Solomon Johnson

by

Solomon Johnson lived in Albany for a time during the 1780s. We seek information on his origins and path to Albany. A number of same-named contemporaries dictate caution in the development of this profile. At this point, we will say that most likely he was from New England - although he was not noted in NEA.

In January 1776, a "Solomon Johnson" was among those militiamen from Marbletown, Ulster County who signed a petition to the "colonial congress." We expect to find a wartime service (or activity record) for the Albany resident. At this point, his name has not been found in the records of Albany's wartime committees. However, afterwards, this subject was accorded a land bounty right in conjunction with the Albany militia regiment.

By the end of the war, he was living in Albany. In 1782, he was elected constable for the second ward. He was chosen again in 1786 but was certified only after he appeared and "took the oath of allegiance." He was elected in 1787 (although he soon was replaced).

In May 1788, the City Records reported that he had "removed to the Susquehanna."

Only one Solomon Johnson was identified on the first Federal census in 1790. The household of that individual was configured (2 boys, 2 men, 3 females) in Canaan, Columbia County, New York.

His will, probated in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania in December 1808, left "to my worthy friend Elisha Crane or his heirs all my property in Albany". That document noted that he was "sick and weak in body but Sound Mind Memory and Understanding." Also, no wife or children were identified. Perhaps, this intriguing characterization relates to the one-time Albany resident.

With so many basic questions still unanswered, we move on for now.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Solomon Johnson has no CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. These Johnsons probably descend from this New England pioneer.




first posted 6/10/14