David Johnston: Soldier, Settler, and Founding Patriarch of Virginia Lineage

Reenactment of an American Revolutionary Battle

Born circa 1726 in the lush, green landscapes of Fermanagh County, Ireland, David Johnston's life weaves a quintessential American story filled with resilience and pioneering spirit. At only ten years old, he embarked on a perilous transatlantic voyage, landing in the bustling port of Norfolk, Virginia. What began as a desperate struggle for survival gradually blossomed into a profound saga of influence, shaping Virginia’s rich historical tapestry.

As a young man eager for new opportunities, Johnston settled in the fertile lands of Culpeper County, Virginia. By 1751, he had married Nannie (or Annie) Abbott, the daughter of Richard Abbott, forging a union that would become the foundation of a powerful family lineage. Over the years, their descendants would weave their way into every vital aspect of public life across the New River Valley and beyond.

Patriot in the American Revolution

David Johnston's unwavering dedication to the burgeoning American cause is a testament to his character. The Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution honor his service during the tumultuous Revolutionary War. He served valiantly under Captain Hardy Hills in the forces commanded by Colonel George Rogers Clark, a legendary figure synonymous with the daring frontier campaigns of the time.

Historical records from September 1758 reveal that the Virginia House of Burgesses approved a payment to Johnston for providing food to friendly Native Americans, a subtle yet significant affirmation of his commitment to the colonial effort. During the Revolution, his active participation was further documented in Hening’s Virginia Statutes, illustrating that Johnston’s contributions extended beyond the battlefield into the political and social fabric of revolutionary Virginia.

From Soldier to Settler: A Legacy Carved in Stone

Following the war, Johnston’s pioneering spirit propelled his family westward across the formidable Allegheny Mountains in 1778, where he established a homestead amidst the pristine wilderness of what is now Giles County, Virginia. He built his home on lands nestled between the Big and Little Stoney Creeks, once wild and untamed, now transforming into the birthplace of one of Virginia’s most distinguished family lines.

He died in 1786, leaving behind a legacy rooted in resilience and vision. His wife passed away in 1813; both are commemorated with their final resting places on what would become the John Phleger farm, a quiet monument to their pioneering role in the state’s history.

The Johnston Family Tree: Descendants of Influence

David and Nannie Johnston’s family grew to include eight children, three sons and five daughters, each contributing to the enduring legacy of the family line.

Among their notable descendants are:

- James Johnston, who fought bravely at the decisive battles of Brandywine and Germantown under General George Washington, endured the harsh winter at Valley Forge.

- Andrew Johnston, David’s son, who served as a skilled surveyor and co-founded the town of Pearisburg, Virginia. His historic home, constructed in 1829, now operates as the Giles County Historical Society Museum.

- Dr. Harvey Green Johnston, a grandson of David, who rose to prominence as a respected 19th-century physician, passing down his medical knowledge through multiple generations.

- David E. Johnston, a great-grandson, served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and gained recognition as a distinguished historian and author.

- Judge Joseph M. Sanders, another great-grandson, served on the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia.

- Hon. Reuben Chapman, a descendant who represented Alabama in the U.S. Congress.

This illustrious lineage extended further, with many descendants dedicating themselves as legislators, judges, surveyors, lawyers, physicians, and soldiers. Their representation in nearly every major Virginia constitutional convention, except for the original 1776 assembly and the 1869 "Black and Tan" convention, underscores their enduring influence.

Eligibility for Lineage Societies

Thanks to David Johnston’s notable military service, his descendants qualify for esteemed lineage societies such as:

- Sons of the American Revolution (SAR)

- Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)

This recognition is more than ceremonial; it affirms his pivotal role in America's founding. Ancestors such as Captain John Henderson and James Charlton, who were connected through marriage, are also listed as Revolutionary War patriots, further enriching the family’s legacy of dedicated service to the nation.

Building the Future of Giles County

The next generations did more than inherit a name; they carried forward a mission. From preserving and restoring the historic Andrew Johnston House, now a cherished landmark, to pioneering innovative medical practices and shaping Virginia’s legal systems, the Johnston family left an indelible mark on the state.

In 1985, the historic house and the surrounding property were officially deeded to the Giles County Historical Society by Fowler W. Johnston and the heirs of Colonel Harvey G. Johnston III and IV, honoring their ancestors’ enduring legacy and ensuring that their pioneering spirit and contributions are remembered for future generations.

Follow us for detailed updates on how we intend to honor this patriot for our upcoming VA250 celebration.

Special Note: Thanks to Peter Johnston, a descendant of David, for supplying the details for this blog.