In the 1790 US Federal Census (1st US Federal Census) Asahel is listed in Bristol, Hartford County, Connecticut. Also listed are 3 Free White Males under the age of 16, 2 Free White Males 16 and over, and 6 Free White Females. 11 total Household Members.
In the winter of 1795-6 Asahel Johnson and Zenas Cook first came to Sheshequin and made that there base while they explored the area for a location to settle. Asahel decided on the Orwell area, purchasing Towner Hill.
In 1797 Asahel Johnson and 2 others permanently joined the new settlement of Orwell Township, founded one year prior. The town was 6 miles square and was first called Menden.
In the 1800 US Federal Census Asahel is listed as having his home in Ulster, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The listing includes 2 Free White Males under the age of 10, 1 Free White Male 10-15 years of age, 1 Free White Male aged 16-25, 1 Free White Male aged 26-44, 2 Free White Females under the age of 10, 1 Free White Female age 10-15, 1 Free White Female age 26-44, 9 Members total in the Household.
In the 1810 US Federal Census Asahel is living in Wyasox, Luzerne County, PA. There are listed 1 Free White Male under age 10, 1 Free White Male aged 10-15, 2 Free White Males aged 16-25, 1 Free White Male aged 26-44, 4 Free White Females under age 10, 1 Free White Female aged 10-15, 1 Free White Female aged 16-25, 1 Free White Female aged 26-44, Number of Slaves 12, 24 total Household Members.
Bradford County, PA was founded in 1812-13. In a list of “Residents at County Organization-the taxable inhabitants (all males 21 years and over and females owning property) at the organization of Bradford County as ascertained from assessment rolls, voting lists and other sources” shows Asahel Johnson living in Orwell.
On 10 February 1815 in The Susquehanna Democrat newspaper (Wilkes-Barre, PA) on page 4 reports in a column entitled “LETTERS ON HAND, At Bridegwater Post Office, Susquehanna County, PA” that on 31 December 1814 Asahel Johnson had mail.
On 10 August 1815 there was a Federal-Republican meeting for the towns of Wysox and Towanda. A committee was appointed to call a delegate meeting of the townships and Asahel Johnson was on the committee for Orwell township.
I have been unable, yet, to locate Asahel in the 1820 US Federal Census.
In the 1830 US Federal Census I find
possibly, Aseal Johnson
In the 1840 US Federal Census Asahel is listed as having his home in Orwell, Bradford, Pennsylvania. The listing included 1 Free White Male aged 70-79, 1 Free White Female aged 20-29, 1 Free White Female aged 70-79, 1 Person Employed in Agriculture, 3 Total All Persons in Household.
In the 1850 US Federal Census taken on 20 September for Orwell, Bradford County, Pennsylvania, Asahel is an occupant of the area on 1 June and listed as a Farmer by occupation, 82 years of age, born in CT. Also on the list are his wife Beulah age 80, Mary Johnson age 38, born in PA and Azubah Fletcher age 55, born in Vermont.
I also found the following notation about Asahel “Married Beulah Hitchcock in 1788. The children were, as listed in the Bible of Asahel Johnson and his son Joel: Lydia, Artemus, Simeon, Amanday, Charlotte, Joel (my), Welthy, Julia, Clarissa, Lydia (2nd), Nelson, and Mary.” Oh, to be able to locate that family Bible and see the handwriting of my ancestors.
This information adds so much more to the story of the life of Asahel Johnson then I previously knew. I like to go back occasionally and see what else I can find on my ancestors. New information continues to become available, so the story of their lives continues to grow. Don’t be discouraged if at first there seems to be only a small bit of information.
If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby
