By Brigadier General Henry Burback commanding the Cantonment at Greenbush.

Be it Known that William Johnston a Sergeant in Captain Thomas Montgomery's Company of the Fourteenth Regiment of United States Infantry, having faithfully served the term for which he enlisted, to wit for during the war, is hereby honorably discharged from the service of the United States.

The following is a description of the said William Johnston. He was born in the Town of Belfast in Ireland aged Twenty five years, five feet two inches high, of dark complexion, black hair, and dark eyes, and by occupation a shoemaker.

Given at Greenbush Cantonment this Fourth day of May in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eighth Hundred and Fifteen and of the Independence of the United States the Thirty-Ninth. H. Burback General Commands

Registered in the Regimental and Company Books This Fourth day of May 1815

Rev. William Johnston, with a large family, removed to Strasburg, Lancaster Co., in 1836. He was at that time a practicing physician of the "Thomsonian" system of medicine, being one of Dr. Thomson's first.

In 1837 Dr. Johnston returned to Chester Co., and having lost by death in rapid succession his wife and a son and daughter removed in 1841 with the remaining members of his family to Philadelphia.

Timeline: Known facts 1809 Son Charles Montgomery Johnston, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1825 Son John M. Johnston, was born near Doe Run, Londonderry Township, Chester Co. 1836 Family removed to Strasburg, Lancaster Co. (practicing as a doctor) Between 1837 and 1841 William lost wife, son and daughter 1837 Dr. Johnston returned to Chester Co. August 24, 1837 granddaughter Mary Johnston born 1840 Granddaughter Elmira Johnston born 1841 Moved with the remaining members of his family to Philadelphia 1844 Grandson Oscar Mathias Johnston born January 20, 1847 Grandson Clarkson Frazer Johnston born in Drumore Ctr, Lancaster Home in 1860: Newport, Perry, Pennsylvania

Doe Run 50 miles from Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co. Doe Run 24 miles from Strasburg Strasburg 17 miles from Drumore, Lancaster Co. Carlisle 57 miles from Lancaster Mechanicsburg 67.5 miles from Drumore

p. 573 28 December 1804 Married on Thursday the 20th inst. By the Rev. Mr. Johnston, Mr. Stacy Thomas, to Miss Martha Cowden both of Westfallowfield Twp. Chester Co. (William would have been 16, probably not him.)

William Johnston Place of Origin: Great Britain and Ireland Declaration of Intent Date: Feb 20, 1798 Declaration of Intent Court: Pennsylvania Supreme Signature 2: William Johnston Comment: 53368

History of Chester County, Pennsylvania P. 316 Dr. William Johnston, The Good Samaritan; or, Sick Man's friend; containing the Botanic Medical Practice necessary for the removal of all curable forms of disease, in strict accordance with the soundest principles and common sense; Intended as a Pocket Companion for Thomasonians, and all others who would wish to prevent or cure their own diseases. By Dr. William Johnston, of Chester County, Pa. "Nothing extenuate, nor aught set down in malice." Philadelphia, 1841. 18 mo., pp. 288 The author of this work resided in East Marlborough township, Chester County.

SICK IN SOUL AND SICK IN BODY. It is now more than fifty-two years, since the Lord spoke peace to my soul. Previous to that happy event I was for more than six weeks under the deepest conviction of my lost and undone condition, as a sinner before that God who has declared that "the wicked shall be turned into hell, with all the nations that forget God" [Psalms 9:17]. Such was the distress of my mind on account of my sins, that I could neither eat nor sleep; and my physical powers failed so fast, that in four weeks I was entirely unable to attend to my daily work. I was indeed sick--sick. both in soul and body. I was an apprentice at the time; and the family I lived with knew not the cause of my distress, and sent for a physician, who was a religious man. I told him that I felt myself to be so great a sinner, that I was afraid the Lord would for ever banish me. He told me "God was merciful, and would pardon and save all who sincerely repent and forsake their sins." I was afraid to try to sleep, lest I should wake up in eternal misery. I read the Scriptures daily, but felt myself shut out from all the precious promises they contained.

