 Location: Dekalb County Age: 70 Yr Gender: Male Race: White Source Location: County Health Office Auburn Source Notes: The source of this record is the book H 11 Page 177
[17] ancestry.com
[18] FamilySearch.org

Burial & Findagrave Memorial # 18336201 Robert Johnston
23 May 1884 Spencerville, DeKalb, Indiana, USA White City Cemetery Spencerville De Kalb County Indiana, USA Maintained by: Carole Whittemore Originally Created by: bettyJ288@gmail.com Record added: Mar 10, 2007 Find A Grave Memorial# 18336201
[19] FindAGrave.com

Robert "Irish Bob" Johnson proof of burial at White City Cemetery
5 Jun 1916 Spencerville, DeKalb, Indiana, USA Letter from White City Cemetery regarding assessment.
[20] Paid Members Only, ancestry.com and Letter in Personal possession of 3rd Great Granddaughter, Carole Anne Brown Whittemore

Spelling: JohnSTON or JohnSON?
May 1884 Spencerville, DeKalb, Indiana, USA 2012 13 June Carole's note: TOMBSTONE has name spelled JOHNSTON. Book - History of Spencerville - spelled JOHNSON.
[21] Paid Members Only, ancestry.com
Photo - Taken by and in possession of 3rd Great Granddaughter, Carole Anne Brown Whittemore

Ancestry.com
My Johnston/Johnson Family Tree by CaroleAnne269 Bio and research by 3rd Great Granddaughter, Carole Anne Brown-44556 Whittemore on the 20th of October 2016.
[22] Paid Members Only, ancestry.com

Wikitree Profile: Johnston-9806
Created on the 21 Oct 2016 by Carole Anne Brown-44556 Whittemore

Merged Robert Johnston-18546 into Johnston-9806 to clear Duplicate
Carole Whittemore has proposed a merge between Robert Johnston (Johnston-18546) Created by Kathy Davis Source will be added by 1 Mar 2020 into existing Robert Johnston (Johnston-9806) to clear Duplicate. Carole Whittemore completed the Merge on the 20th of Mar 2020.