Evening star., 1933-11-12

was born in Georgia, November s. 1905. and
so ais tneoiogeai eincation tic ns at AieHandra. Va.
he became tutor to the Mason children at
Gunston Hall, and subsequently, from 1887 to
1843, served as rector of Pohick Church. 1t
was while in the former position that he met
and married Ann Eliza Washington, eldest
daughter of Bushrod Washington. jr.. who
married his cousin, Elizabeth Washington
Mrs. Ann Eliza Washington johnson was
born In Virginia September IT, 1907, and died
April IS. 1851 She was married at Mount
Eagle, Va, then part of the vast Mount
Vernon estate, March 49, 1881.
Their son. Dr. Henry A. Johnson, baptized
Spottswood Augustine johnson, according to
the record here given, was born in Bellwood,
where the old church is located, March 9, 1846.
The changing OF his name was the result or
his running away from home when Is years
of age to join the Union Army, and was done
in order to hide his whereabouts, knowing that
he would be taken from the Army if found. and
since that time he has stuck to his modified
name, and. now that he is nearing his eighty
eighth year. sees no for reverting to
the old form. Today he Is at least one OF the
oldest living descendants of the washington
family
THE doctor had a fine Army record. He
enlisted March S, 1861, in Company <,
26th Infantry which became the first 3-year
regiment from the State of Pennsylvania. On
account of wounds received at the second
battle of Bull Run, he mustered out June
49, 1864 Later he was appointed by Gov.
Curtin, of Pennsylvania, captain to raise
company for the State service, but declined,
though subsequently he served in the United
States Railroad Construction Corps. On
August /, 1867 he entered the Regular Army
and during the reconstruction period, served
as chief clerk within the District of Alabama
a special assignment; was discharged from the
Regular Army, as quartermaster sergeant, April
9, 1869, and offered commission as second
lieutenant in the 33d Infantry, but declined,
to engage in the pursuits Of civil life.
Dr. johnson has filled most every Office in
the Grand Army Of the Republic. In 1910-11
he was commander of the Department of the
Potomac, and at one time was surgeon general
of the national body He is retired Federal
employe, belongs to the Association Of Oldest
Inhabitants, is married and has two daugh-
ters. The doctor says he has lived longer than
any of his forbears.
The writer spoke of the fine condition he
found old St. Andrews Church to be in. and this
is so as to the exterior, but the inside Is In
urgent need of repair. The woodwork is fast
going to pieces, particularly in the supports,
and the pastor would be more than glad to get
in touch with someone interested in colonial
architecture. who would be willing to restore
this old church, erected 10 years before the
signing of the Declaration of Independence. A
letter will reach him If addressed to Leonard
town. Md
One cannot realize the great damage done
by the storms of last Summer in lower st.
Marys County unless he travels that way.
Most everywhere, big, sturdy oaks, possibly a
century or more old, can be seen lying prone
with their enormous roots standing high in the
air Here and there Summer houses have been
lifted from their foundations and skewed as
though they were mere sticks Of cordwood.
A corner of the old hotel at Coltons Point,
where thousands Of Washingtonians have
stopped in past years, was washed away and
the dancing pavilion in front considerably
dilapidated; the upright piano being upright"
upon one end in the water below.
This is the Oldest manor of Maryland,
granted, in 1888, to Thomas Gerard as st.
Clements Manor. The "Ark' and the Dove"
landed here March IS, 1884 two days before
Leonard Calvert decided to settle at Church
Point Upon the marriage of Sir Thomas
Gerrards daughter, Elizabeth, to Nehimiah
Blackstone, a wedding dover was the st.
Clements Island and manor. A part Of the
building is very DID, and a tablet on the hotel
tells us that nut trees, English trees and
pecans planted In the garden by Mistress Ger
rard are still bearing the manor lands"
which include st. Margarets and st. Katherines
Islands.