Previously I have posted on the List because of an interest
in the Cato family due to the marriage of Davis Johnson and
Elizabeth "Betsy" Cato as Davis is a bro of my 4g grandfather
Noble Johnson. Since then my research has established a second
Johnson line that includes Cato as a new direct line (along
with Frizzell).
Betsy Cato and Davis Johnson married in Christian Co. Ky
on Aug 17, 1809. As previously posted, she was born in SC
on Feb 1, 1784 and died Feb 4, 1878. Davis Johnson was
born about 1786 in SC, the son of David Johnson and Margaret
(unknown) who probably lived in the area of Lynches Creek
prior to moving to Christian Co. KY about 1805.
Preliminarily, I have thought that the older Sterling Cato who moved
on to Missouri was Betsy's father. Yet I notice that the data from
the Christian Co. tax lists shows that the earliest Cato was Elizabeth
Cato (widow of Rev. John Cato?) and Henry Cato in 1809, the year
that we know Betsy was there and married Davis Johnson. In 1810
we have Henry, John, Nathan, "Starling", Richard, and young Henry.
As a beginner I lack the "Cato saturation" of knowledge to make any
kind of call, but if Henry is the only male Cato taxpayer in 1809 is it
more probable that he is Betsy's father? Of course there is always the
wild card that the others arrived after the taxes were assessed and paid
in 1809. A brief outline so you know where Cato and Frizzell key in.
My line is Hugh Johnson/Susan Moss; Hugh son of Uriah
Johnson/Clarissa Frizzell; Uriah son of Davis Johnson/Betsy Cato; Davis
son of David Johnson and Margaret (both born about 1755-60 or so).
Clarissa Frizzell is the dau of Thomas Frizzell from SC, born 1770-80
and died in 1848 Madison Co. MO.
Susan Moss is dau of Joseph L. Moss/Maria Louisa Johnson; Maria dau
of Noble Johnson/Jane Burns; Noble son of David/Margaret Johnson.
In Wayne Co. MO census for 1830 Davis/Betsy Johnson are next to
Henry Cato 40-50 (wife Mary Ladd?), Jane Johnson (nee McGee),
widow of Wm Johnson older bro of Davis, and close to them is Richard
Cato 40-50, Sterling Cato 30-40, and Ransom Ladd 20-30. Also Davis'
son Uriah and wife Clarissa.
From SC deeds a David Johns(t)on owned land on Flat Creek near
Lynches Creek about 1801. They moved to Christian Co. KY about
1805 and then crossed the river to Cape Girardeau by 1812 (were
members of Bethel Baptist Church in Jackson by then). Have yet to
find evidence they belonged to Lanes Church or another Baptist church
where Rev. John Cato was minister.
Your help and guidance on the placement of Betsy Cato would be so
appreciated. Hope this finds Adruain and Henry doing well. Thanks.
John