Conditions Governing Use

Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, and the holder of the copyright, if not Old Dominion University Libraries.

Conditions Governing Access

Open to researchers without restrictions.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Box [insert number], Folder [insert number and title], Allen-Johnson Family Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.

Source of Acquisition

Mrs. Patricia Shaw

Method of Acquisition

Loan. Accession #A80-36a

Biographical or Historical Information

The Johnson family is one of the oldest families in New England. The progenitor of this branch of the Johnson family was James Johnson, who was one of eighty men who came to this country with Sir Fernando Gorges in 1621. This group settled on the Isle of Shoals, later to be known as the town of Rye, New Hampshire. His daughter, Mary Johnson, married John Ordiorne, who settled on what is now known as Ordiorne's Point in the town of Newcastle, New Hampshire. A few generations later, Daniel Johnson married Jane Ordiorne furthering the tie between the Johnson and Ordiorne families. Jotham Ordiorne, son of John and Mary Ordiorne, was the first judge of the Superior Court in the Province of New Hampshire. The Johnson family had a part in every war on the continent, with the exception of the war with Mexico, a war that was waged to obtain more slave territory, and which was not popular in New England. Philip Johnson was with Sir William Pepperel at the capture of Louisburg, C.B. in 1690. Lewis Johnson was with DeWolf at the capture of Quebec from the French. Daniel Johnson was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Another Johnson was a member of General Ulmer's Regiment in the war of 1812. The brothers, John and Ralph Johnson served in the Civil War. Ralph was killed at the battle of the Wilderness. John served as an officer in the Navy, and was promoted twice for his gallant conduct in action.

Note written by Janice Halecki

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of mostly personal correspondence between the members of the Johnson and Allen families of Maine, who were related by marriage. In addition to the correspondence, other items include photographs of an ice storm, postcard, genealogical information, receipts, and accounts. This collection has some information that may be of interest to someone researching the genealogy of the Johnson and Allen families, as well as the Tracy's of Maine, who are also related.

Arrangement Note

The collection is organized into three series: Series I: Personal Correspondence; Series II: Business Papers; and Series III: Miscellaneous.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Allen-Johnson family
• Families--New England--History--18th century
• Families--New England--History--19th century
• Families--New England--History--20th century