Meshack Johnson (c1795) and Rebecca Rhea of Horry Co, SC

This family resided in the section of Horry County later known as Gallivants Ferry Township.

The Horry County Johnson families were listed on most early census records with the spelling "Johnston", though in later census records, it was most often listed as "Johnson".

Meshack Johnson was born ca 1794/95 (per 1850 and 1860 census) in South Carolina, presumably in that part of old Georgetown District that is now Horry County.

I don't know who Meshack parents were. There are numerous suspects. That leaves the field wide open for finding his parents. Their may be some evidence regarding his parentage somewhere, but I haven't seen it yet.

Assuming that he was born in what is now Horry, then he was probably with his parents for the 1800 census. In 1800 Georgetown District, Waccamaw County (which is present Horry County), there were several Johnson households, several with a child about Meshack's age. He would have been about 5 years old, so should be listed in the "under 10" age group (born ca 1790/1800). William, Gilbert, Penelope, James, and Joseph Johnson all had sons in this age group.

In 1810, Meshack would have been about 15 years old, so should be enumerated in the age 10-15 category (born ca 1794/1800). Only two of the Horry District Johnston families had a male this age with them. They were Joshua and Joseph Johnston. This doesn't guarantee that one of these is Meshack's father, but it does make them prime suspects.

In 1820, Meshack Johnson was listed as a head of household in Horry District. He had a female with him who was older than him. This could be a wife (if he was married prior to Rebecca), or his mother, or an older sister. It could be Rebecca also, if her age was listed wrongly on this record.

Meshack Johnson married Rebecca --- sometime before 1823 in Horry Dist, SC. I don't know what her maiden name is for sure. I have seen evidence that it was "Rhea" (a.k.a. "Ray"). The obituary of Meshack and Rebecca's son-in-law Samuel T. Jenrette in 1911 (married to Eliza Johnson) gave her parents names as "Meshac Johnson and Rebecca Ray". I don't know if this is accurate or not, but it is all I have found so far.

Meshack Johnson was listed on the 1830 census in Horry Dist, SC. ** Unfortunately, I don't yet have the 1830 enumerations.

Meshack Johnson was listed on the 1840 census in Horry Dist, SC. He wasn't particularly close to any other Johnson families then.

Meshack Johnson was listed on an 1845 Horry District tax list and taxed for 1300 acres. His name was given as "Meshac Johnson". (Horry District Taxpayers 1845-1846 online at the Horry County Historical Society Web pages)

Meshack and family were listed on the 1850 census in Horry Dist, SC next door to Armijah H. Johnson (perhaps a son?). Other Johnson's were nearby.

Meshack and family were listed on the 1860 census in Horry Dist, SC. They were next door to Matthew Johnson (c1797), perhaps a brother.

They were still in Horry for the 1870 census, listed in Gallivants Ferry Township.

I did not find either Meshack nor Rebecca on the 1880 census in Horry. I suspect both had died by then.

Children

Meshack and Rebecca had at least nine children per the 1850 and 1860 census. Their may be others also per earlier census records.

Unknown Son (1820/25). Meshack Johnson had an apparent son this age with him in 1840 (** and probably in 1830 also). He was not home with Meshack in 1850, so had married, moved away or died by then.

I don't know who this son was, but there are a couple of suspects. The prime one is Armijah H. Johnson (1821) as he lived next to Meshack in 1850. I have had several people inform me that Armijah IS a child of Meshack, but so far, no one has shared any proof of this, however, it could easily be true.

There is one other Johnson who fits also, but I don't know if he has a better claim than Armijah: John A. Johnson (c1823). He lived in the same area.

Unknown Daughter (1820/25). Meshack Johnson had an apparent daughter this age with him in 1840 (** and probably in 1830 also). She was not home with Meshack in 1850, so had married, moved away or died by then.

Alice Johnson was born ca 1822/23 in Horry Dist, SC. She was ** probably home with her parents for the 1830 census. She was apparently home with her parents in 1840, age 15-19 (born ca 1820/25). She was home with them in 1850.

Unknown Son (1825/30). Meshack Johnson had an apparent son this age with him in 1840 (** and probably in 1830 also). He was not home with Meshack in 1850, so had married, moved away or died by then.

