Johnston Farm & Indian Agency Native American, Frontier, and Canal History

Seven grandsons and one son of John Johnston fought in the Civil War or, as it was known in the south, the War Between the States.  Of them, three died while in service, and one of illness shortly following the end of the war.  This conflict touched nearly every family in the United States, and the Johnstons were no exception.  Their land also served as a mustering place for the 94th and 110th OVI. 

 The 110th OVI was organized October 3, 1862 under Colonel J. Warren Keifer and served in the Army of the Potomac.  They engaged in 20 battles and lost 795 men.  The unit was mustered out June 25th, 1865.

The 94th OVI was organized under Colonel J.W. Frizell in august of 1862.  It joined Sherman's Atlanta campaign and took part in the last battle at Bentonville.  The unit was mustered out June 6, 1865.

Johnstons in the Civil War

Frank Johnston Jones – Son of Elizabeth Johnston Jones, eldest surviving daughter of John and Rachel Johnston, and John Davies Jones, merchant Cincinnati.  Born in Cincinnati April 22, 1838.  Enlisted in Company A. Sixth OVI, also known as Guthrie’s Grays.  Participated in battle of Shiloh.  Was taken prisoner October 9, 1862 at Perryville.  Exchanged three months later and rejoined army after Battle of Stone River.  Promoted to aide-de-camp and captain by Abraham Lincoln and assigned to General A McDowell McCook, under whom he participated in the battle of Chickamauga.  He resigned his commission in August 1864 and returned to Cincinnati.  On May 10, 1866 he was appointed lire vet. Major of the US Volunteers for ‘gallant and meritorious service’ during the war.

William Graham Jones -  Son of Elizabeth Johnston Jones.  Born abt. 1837.  Graduated United States Military Academy, West Point.  At age 26, first Lieutenant 10th Regiment of Infantry, to be captain by brevet, June 29, 1862.  Major by brevet, June 30, 1862 for distinguished service at the battle of Allensfield, Savage Station and Glendale.  Enlisted Carthage TN, April 30, 1863 for three years, 36th regiment Ohio Infantry.  Appointed Colonel, field and staff, by Gov. Todd April 18, 1863.  Mortally wounded in battle September 19, 1863 at Chickamauga, TN.

Charles Davis Jones – Son of Elizabeth Johnston Jones.  A graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis.  Died in 1865 while a lieutenant in the US Navy.  Survived the Civil War only to die at sea of unknown causes. Attached to the frigate Hartford, the flagship of Admiral David G. Farragut, commander West Gulf blockading squadron.  Saw service in Mobile Bay, Mississippi and was involved in the taking of New Orleans which secured the north’s victory by making the first strike in a campaign that would eventually cut the south in two.

Robert Patterson – Son of Julia (Juliana) Johnston Patterson, 4th daughter of John and Rachel Johnston, and Jefferson Patterson, merchant, of Dayton.  Born November 27, 1833, Dayton, OH.  April 20th 1861 commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the 11th OVI, and in January 1863 was appointed Regimental Adjutant.  In April when the regiment was ‘veteranized’ he was promoted to Captain.  March 31, 1865 the 61st was consolidated with the 82nd OVI and he was transferred to the command of Co. I in the 82nd.  Mustered out at Louisville, KY, July 24, 1865 after a total of service of 4 years.  He was wounded at Chancellorsville and Bentonville.  Died June 4, 1901, Dayton OH.

William L. Patterson – Son of Julia (Juliana) Johnston Patterson.  Born April 1st, 1839 at Jefferson Street house, Dayton, OH.  Enlisted April 1861 and served as sergeant in the First OVI at Vienna Cross Roads and Bull Run in April 1861.  Reenlisted for three years, same regiment, commissioned Lieutenant and, for gallant and meritorious services, promoted to Captain.  Died a year after the conclusion of the Rebellion from disabilities occurred in service.  Mustered out at Columbus at the conclusion of the war.  He was selected to present the flagstaff, flag and fife of his company to be deposited in the archives at the capital, but in recognition of his valor and efficient military services, was presented with them as his own property.  He accepted the brass eagle and the fife, but returned the flag and staff to the State of Ohio.  The brass eagle was carried through Shiloh and Chickamauga among other battles.

Stephen Patterson – Son of Julia (Juliana) Johnston Patterson.  Born December 20th, 1842.  Joined for duty and enrolled May 28, 1862 at Dayton, OH.  Mustered at Camp Chase June 1862.  Private Company A (Butler and Warren County), 86th Regiment OVI (3mos 1862).  Moved to Clarksburg, W. Va June 16-17 and assigned to Kelly’s Railroad command June 19.  Operated under Colonel Barnabas Burns in West Virginia guarding the railroad until mustered out September 25, 1862  Also involved in constructing fortifications and guarding stores.

John Henry Patterson - Son of Julia (Juliana) Johnston Patterson.  Born December 13, 1844 at the family homestead in Dayton, OH.  Graduated Central High School and entered Miami University where he remained two years.  Returned home to help with the farm during the war and then became a ‘Hundred Days’ man near the end of the war by enlisting in the 131st OVI.  The company served in Baltimore, MD and was attached to 2nd separate Brigade, 8th Army Corp., middle dept.  Performed garrison duty at Forts McHenry, Marshall and Federal Hill August 25, 1864 he was honorably discharged when the company mustered out at Camp Chase, OH, and returned to Oxford. Later John Henry was the founder of the National Cash Register company, as well as a business innovator and sales genius.  He died May 7th, 1922.

James Adams Johnston -  Youngest son of John and Rachel Johnston, Upper Piqua, OH Born May 05, 1830 at Upper Piqua farm, Piqua OH.  Served with the 75th OVI, mustered at New York on May 27th, 1861 for 3 years.  Mustered in as a private in the 9th Regiment New York, May 27th, 1861, appointed sergeant May 30th, 1861.  Appointed first lieutenant in and transferred to the 75th OVI, Company K, October 10, 1861 and Captain December 30th, 1861.  Sick on the march and left regiment at Warrenton, VA August 26th, 1862.  Died of typhoid September 8th, 1862 at Seminary Hospital, Georgetown, D.C. 

Photos courtesy of the Ohio Historical Society and an anonymous donor