One evening I attended a Baptist meeting, and [143] heard Elder Daniel Dodge** preach from the text, "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life" (John 5:39). The sermon appeared to be wholly for me, and I formed the resolution never to cease imploring mercy, until I had found it in Jesus, the Worthy One. I was greatly encouraged by the singing of a hymn, after sermon:

"How lost was my condition, Till Jesus made me whole! He is the Great Physician, To cure a sin-sick soul."

I now viewed the Lord Jesus as the only Physician, "by whose stripes I must be healed" [1 Peter 2:24]. Sunday morning came--it was my eighteenth birth-day.--I spent it fasting, reading and praying. I read the fourteenth chapter of John, then closed the Bible; and opening it again, my eyes fell, to my great encouragement, on the words, "They that be whole need not the physician, but they that are sick,--I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Matthew 9:12, 13); "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth" (Isaiah 45:22); "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). I read on for about two hours, and came upon the words: "He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved" (Mark 16:16). By this time I was fully prepared to throw myself into the [144] arms of sovereign Mercy without reserve; and as I did so, I exclaimed (in the full assurance that Christ was not only able to save me, but that He would save me), "Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief!" [Mark 9:24]. In an instant the weight end burden that oppressed me, was removed--Light shone into my soul, and my sorrow was turned into joy. My soul seemed to be dissolved into love. O! how I loved the Saviour--his holy name--his blessed word! I pressed the precious book to my bosom, and fell on my knees, fairly lost in wonder, love and praise.--My bodily strength appeared to return; I felt as light as a feather; and when I moved about the room, I scarcely knew whether I walked or flew. O, happy hour! O, happy birth-day! I shall never forget it.

I now felt that I must go and publish abroad "what great things the Lord Jesus had done for me" [Mark 5:19]. The first person I met was a young man, to whom I related how happy I felt now. I asked him it he ever felt so. He said, "Yes, my young brother; I thank God that about two years ago He brought me to see my lost condition, to repent, and to trust to the Lord Jesus Christ, as the Saviour of poor perishing sinners, and He revealed Himself to me as 'the chief among ten thousand, and as the One altogether lovely'" [Song of Solomon 5:10, 16]. This young man's name [145] was William Jones, and we both lived in Wilmington, Del. For three weeks long, from this time, I experienced nothing but one uninterrupted scene of happiness.

During these fifty-two years I experienced many of the trials, sorrows and vicissitudes of the life of a Christian, have preached the gospel for a long time, and seen many souls converted to God through the power of faith in Christ; and I can testify to the saving power of the gospel in my own case, as well as in all cases, where it is mixed with faith by those who hear its gladsome sound.

WILLIAM JOHNSTON. Perry County, Pennsylvania. From - The Testimony of a Hundred Witnesses Compiled by J. F. Weishampel, Sr. (1858)

** BAPTISTS IN AMERICA A HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN DELAWARE WILMINGTON

WILMINGTON - After remaining in a measure destitute for about five years, this church had the happiness to settle, for its pastor, Rev. Daniel Dodge, under whose ministry they have been prosperous and happy.

Mr. Dodge, whose father was a native of Ipswich, in Massachusetts, was born in Annapolis Royal, Nova-Scotia, in 1775; but the most of his days have been spent in the United States. He professed religion at the age of 18, and united with the church in Woodstock, Vermont, then under the pastoral care of Elder Elisha Ransom. In 1797, he went to Baltimore, and preached in various places in Maryland and Virginia, before he settled in Wilmington.

Mr. Dodge has baptized 115 persons, who have united with this church since he became its pastor. The sisters of this church collected in about twelve months upwards of three hundred dollars towards paying the expense of finishing the meeting-house. [From A Generation History of the Baptists" by David Benedict]

by 1794 the "Little Germany" tracts were taken up by John 3rd Fuss/Foose. Little Germany is situated near Elliottsburg, Spring Township (formed 1848 from Tyron Township), Perry Co. (formed 1820 from Cumberland Co.), PA.

Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s Year: 1795 Place: America Source Publication Code: 9695 Primary Immigrant: Johnston, William Annotation: Much information given, including date of intention to acquire citizenship, date of naturalization, place of residence, country of birth, and name of sponsor. Source Bibliography: Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society, Pittsburgh, compilers. A List of Immigrants Who Applied for Naturalization Papers in the District Courts of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh: the society. Vol. 1, 1798-1840. 1978. 109p. 6,360 names. Page: 45

Philadelphia, 1789-1880 Naturalization Records Place of Origin: Great Britain and Ireland Declaration of Intent Date: Feb 20, 1798 Declaration of Intent Court: Pennsylvania Supreme Signature 1: Signature 2: William Johnston Comment: 53368

William Johnston joined the 14th US Inf. on May 29, 1813 in Baltimore, Maryland and left the service April 15th, 1815 at the completion of his term. He is noted as being born in Belfast, Antrim County, Ireland 1788. General info on the war http://www.galafilm.com/1812/e/intro/index.html

The 14th Regiment US Army was composed of men mainly from Maryland and saw action at the battles of:

Black Rock (28 Nov 1812) Fort George (27 May 1813) Beaver Dams (24 Jun 1813) Chrysler's Farm (11 Nov 1813) Fort Niagara (21 Nov 1813) LaColle Mill (30 Mar 1814) Cook's Mill (19 Oct 1814)

July 23, 1817 American Watchman Page 4

Five Dollars Reward Was Stolen from the Subscriber on Sunday morning the 13th inst. six pair of Ladies Shoes, three pair of which were Morocco, and three pair Leather Jeffersons. As it is expected that those Shoes were sold to or deposited with some person in this Borough on last Sunday morning, I will give a reward of two dollars to any person giving such information as will lead to a discovery of them, or five dollars will be given for them and the thief or thieves, who stole them.

William Johnston

N. B. Jacob Robinson and Henry Ball, two journeyman, eloped from my employment a few hours before the shoes were missed.

Shoes constantly kept for sale wholesale and retail, No. 31, King Street. W. Johnston, Wilmington, July 14, 1817.

Postmarked Dec. 27, 1871 Department of the Interior, Pension Service Shiremanstown, Cumberland Co., Pa Dec. 23, 1871

Lewis Potter Esqr.

Dear Sir, ~ The following is a brief history of my Service in the War of 1812. I enlisted in the 14th U.S. Infantry under Leut. Wm. Thompson, recruiting officer in Baltimore, May 25th, 1813, and was kept as a Drill Sergt. untill May 1814, when a full company of 110 men march for Platsburg, N.Y. under the command of Capt. James McDonald, Leut. Christy and Edward Wilson and others; myself as Orderly Sergent. At Platsburg, we, with a Detachment of the 5th U.S. Infantry were commanded by Major J.D. Bernard, and on our march from Platsburg to Buffalo we were commanded by Major Gen. Izard and Brig. Gen. Bissell. We crossed from Black Rock into Cannada - about the 15 of October after which a detachment of the Army under Gen. Bissell, consisting of the 5th 14, 15, and 16 U.S. I. had a fight with the British at Cook's Mills on Lions Creek, we whipt them; and returned to Fort Erie, blew up the fort, recrossed the river, and encamped near Buffalo. Here Capt. James McDonald took sick and died. On the 3rd of January 1815, I marched from Buffalo to Greenbush with about 300 others under command of Major Isaac D. Bernard and Leut. Ed. Wilson. Here we staid Here continued untill the ratification of Peace, Still under command of Bernard and Wilson; the whole under the command of Genl. Burbeck. On the 15th of May 1815, I, and others who enlisted for and during the war, were discharged. My discharge was signed by Genl. Burbeck and Major J. D. Bernard. Sometime during that year, I sent my discharge to Washington, and got in return a Land Warrant. Some months after this, I was requested to send my warrant to Washington, and received in return a Patent for 100 acres of land in Illinois. The officers I served under were Leut. Wm. Thompson, Leut. Galy in Baltimore, and Capt. McDonald, Leuts. Christy, Wilson, and others, on the lines and in Canada. The field officers were Major Armstead at Baltimore, and Generals Izard, Bissel, Burbeck, and Major J.D. Bernard. - Burbeck and Bernard were the discharging officers at Green Bush, I think it very strange indeed, that my name cannot be found on the records now; it was there a few years ago, when Mr. Curl of Cumberland was in Congress. The above is a statement of facts, as far as I now can recollect. Truly yours, Wm. Johnston Please direct to Shiremanstown, PA W. J.