This could be Carmi Johnson (1829) who was in the same area as Meshack's family. This could be Allen Warin Johnson (c1826/27) instead. He was in the same area as well. These are the only two suspects I have at present who fit in this age group, and who's parents are not yet known.

I have had several researchers state that Carmi Johnson is Meshack's son, but I have not seen any proof of this yet, so I'm not sure. It could be accurate though.

Eliza Johnson was born 11 Aug 1826 (per tombstone) in Horry Dist, SC. She was ** probably home with her parents for the 1830 census. She seemed to be with them in 1840 (age 10-14, born ca 1825/30).

The proof of Eliza being Meshack's daughter is in her husband's obituary. It states that Eliza was daughter of "Meshac Johnson and Rebecca Ray". (Online at Horry County Historical Society web pages).

Eliza married Samuel T. Jenrette ca 1843 or so, in Horry Dist, SC. Samuel was born 15 Jan 1824 (per tombstone) in North Carolina. I don't know who his parents were.

Samuel and Eliza were listed on the 1850 census just two houses from her parents.

Samuel and Eliza were listed on the 1860 census in Horry, just a few houses from her parents. I don't have this entry typed up yet.

** I have not yet checked the 1870 and later census records for more information on them.

Eliza Johnson Jenrette died on 4 Oct 1900 (per obituary) or 5 Oct 1900 (per tombstone) in Horry Co, SC. She is buried at Methodist Rehobeth Cemetery. (Online at Horry County Historical Society web pages)

Samuel T. Jenrette died on 23 Oct 1911 (per obituary and tombstone) in Horry Co, SC. His obituary recorded much data about the family, including his parents, his children, etc. (Online at Horry County Historical Society web pages).

Light Johnson was born 5 May 1828 (per tombstone) in Horry Dist, SC. He was ** probably home with his parents for the 1830 census. He was apparently home with his parents in 1840, age 10-14 (born ca 1825/30). He was home with them in 1850. He was gone by 1860, so probably had married (or died) by then.

In 1850, there was another Light Johnson the same age as this one, and he was only a few houses away from this family. I have to wonder if they are two different people or the same person enumerated twice. I personally believe they are the same person, just listed twice. His other entry showed him with real property.

Light Johnson married Susan A. --- between 1850 and 1854 in Horry Dist, SC. I don't know her maiden name. Susan was born 8 Mar 1830 (per tombstone) in SC, presumably Horry District.

They were listed on the 1870 census in Horry Co, SC in Gallivants Ferry Township.

Light Johnson died 14 Jun 1887 (per tombstone) in Horry. Light and Susan are buried at the Methodist Rehobeth Church Cemetery. (online at Horry County Historical Society).

Unknown Daughter (1830/35). Meshack Johnson had an apparent daughter this age with him in 1840. She was not home with Meshack in 1850, so had married, moved away or died by then.

Joseph J. Johnson was born ca 1832/33 in Horry Dist, SC. He was apparently home with his parents in 1840, age 5-9 (born ca 1830/35). He was home with them in 1850.

Joseph J. Johnson married Priscilla --- sometime before 1860 in Horry Dist, SC. I don't know her maiden name.

They were still in Horry for the 1870 census, listed in Gallivants Ferry Township near many other Johnson families. had an Ebenezer Johnson (c1858/59) with them. He was their nephew, a son of Daniel S. Johnson (c1829) who was a son of Phillip Johnson (c1795). Daniel's wife was Joseph's sister Susannah Amelia Johnson.

Isabell Johnson was born ca 1836/37 in Horry Dist, SC. She was apparently home with her parents in 1840, age 0-4 (born ca 1835/40). She was home with them in 1850.

She was gone from her parents household by 1860, so probably married or died by then.

Meshack H. Johnson was born 9 Feb 1835 (per tombstone) in Horry Dist, SC. This birth year is probably wrong, as it conflicts with several census records. I think he was probably born ca 1837/38 instead. He was apparently home with his parents in 1840, age 0-4 (born ca 1835/40). He was home with them in 1850. His middle initial is given as "M" on some records, but "H" on others, so I'm not sure which is correct.

