1655 Sept 25: Mihill Gowen, a slave of Christopher Stafford of York County, Virginia, was given his freedom in two documents made by Anne Barnhouse, a widow of Capt. Richard Barnhouse and the sister of Christopher Stafford. The documents were recorded in "York County, Virginia Wills, Deeds and Orders, 1657-1659," and they read as follows: "I, Anne Barnhouse of Martin Hundred, widow, have given Mihil Gowen, Negro, at this time servant to Robert Stafford, a male child born 25 August 1655 of the body of my Negro, Prossa, being baptized by Mr. Edward Johnson 25 September 1655 and named William, and I bind myself never to trouble Mihil Gowen or his son, William or demand any service of them. 16 September 1657." "Mihil Gowen, Negro, of late serving my brother Xtopher Stafford, dcsd, by his last will & testament, had his freedom given him after the expiration of 4 years service to my uncle, Robert Stafford. I, Anne Barnhouse do absolve, quit and discharge the said Mihil Gowen from my service 25 October 1657. A.B. [The mark of Anne Barnhouse] Witnesses: Arthur Dickenson Joseph Albrighton" http://www.progenealogists.com/barnhouse/virginiabarns.htm<http://www.progenealogists.com/barnhouse/virginiabarns.htm> >From the above we know that Mr. Edward Johnson was baptizing Children and People in Martins Hundred. So I am keying on Land owners below to try and pick up some more clues on Reverend Edward Johnson 1665 Inventory of Rev. Edward Johnson, deced. (1665): ffoure small pictures 6 pence; "The Bookes belonging to Edward Johnson son & Heir, - Mrs. Mallory for Mrs. Johnson 1/3 of them, - ye rest 3L. LIBRARIES IN COLONIAL VIRGINIA SELECTIONS 1 FROM THE RECORDS OF YORK COUNTY, BY THE EDITOR. <http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/schools/wmmary/quarterly/v03n3/pg180-182.txt>http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/schools/wmmary/quarterly/v03n3/pg180-182.txt<http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/schools/wmmary/quarterly/v03n3/pg180-182.txt>This is very interesting as we know now that Reverend Edward Johnson died in York County Va. Who left books to his son and heir Edward Johnson, now Mrs. Mallory and Mrs. Johnson, his wife are still alive as is Edward Johnson the son. WE now know that The Reverend Johnson is strongly associated with YORK COUNTY VA from 1655 tell 1665.