The Johnson and Kendall Families

Eliza Kendall and Archibald Johnson (Hannah Johnson’s parents)

Eliza Kendall and Archibald Johnson were born on the same day - August 27, 1831, Archibald in Illinois and Eliza in Ohio. Archibald B. Johnson's first wife was Mary E. Elzy. They were married in Floyd County, Indiana in December of 1851 (Book 3 page 387). It is not known how that marriage ended. Archibald B. Johnson married Eliza Ellen Kendall in New Albany, Floyd County, Indiana on July 2, 1854. (Marriage Book 4, Page 80).

Afterwards they lived in Martinsville, Morgan County, Indiana. Archibald B. Johnson owned a brick mill and made the bricks for the courthouse in Martinsville. He died there August 20, 1867 at the age of 36 years and is buried at Martinsville at the Mitchell Cemetery. It is said that Archibald's father, Hezekiah came on horseback to the funeral and when he left that was the last time the family heard of him. It is known that land was deeded from Casper Amback to Hezekiah F. and wife, Hannah B. Johnson in Sullivan County, Indiana by deeds dated May 25, 1863 and June 1, 1863.

There are some marriage records in New Albany about Archibald's half sisters. A family Bible gives other information. Mary Elizabeth Johnson was born Feb. 11, 1840 and married Thomas Ogg in New Albany on August 15, 1857. Sarah Jane Johnson was born on Dec. 17, 1832 and married William Turner in New Albany on Oct. 9, 1859. The Bible also lists the following: Hanna - July 5, 1834, Malinda - June 15, 1837, William C. - Aug. 11, 1841, Robert Kemp April 26, 1844, and Thomas Jefferson - Sept. 17, 1847. There is a marriage record for Hannah Johnson and Jacob Elzy in Floyd County on May 16, 1850.

When Archibald Johnson died in Martinsville, Eliza Ellen Kendall Johnson was 36 years old and left with five children. She was also pregnant with her last child, Hannah Caroline Johnson. Ellen’s father, Thomas Kendall, went to Martinsville with a spring wagon and brought her and her children to Scott County.

Ellen Kendall later married W. P. Smith between 1870 and 1880. He was a farmer. They lived near Estil in Scott County. Estil is now a vanished settlement located near the Estil Cemetery. It is said that the marriage did not last very long.

A newspaper clipping said the following:
Last Thursday Mrs. Eliza E. Smith was 60 years old and more than 50 friends and relatives spent the day with her. Her son, F. B. Johnson of Jeffersonville, Samuel Trulock and family and Perry Kendall and family of near Austin and Samuel Hall and family of Lexington were among the number present. Although much surprised at such a gathering of friends, she enjoyed their company and the day was pleasantly passed by all. Her many friends wish a long and happy life. A highly palatable repast was spread and enjoyed by those present. That it was excellent, the samples of cake and fruit placed upon our desk fully attest.
She spent the last five years of her life with her son, Charles Henry Johnson in Indianapolis.

Ellen Kendall Johnson Smith died July 22, 1896. She is buried at Estil Cemetery. Her children erected a tombstone in her honor. The inscription reads: "Elizae, wife of W. P. Smith, widow of A. B. Johnson, born Aug. 27, 1831, died July 22, 1896."

Obituary of Eliza Kendall Smith

Her obituary appeared in a local newspaper:

Mrs. Eliza Smith died last night at her home on the old Roswell farm of a complication of diseases, aged 65 years. The deceased was the mother of F. B. and Charles Johnson and a sister of A. J. Kendall of this city. She was highly respected, a most excellent lady and a member of the Christian Church. The funeral will take place tomorrow from the Christian Church, at Scottsburg and the remains will be interred at the Estell Cemetery.