Meshack H. Johnson married Mariah --- ca 1857 or so in Horry Dist, SC. I don't know what her maiden name is. Mariah was born 12 Aug 1837 (per tombstone) in SC, presumably in Horry.

They were listed on the 1860 census in Horry District, just 8 houses from his parents.

They were still in Horry for the 1870 census, living in Gallivants Ferry Township. They were next door to his parents.

I did not find this family in 1880 Horry County. I may have missed them though, or perhaps they weren't listed.

Meshack died on 29 Apr 1907, and Mariah on 5 Oct 1907; both are buried at Antioch United Methodist Church Cemetery. (online at Horry County Historical Society).

Susannah Amelia Johnson was born ca 1839/40 in Horry Dist, SC. She was apparently not home with her parents for the 1840 census, so probably born in late 1840. She was home with them in 1850 (listed as "S. A." age 10). She was gone by 1860, so probably had married (or died) by then.

Lisa Gogan shared a record with me showing that Meshack and Rebecca Johnson made a request to the Court of Ordinary (on 6 Dec 1866) that their grandson Ebenezer S. Johnson, son of Daniel S. Johnson and Amelia Johnson, late deceased, be given to Joseph J. Johnson as his guardian.

At a glance, this record seems to indicate that Daniel S. Johnson is Meshack's son, but that is not the case, it would appear to me that his wife (listed as "Amelia" in this record) is actually Meshack's child. This is reinforced by the 1860 census record for Daniel S. Johnson showing his wife as "Susannah", with her age in close agreement with "S. A." Johnson of 1850. This leads me to the conclusion that "S. A. Johnson" or 1850 is the same person as "Susannah" in 1860. Since Daniel's wife was given as "Susannah" in the 1860 census, but as "Amelia" in 1866, could mean two different woman, but I think the answer is that "S. A." Johnson's full name was "Susannah Amelia Johnson".

Based on the above records, it would seem that Susannah Amelia Johnson married her probable cousin Daniel S. Johnson between 1850 and 1856. Daniel was born ca 1829, and a son of Phillip Johnson (c1795). I've long suspected that Meshack and Phillip were brothers. If so, then Daniel and Amelia were 1st cousins.

They were listed on the 1860 census in Horry. They were both apparently dead by 1866.

See Phillip's page, and Daniel's section on that page for more information on this family.

Harmon Johnson was born ca 1841/42 in Horry Dist, SC. He was home with his parents for the 1850 census.

I did not find Harmon on the 1860 census. He may have died before then, or moved away from Horry.

William F. Johnson was born ca 1843/44 in Horry Dist, SC. He was home with his parents for the 1850 and 1860 census.

I did not find William on the 1870 census. He may have died before then (perhaps due to the Civil War) or just moved away somewhere.

James Harley Johnson was born 28 Jan 1848 (per tombstone) in Horry Dist, SC. He was home with his parents for the 1850 and 1860 census.

James H. Johnson married Rebecca A. --- before 1868 in NC. I don't know her maiden name for sure, but I think it was Bufkin. In 1880, there was a John H. Bufkin (c1815) and Penelope? (c1831) living with them, listed as "Father-in-law" and "mother-in-law". They are certainly her parents, but the problem is that their surname was mostly obliterated by a dark line on the census. All I could make out for sure was "---FKIN". "Bufkin" is the only name I know of that fits. Rebecca was born 20 Nov 1849 (per tombstone).

James and Rebecca were in Bayboro Township for the 1880 census. Rebecca's parents were living with them. There was a dark line down the left of the page, obliterated about half of the surnames, making them hard to make out. They were next door to Mantha Johnson, widow of Matthew Johnson (c1797).

Harley died on 2 Jun 1910 and Rebecca on 29 Jun 1929. They are buried at the Johnson Cemetery.

Researcher List

Persons researching this family (click here for data on how to get on or off of this list):

1. Meshack¹ Johnson , born 1794/95 in Georgetown Dist, SC (now Horry Co, SC); died 1870/80 in Horry Co, SC. He married bef 1823 in Horry Dist, SC Rebecca Rhea , born 1801/02 in Horry Dist, SC; died 1870/80 in Horry Co, SC.

