The Johnstown Community
The charming community of Johnstown, located just a few miles south of Clarksburg, West Virginia has a long and fascinating story all its own. Our host Martha Jett sat down with two of Johnstown’s citizens who also serve as historians and museum curators - John Chapman and Bill Suan - to talk about many points of interest that Johnstown history holds. Listen in on this candid conversation regarding all things Johnstown - from the interesting name changes for the town (from McPherson’s Crossing to Johntown to Johnstown), to the history of the Methodist Church and the very important role the town played in rescuing one of Clarksburg’s most prominent citizens from a Civil War prison camp.
The Affair at Johnstown
On April 18, 1863, Company B 17th regiment Virginia Cavalry led by Major Thomas D. Armsey (a native of Harrison Co.) was in Johnstown, VA recruiting for the Confederate Army. Major Armsey and his men were attacked by members of the old 3rd Virginia, which later became the 4th W. Va. Volunteer Cavalry commanded by Lt. Col. Samuel W. Snider. Maj. Armsey was captured at Johnstown and sentenced at Fort McHenry in October 1863 to fifteen years hard labor at Fort Warn near Boston; the charge was for recruiting for the Seccessionists behind Union lines in Harrison County.
The South had captured Union officer Major Nathan Goff Jr. of Clarksburg when his horse was shot from under him near Moorefield (Hardy County, Virginia). He was being held in solitary confinement in a small damp underground cell at Libby Prison in Richmond. The Confederates knew Goff’s family was influential and wanted to exchange him for Armsey. The South felt that if the conditions were dangerous to Goff’s health it would help in bargaining for Armsey.
Goff’s suffering was mitigated a bit by a visit to the prison by his uncle, Waldo P. Johnson, former U.S. Senator from Missouri who had chosen in 1861 to side with the Confederacy. Johnson took Goff clothing and money with which the youth bought Blackstone’s “Commentaries on the Law of England” which in addition to being read by him [Goff] to feed his mind was used as the weapon dropped on two rats to feed his stomach. Confederate soldiers who were boyhood friends of Goff also visited him. When petitioning by senators and governors had no effect on the War Department, Goff’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Waldo Goff, traveled to Washington and petitioned for a conference with President Lincoln. The president agreed to listen to the family and read letters they carried from Senators. At first, President Lincoln said he could do nothing. Then moved by pity, Lincoln signed an order granting the exchange of Armsey for Goff.
Read more about Nathan Goff, Jr. and the prisoner exchange here.
Johnstown United Methodist Church
The current church was built in 1884 and was the third building to occupy the land in Johnstown. Bricks for the church were made with clay taken from just down the road at the Post farm. Two cemeteries sit near the church, with graves dating back to the turn of the 19th century. During the early years of the brick building, the sanctuary was divided with one side for women parishioners and the other side for men. The church has continually held services since it was built, with exception of closure following major damage sustained during a tornado in 2014. The churchgoers and community of Johnstown raised funds for a complete restoration of the building; many of the original bricks were used in the repairs. Inside the church, beautiful paintings by local artist Samuel Butters depict Biblical scenes of Elijah and angels as well as the River of Life were saved from storm damage and still grace the walls. A choir loft is now used for Sunday School rooms. Services are held every Sunday at 9am. All are welcome.
The Johnstown Fair • Johnstown, West Virginia
Join the residents of Johnstown for their 70th annual community fair on September 13 & 14, 2024 at Johnstown Community Building.
• Admission is free
• Food and drinks will be available for purchase
• Live Auction
• Kids Activities
• Car Show
• Live Music
Johnstown Museum
Currently housed in the historic Johnstown community center, the Johnstown Museum has collections of many types and from various decades. See the band instruments from the respected Johnstown Community Band (proudly having performed for the John W. Davis Clarksburg homecoming in 1924) as well as military artifacts, antique tools from many trades and artisans, photos, books, and more.
Available to visit by appointment only.
Credits
Host, Research, & Scheduling: Martha Jett
Production & Marketing: Beth Gain and Clarksburg History Museum volunteers
Mixing & Editing: J. Joseph
Music: West Virginia Mountain Melody performed by Steve Peters
Special thanks to: John Chapman and Bill Suan for providing information
Cover Artwork: Photo of Johnstown by Beth Gain
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Amazon Music