Query received June 16, 2006
Good Day,
I am seeking information on a Charles (Charlie) Johnson. According to the 1880 Federal Census he was born in 1853 or 1858 (he and his family are listed twice) on Indian Territory (Nation) as were both his parents - at the time of the census he was living in Williamson County, Texas. The census also states that he is Black - so I am trying to see what his circumstances may have been - was he born into slavery in Indian Territory, was he a "Freedman?"
All I know of Charles (Charlie) Johnson is what is found in the 1880 Census (Williamson & Travis Counties, TX) and a couple family stories. I do not know the names of his parents, but the 1880 census states they were both born in Indian Territory. His two daughters always said that he was a full-blooded Indian. I am not sure how believable any of this is because he died when his daughters were around 6 & 12 yrs old, and the 1880 census lists him as being Black.
The 1880 Census also states that Charlie could not read or write English.
He was married to a woman named Patsy Huddleson (who is listed as being a Mulatto), and they had at least 3 children: James Johnson (b.1879 - TX), Louverne Johnson (b.1884 - TX), and Mary Johnson (1892 - TX).
I hope this information will help - if no direct linkage can be made, I would love to hear what you think Charlie's situation may have been - best educated guess.
Any help or guidance on this matter would be highly appreciated.
Thank you,
Colin Hicks
Response June 22, 2006