Children of Meshack Johnson and Rebecca Rhea were as follows:

2 i Alice² Johnson , born 1822/23 in Horry Dist, SC.

+ 3 ii Eliza² Johnson , born 11 Aug 1826 in Horry Dist, SC; died 5 Oct 1900 in Horry Dist, SC; buried in Methodist Rehobeth Cem,Horry Co, SC. She married Samuel T Jenrette .

+ 4 iii Light² Johnson , born 5 May 1828 in Horry Dist, SC; died 14 Jun 1887 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Methodist Rehobeth Cem,Horry Co, SC. He married Susan A (---) .

+ 5 iv Joseph J² Johnson , born 1832/33 in Horry Dist, SC. He married (1) Priscilla (---) ; (2) Eliza E (---) .

6 v Isabell² Johnson , born 1836/37 in Horry Dist, SC.

+ 7 vi Meshack H² Johnson , born 9 Feb 1835/38 in Horry Dist, SC; died 29 Apr 1907 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Antioch United Methodist Cem,Horry Co, SC. He married Mariah (---) .

+ 8 vii Susannah Amelia² Johnson , born 1839/40 in Horry Dist, SC; died 1860/66 in Horry Dist, SC. She married Daniel S Johnson .

9 viii Harmon² Johnson , born 1841/42 in Horry Dist, SC; died aft 1850 in Horry Dist, SC.

10 ix William F² Johnson , born 1843/44 in Horry Dist, SC.

+ 11 x James Harley² Johnson , born 28 Jan 1848 in Horry Dist, SC; died 2 Jun 1910 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Johnson Cem,Horry Co, SC. He married Rebecca A Bufkin .

Generation 2

3. Eliza² Johnson (Meshack¹), born 11 Aug 1826 in Horry Dist, SC; died 5 Oct 1900 in Horry Dist, SC; buried in Methodist Rehobeth Cem,Horry Co, SC. She married in 1840/44 in Horry Dist, SC Samuel T Jenrette , born 15 Jan 1824 in NC; died 23 Oct 1911 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Methodist Rehobeth Cem,Horry Co, SC.

Children of Eliza Johnson and Samuel T Jenrette were as follows:

12 i Lucinda³ Jenrette , born 1843/44 in Horry Dist, SC.

13 ii Wilson³ Jenrette , born 1844/45 in Horry Dist, SC.

14 iii Elizabeth³ Jenrette , born 1846/47 in Horry Dist, SC.

15 iv Samuel³ Jenrette , born 1847/48 in Horry Dist, SC.

16 v Isaac³ Jenrette , born 1849 in Horry Dist, SC.

4. Light² Johnson (Meshack¹), born 5 May 1828 in Horry Dist, SC; died 14 Jun 1887 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Methodist Rehobeth Cem,Horry Co, SC. He married in 1850/54 in Horry Dist, SC Susan A (---) , born 8 Mar 1830 in Horry Dist, SC; died 15 Mar 1884 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Methodist Rehobeth Cem,Horry Co, SC.

Children of Light Johnson and Susan A (---) were as follows:

+ 17 i George Madison³ Johnson , born 1 Jun 1854 in Horry Dist, SC; died 21 Jan 1906 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Sandy Plain United Methodist Cem,Horry Co, SC. He married Florence G (---) .

18 ii Olivia³ Johnson , born 1855/56 in Horry Dist, SC.

19 iii Leonora Amanda³ Johnson , born 16 Jul 1858 in Horry Dist, SC; died 27 Feb 1882 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Methodist Rehobeth Cem,Horry Co, SC. She married in 1880/82 in Horry Co, SC Daniel Moore .

20 iv Francis M³ Johnson , born 4 Aug 1860 in Horry Dist, SC; died 28 Jul 1937 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Patterson Cem, Horry Co, SC.

21 v Henrietta³ Johnson , born 1861 in Horry Dist, SC; died 1918 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Lakeside Cem,Horry Co, SC. She married aft 1880 in Horry Co, SC Joseph Ambrose Burbage , born 1848 in Horry Dist, SC; died 1916 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Lakeside Cem,Horry Co, SC.

