A Scots-Irish Journey: Johnson/Johnston Family Roots - Paperback

by Gregory R. Johnson (Author)

For many Scots-Irish history has been forgotten or overlooked. The book will be of interest to those who are students of the Scots-Irish experience as it relates to New England. This book was written by the author to better understand his Johnston Scots-Irish roots. The book is well researched providing a historical overview of eight chapters detailing significant events which impact the development of the Celtic tribes, Viking, Norman and Anglo-Saxon invaders who shape the history of Scotland and the formation of the Johnston family and Clan. In following chapters we read of life in the lowlands of Northern Britain which today encompass the lowlands of Scotland, and the English counties of Cumbria and Northumberland that are as Scottish as they are English. Life in the Lowlands and Borders region was a hard existence in war and peace. We read of the Johnston clan becoming one of the most influential clans on both sides of the borders. The book goes on to share an understanding of the Reformation, and the ministry of John Knox who rallies a nation in the manner of William Wallace bringing to Scotland the Kirk and its Presbyterian teachings. Following chapters bring the Stuart Kings of Scotland to the English throne, and we see the Johnston family transplanted from the Scottish borders to Northern Ireland or Ulster. We further witness the turmoil and conflict between Parliament and the Stuart Kings bringing the Bishops War, the Irish revolt of 1641, the English Civil War, and the Cromwellian Protectorate. We then see history repeat itself in 1688 with the Glorious Revolution, the 1689 Siege of Londonderry. This brings us to Michael Johnston, who then chooses to emigrate to America with his fellow Scots-Irish to begin a new life in New England. We read of the significant impact that these Scots-Irish had on the beginning of our American nature as they tipped the balance towards independence, and provided the steel backbone of George Washington's Continental Army. The books final chapter focuses on Michael Johnston from whom the author is descended and is the last confirmed Johnston in the author's family tree. The chapter reviews what we have learned about Michael Johnston's heritage, and some clues as to who his father might be, and how we might further additional family research. The author is looking to reach out to other descendants of Michael Johnston for purpose of reuniting descendants of this Scots-Irish immigrant who leaves us with a proud heritage.

Author Biography

The author resides in Tooele, Utah with his sweetheart Fe Corazon Johnson who has patiently supported this project to its conclusion. He is a military logistician and contracting specialist having served as a US Navy Captain, and as a USAF Contracting Officer. He has a BS in Finance from Utah State University, and an MBA in Strategic Leadership from Western Governors University. He is also a graduate of Air Command Staff College, and the Air War College. He loves to travel and has an insatiable thirst to understand history and the lives of our forebears. In his spare time he tinkers with a 1979 Datsun 280ZX, a nostalgic reflection of an earlier time when he owned a 1979 Datsun Fairlady Z while stationed in Japan and was dating his best friend and wife to be. He can be contacted at utahchop@msn.com .