Mechanicsburg Tax Records - 11/17/1873 Freeholder Wm. Johnston Taxables: 1acre lot farmhouse-$250 income-$50 1 mule/horse-$25 2 cows-$25.00 laborer (WJ - 85 Years old)

Possible - http://pages.prodigy.net/reed_wurts/williams/muetzelb.htm We see Ucal again as he signs a paper, along with 90 other members, commissioning the services of Rev. William Johnston as pastor of the Dunlap's meeting house in Sept. 1812. (WJ - 24 Years old)

War of 1812 Declaration of Soldier for Pension William Johnston aged 83 years, a resident of Shirmanstown, County of Cumberland, State of Pennsylvania, who, being sworn according to law, declares that he is married; that his wife's name was Annie Campbell, to whom he was married at in Perry County, PA, on the sixteenth day of Sept. 1870; that he served the full period of sixty days in the Military service of the United States in the War of 1812, that he is the identical William Johnston who Enlisted in Captain James McDonalds Company, Fourteenth (14) Regiment, U.S. Infantry, __ division, at Baltimore, MD, on the 19 day of May 1813, and was honorably discharged at Green Bush (sp) on the 15 day of May, 1815; that he received a land warrant for 160 acres of land. That he was in a skirmish on Chippewa plains near Slusher in Canada and also a battle near Cooks Mills in Canada under General Bissel

The Battle of Cook's Mills was the last engagement between U.S. and British/Canadian armies fought on Canadian soil during the War of 1812

Background General Gordon Drummond had lifted the siege of Fort Erie on November 5, 1814 and withdrew to a strong defensive position along Chippawa Creek. US General George Izard had marched overland from Plattsburgh, New York to reinforce the Americans at Fort Erie under Jacob Brown. The more aggressive Brown wished to immediately attack Drummond with the combined forces totalling 7,000. Izard, being the superior officer, chose not to risk the casualties of attacking a strong defensive position. Angered at Izard's lack of action, Brown left with half the fort's strength and returned to Sacketts Harbor, New York. Izard finally decided on a plan to attempt to lure Drummond away from his defensive position.

The Battle Izard sent a brigade under Brigadier General Daniel Bissell to capture a British supply depot along Lyon's Creek (a branch of Chippawa Creek) at Cook's Mills. Bissell had about 1,200 men under his command. Skirmishing on October 18th led Bissell to believe a sizeable British force was opposing him across the creek. In fact, Drummond had sent about 750 men under Lt. Col. Christopher Myers to protect Cook's Mills. On the morning of the 19th, Myers attacked and drove advance American units back across Lyon's Creek. The British kept up the attack and crossed the creek. Bissell managed to hold off the attack and immediately planned a counterattack. The Americans surged across the creek and Myers retreated in orderly fashion.

Results The battle showed the effects of Izard's well trained troops. The American forces took Cook's Mills and burned about 200 bushels of wheat intended to feed the British Army. Despite this victory it became apparent that Drummond was not going to move from his defenses and so Izard withdrew back to Fort Erie where he destroyed the fort and returned to the US side. Drummond moved to the remains of Fort Erie but chose not to rebuild it and thus the fighting along the Niagara Frontier came to an end.

