The Johnsons of the Big Bend Section
of the St. Marys River
By Viva Jean & John Outterson Dedication: This book is dedicated to my late father and mother, Wilbert and Amanda Johnson, who gave me life and the inspiration and direction to be successful. Their commitment to my sisters and me, through good and bad times, has left
an ineffaceable impression upon us and developed within us a loving commitment to our families. Viva Jean Johnson Outterson. PREFACE This study of my parents and ancestors has given me a better understanding of them and for that matter myself for which I shall be forever grateful. The study of ones ancestral heritage develops in one an appreciation for the trials, hardships and sacrifices that our forefathers endured to provide us
with the life that we currently enjoy. We have much for which to be thankful as our ancestors not only gave us life but a value system, which provides meaning and direction for our lives. An undertaking of this nature could not have been achieved without the assistance of many people and organizations. I am deeply grateful to all the people who assisted me in gathering the background information about my mother's family. The records that were made available by the Church
of Latter Day Saints were an invaluable source of information. Many thanks are extended to the people of the records office of Nassau County, Florida, for the help they provided. A particular thank you is extended to the wonderful people of the historical societies and public libraries of the Florida cities of Milliard, Callahan, Fernandina Beach, MacClenny, Daytona Beach, DeLand, Orlando and Jacksonville and the city of Folkston, Georgia. These caring people gave much of
their time and provided me with invaluable assistance. The personnel of the public library and city records office of Wooster, Ohio, were very thoughtful and helpful in my research. A special thank you is extended to the people of the historical society, public library and records office of the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who gave so much of their time and provided such valuable assistance. I am also deeply thankful for the warm and compassionate
support I received from the citizens of Nassau County, Florida and Charlton County, Georgia. I give particular thanks to my relatives for their contributions, encouragement and support for this undertaking. I have tried very hard to avoid omissions and mistakes but I am sure I have made some. Please be forgiving when you find one. Viva Jean Johnson Outterson
DeLand, Florida
1999 INTRODUCTION This is the
story of the ancestors and descendants of Amanda Johnson Johnson of the Big Bend Country of the St. Marys River. Amanda's ancestors were early pioneers of the Big Bend Country, settling in Traders Hill, Georgia and later in Milliard, Florida. They fought the Indians and the elements, establishing their footprints in the beautiful Big Bend Country of the St. Marys River. Chapter One examines the history of the Big Bend Country and the factors that shaped the lives of the
early pioneers and their descendants. Chapter Two is devoted to the history of the paternal grandparents of Amanda, John J. Johnson and Elizabeth Douglas, and their offspring. Chapter Three is devoted to the history of the maternal grandparents of Amanda, Levin Tomlinson and Sarah Daugharty, and their offspring. Chapter Four addresses the life and times of Amanda's father, John J. Johnson, Jr., and her mother, Emily Tomlinson, and their offspring. Chapter Five is devoted to the ancestral
history of Wilbert Franklin Johnson of Ohio, the husband of Amanda Johnson. Chapter Six examines the family life and history of Amanda Johnson and Wilbert F. Johnson and their descendants. Proceed to Contents. | 