22 vi William A³ Johnson , born 1864/65 in Horry Dist, SC.

23 vii Edgar L³ Johnson , born 1867/68 in Horry Dist, SC.

24 viii Rose Ella³ Johnson , born Mar 1870 in Horry Co, SC.

5. Joseph J² Johnson (Meshack¹), born 1832/33 in Horry Dist, SC. He married (1) in 1850/60 in Horry Dist, SC Priscilla (---) , born 1829/30 in Horry Dist, SC; died 1870/75 in Horry Co, SC; (2) in 1870/75 in Horry Co, SC Eliza E (---) , born 1842/43 in Horry Dist, SC.

Children of Joseph J Johnson and Priscilla (---) were as follows:

25 i Rebecca S³ Johnson , born 1860 in Horry Dist, SC.

26 ii Joseph E³ Johnson , born 1862/63 in Horry Dist, SC.

Children of Joseph J Johnson and Eliza E (---) were as follows:

27 i Sarah H³ Johnson , born 1874/75 in Horry Co, SC.

28 ii Edward P³ Johnson , born 1878/79 in Horry Co, SC.

7. Meshack H² Johnson (Meshack¹), born 9 Feb 1835/38 in Horry Dist, SC; died 29 Apr 1907 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Antioch United Methodist Cem,Horry Co, SC. He married in 1850/59 in Horry Dist, SC Mariah (---) , born 12 Aug 1837 in Horry Dist, SC; died 5 Oct 1907 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Antioch United Methodist Cem,Horry Co, SC.

Children of Meshack H Johnson and Mariah (---) were as follows:

29 i Arnold³ Johnson , born 1858/59 in Horry Dist, SC.

30 ii Henry³ Johnson , born 1861/62 in Horry Dist, SC.

31 iii Charlotte³ Johnson , born 1865/66 in Horry Dist, SC.

32 iv Cader³ Johnson , born 1867/68 in Horry Dist, SC.

8. Susannah Amelia² Johnson (Meshack¹), born 1839/40 in Horry Dist, SC; died 1860/66 in Horry Dist, SC. She married in 1850/56 in Horry Dist, SC Daniel S Johnson , born 1828/29 in Horry Dist, SC; died 1860/66, son of Phillip Johnson and Mary A (---) .

Children of Susannah Amelia Johnson and Daniel S Johnson were as follows:

33 i Henry³ Johnson , born 1855/56 in Horry Dist, SC.

34 ii Ebenezer S³ Johnson , born 1858/59 in Horry Dist, SC.

11. James Harley² Johnson (Meshack¹), born 28 Jan 1848 in Horry Dist, SC; died 2 Jun 1910 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Johnson Cem,Horry Co, SC. He married bef 1868 in Horry Dist, SC Rebecca A Bufkin , born 20 Nov 1849 in NC; died 29 Jun 1929 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Johnson Cem,Horry Co, SC, daughter of John H Bufkin and Penelope (---) .

Children of James Harley Johnson and Rebecca A Bufkin were as follows:

35 i Isadora³ Johnson , born 1867/68 in Horry Dist, SC.

36 ii William H³ Johnson , born 22 Oct 1869 in Horry Co, SC; died 10 Aug 1925 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Methodist Rehobeth Cem, Horry Co, SC.

37 iii Ally³ Johnson , born 1870/71 in Horry Co, SC.

38 iv John Hillard³ Johnson , born 16 Sep 1872 in Horry Co, SC; died 26 Aug 1934 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Johnson Cem, Horry Co, SC.

39 v George M³ Johnson , born 7 Aug 1874 in Horry Co, SC; died 2 Jul 1944 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Johnson Cem, Horry Co, SC.

Generation 3

17. George Madison³ Johnson (Light², Meshack¹), born 1 Jun 1854 in Horry Dist, SC; died 21 Jan 1906 in Horry Co, SC; buried in Sandy Plain United Methodist Cem,Horry Co, SC. He married in 1870/80 in Horry Co, SC Florence G (---) , born 1858/59 in Horry Dist, SC.

Children of George Madison Johnson and Florence G (---) were as follows:

40 i Cora⁴ Johnson , born May 1870 in Horry Co, SC.