Sources Heidler, David; Heidler, Jeanne, editors Encyclopedia of the War of 1812 http://members.tripod.com/~war1812/batcooks.html

War of 1812 Fort Erie This new fort was unfinished when the United States declared war on June 18, 1812. The garrison of Fort Erie the Battle of Frenchman?s Creek against American attacks in November 1812. In 1813, Fort Erie was held for a period by U.S. forces and then abandoned on June 9, 1813. The fort had been partially dismantled by the small garrison of British troops and Canadian militia as they withdrew. British reoccupation followed American withdrawal from the area in December 1813. The British attempted to rebuild the fort. On July 3, 1814 another American force landed nearby and again captured Fort Erie.. The U.S. Army used the fort as a supply base and expanded its size. At the end of July, after the Battles of Chippewa and Lundy?s Lane, the American army withdrew to Fort Erie. In the early hours of August 15, 1814 the British launched a four pronged attack against the fortifications. A well-prepared American defence and an explosion in the North East Bastion destroyed the British chance for success with the loss over 1,000 men. A full scale siege set in and was only broken on September 17 when American troops sortied out of the fort and were able to capture or wreck the British siege batteries. Shortly after the American sortie, the British lifted the siege lines and retired to positions to the north at Chippawa. After unsuccessful attacks at Cook?s Mills, west of Chippawa, news reached the American forces that the eastern seaboard of the U.S. was under attack. On the November 5, 1814, with winter approaching, the Americans destroyed the fort and withdrew to Buffalo. Fort Erie is the site of the bloodiest battlefield in the history of Canada.

Advertisement Date: Saturday, December 27, 1817 Paper: American Watchman (Wilmington, DE) Volume: 1 Issue: 47 Page: 4 JUST RECEIVED, And for sale, by Wm. Johnston, No. 31, King st. Price One Dollar, a few copies of a Theological Work, entitled Illustrations of the Prophecies, to be accomplished from the present time, until the New Heavens and Earth are created, when all the Prophecies will be fulfilled.--By E. Smith, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In this work, the return of the Jews to the land of Cannan.--The re-building of Jerusalem - Christ’s personal reign on earth for one thousand years, and the total destruction of the wicked at the day of Judgement, are established as Scripture doctrines. December 24th, 1817.

June 15, 1872

Dr. Wm. Johnston, formerly of this borough, but at present is a resident of Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, where he is engaged in keeping store. ? It is a notable fact the doctor always has an eye for business, and to make that business successful resorts to the following novel advertisement:

TAKE NOTICE

There is a poor gentleman, now eighty-four, He lives away up town, and keeps a small store. Of chops, pills and powders, that'is all very good To cure up the sick folds, so I keep pure the blood, Besides, he keeps candies and cakes, beer and mead That's wholesome and pleasant for ladies indeed; And gents, too, can treat them to these and things too. And spend a few moments of swift passing time, Tea, sugar and coffee, (he keeps) white and brown, And spices as good as there is in the town; Pins, needles and notions, and good sewing thread, And very fine hair oil, to keep clean the head. Sugars and tobacco, yes, things to please all, Then friends and kind neighbors, pray give him a call.

Dr. Wm. Johnston

Locust near York street, Mechanicsburg, Pa.

Perry Co. Freeman, July 1, 1874

Deaths Johnston In Mechanicsburg, on the 24th inst., Dr. Wm. Johnston, aged about 82 years. Dr. Johnston was formerly a resident of this borough. His remains were interred at Newport, by Masonic rites, on Friday afternoon last.

The Perry Co. Democrat. New Bloomfield, PA., Wednesday, July 1, 1874 Page 3

Death of Dr. William Johnston

This venerable and gentle man died at Mechanicsburg, Pa., on the 24th ult. His remains were brought to Newport, this Co., and interred, with Masonic ceremonies at the Red Hill burying ground, in Howe Township, on Friday afternoon. He was 86 years of age and throughout his long life most devotedly attached to the principles of the ancient and honorable fraternity of Free Masons. During many years he was a preacher of the denomination of the Church of God and also practiced medicine. His last words were: "I am passing over in peace."

In response to the following letter, written a short time before his death, the masonic fraternity took charge of his remains. On his coffin, during the ceremonies were laid the apron and sash worn by the deceased in procession when Lafayette visited Chester in 1812. He was member of the craft 62 years. The services at the grave were performed by Hon. C.J.T. McIntire, acting Worshipful Master, W.N. Seibert, Esq., Chaplain.

