Who was William Johnson?

What can a Black man, who worked for a local earl, reveal to us about our region?

This page requires you to become a history detective!

There is only one mention of Johnson in the archives*. How much can we learn about a person from just one document?

Johnson worked for the Earl of Strathmore in the late 1700s.

The Earl of Strathmore owned the Gibside estate in Gateshead. Johnson may heave worked there as a footman, or in another of the earl's estates.

*Archives are historical documents.

Reproduced by permission of The Story Durham Archives (Ref: D/St/C1/10/47)

Here is your evidence:

1. Primary Evidence
Transcription

William Johnson, a Negro aged 67, was born a slave to a Captain Young in the city of Philadelphia in North America.

At the age of 7 years, Craft's freedom was purchased by Captain (now general Campbell) and embarked from there to Liverpool. He was a servant to the captain for around 9 years.

During the time Craft served, he learned to play the French Horn. Craft played this instrument in his regiment commanded by the said Colonel Campbell.

At the end of that time, he went into the service of the late Earl of Strathmore as footman to his lordship. Craft continued in his service for around 14 years.

Afterwards, he was a footman to the late Gen. Mc Nairn of Desainaie in North Britain for around 8 years. He kept a small grocery shop and was in the habit of teaching young men to play upon the French Horn.