JOHNSONS of ROLLINGDAM

    It seems that there were two JOHNSON families in the early days--- both of whom were "David JOHNSON".  The earliest family settled on the west side of the Rollingdam Road and are reputed to have built the home later used by George McSHANE and his family.  This used to be referred to as the "Old David JOHNSON" farm.  Both David and his wife were buried on their farm and their graves have been in evidence over the years.  Tradition has it that the JOHNSONS originally came from Cork County, Ireland.  It is also believed that his wife's name was Ann ( GREER ) daughter of Andrew GREER, from down near the mouth of the Digdeguash River.  Just when David and Ann took up residence in Rollingdam is not as yet known.

    According to an 1841 road report, there were two JOHNSON families living at Rollingdam and apparently near one another, David and William-- most likely were brothers.  In the 1861 census, their ages are given as follows:  David 55, Ann his wife, 50;  William 53.  Then followed names of William's children ( though that of his wife was not given ):  Samuel, 26:  David, 19:  Albert, 3:  and Effy, 2.  I deduce from this brief report that William JOHNSON built his home across the road ( on the east side ) from David; and apparently William's son David finally possessed this farm ( presently owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Willard JOHNSON ).  This would make the late David JOHNSON a nephew of the former David JOHNSON, from Ireland- if my assumptions are correct.

Written by Rev. Charles M. SMITH, Rollingdam, NB--
found in the Oct. & Nov. issues of the Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
By permission of the Saint Croix Courier
Page Loaded Dec 16, 1999
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