To the Worshipful Masters, Wardens and Brethren of Lodge No. 302 and 319 A.Y.M.:

I beg leave to say, that I have no hopes of ever meeting with you here below, or even living many days.- Indeed, I have expected for sometime that every night would be my last. I am sure unless the swelling in my body goes down, I must soon smother to death, and brethren, my wife is too poor to bury me. I therefore beg that you will see me laid away in a plain, decent manner, I would suggest, that as soon as I am gone, the Lodge at Bloomfield be notified of the fact, and that the Lodge here furnish the coffin, and a committee to convey by body to Newport, The brethren there will be prepared to convey the body to Red Hill burying ground, to be laid beside my former wife; (who was in heart a whole-souled mason) The apron and sash which I wore in procession when Lafayette visited Chester Co., when they are taken off the coffin, I wish you to hand over to Maria. I am sure the Newport Lodge will also assist in bearing the required expense. I will add no more, but sincerely hope that we all may have a happy and glorious meeting in the Grand Lodge where David?s royal son will sit on this imperial throne as Grand Master, and where "Sisters and brothers and millions of others shall shine in courts of the ancient of days." That we may all be prepared for the glorious meeting, is my sincere prayer. Amen, so mote it be. William Johnston

The Perry Co. Democrat. New Bloomfield, PA., Wednesday, July 1, 1874 Page 3

Death of an Aged Minister Yesterday morning Elder William Johnston died at Mechanicsburg in his eighty-seventh year. Elder Johnston was born in Belfast, Ireland, on the 15th of January 1788, and immigrated to this country in the early part of the present century. He was a soldier of the war of 1812-14 and a Mason for more than fifty years. He pursued the medical profession for many years and was the author of a treatise of medicine, called "The Good Samaritan." He was ordained a minister of the church of God and preached several years by appointment of the Eastern Pennsylvania eldership, and was the author of several pamphlets, in which the doctrines of the denomination to which he belonged were explained and defended. While pastor he frequently composed hymns, which he set to music and which were sung by his own choir and congregation. His body and mental vigor remained unimpaired until his last illness and even in sickness his mind was as bright as ever. At seventy or near that age he married his fourth wife. At eighty, he was a man of remarkable activity, appearing no older than person ordinarily at fifty, -- The Patriot, Friday (Harrisburg, PA)

People's Advocate and Press. New Bloomfield, PA., Wednesday, July 1, 1874 Page 3

Death of Dr. Johnston, Elder Wm Johnson died at Mechanicsburg, Cumberland Co., last Thursday morning. He was born in Belfast, Ireland, on the 15th of January 1788, and immigrated to this country in his early manhood. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and belonged to the Masons for sixty years. Dr. Johnson for a number of years resided in different parts of this Co. and pursued the medical profession in an itinerant way. Years ago he was ordained a minister of the Church of God, and preached several years by appointment of the Eastern Pennsylvania eldership. He also wrote several pamphlets, in defense of that church. Dr. Johnston was married four times, marrying his last wife a few years ago. At his request his remains were buried with Masonic ceremonies beside a former wife at the Cumbler Church, in Howe Township, this County.

email from Johnny You the lady of the day :).

I finally got the files from Church of God..... <BG>

I'll get to the copy place and make you copies of everything I've been saving for ya.

They moved to Virgina !!! Short of it is all the approved preachers had to attend the annual conference to stay "approved" by the church to spread the gospel, at one of them William wasn't able to make it, so he sent a letter explaining how his horse died, they couldn't afford a new horse and so he couldn't make it. The church re-approved him based on the letter.

In the letter he noted that he was moving the family to Virgina to continue his preaching and he noted the townships :<)... It'll be in the mail to you this week.

Patriot Harrisburg June 27, 1847 Page 1

Rev William Johnston whose death we announced yesterday, was buried at Newport yesterday. The deceased was eighty seven years old.

His son, John M. Johnston attended the funeral.