Joseph Johns (1794-1906)
Early Life
Joseph Johns was born in Fauquier County Virginia in 1794. Before he became a collier, Joseph Johns was a slave in Virginia. After escaping slavery, Joseph Johns resided for several years in the mountains near Chambersburg, PA before coming to Lebanon County, PA[1] and eventually settling in the Blue Mountains[2].
Life as a Collier
Unlike most colliers, who lived in collier huts only during the charcoal production process, Joseph Johns lived year-round in his dwelling on the mountain[3].
Joseph Johns also sold berries he collected on the mountain. In approximately 1881, thieves came upon his residence and stole nearly fifty-dollars from him and then proceeded to burn his collier hut to the ground. Joseph Johns rebuilt his hut following this event[4].
Additional Information
Joseph Johns was allegedly known among the residents in the area as a "healer" and mother's were said to have brought their children to him[5].
In 1969 Joseph John's collier hut was reconstructed as an Eagle Scout project by Michael Shay of Lebanon County, PA[6]. A stone marker in the memory of Joseph Johns was erected at Bashore Scout Reservation, Lebanon County, PA in 1994[7].
Later Life
Joseph Johns died February 7, 1906 at 112 years of age and was buried in Moonshine's Church Cemetery [8]. According to his death certificate [9], he died of dropsy and was about 110 years old. There are no know records of his actual year of birth.
Notes
References
- Ditzler, Francis W. 2007. From Slavery to Freedom: Joseph Johns 1794-1906. U.S.A.: KeyComp.
- Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 02 September 2020), memorial page for Joseph H “Black Joe” Johns (1794–7 Feb 1906), Find a Grave Memorial no. 6611393, citing Moonshine Cemetery, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, USA ; Maintained by Linda Himpsl (contributor 46993321).
- Hower, John. 1992. Black Joe: Former Slave Provides Fuel for Campfire Tales. Lebanon Daily News, February 3, 1992.