The surname has been spelled, Johnson and Johnston.

There has been a significant amount of speculation regarding Anne Nancy Johnston, with various genealogy sites offering different information about her background. Some sources claim that she was born in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, while others suggest Essex County, Virginia or New Kent County, Virginia. Furthermore, there are conflicting reports about her parents. Some indicate that her father may have been William Johnston (Johnson), with two possibilities – one being a Quaker and the other an Episcopalian. As for her mother, the names mentioned include Sarah Penelope Massier, Anne Chew, Anna (LNU), Betty Wyatt Taylor, and Elizabeth Wyatt Coleman.

The birth date of Anne Nancy Johnston has also been a subject of debate, with different sources citing a range from approximately 1699 to 1715. However, the earlier years suggested seem unlikely, considering the birth years of her later children. It is improbable that she would have been able to bear children during those early years. Therefore, it has been deemed more plausible to adjust the reported birth years to align with what is considered probable.

There is also a tree that reports that one William Johnston that married Anne Chew is Ann’s brother, not her mother and father, as others have cited.

“William Johnson was in Spotsylvania from 1722. His brother, Benjamin Johnson appears in the records of Spotsylvania County records from 1731. His sister, Anne, and her husband, Philip Ballard, appear in the same County from 1746. The spelling of the surname changes to Johnston soon after 1731.”

Reliable documentation about her from the early 1700s is scarce. It is important to exercise caution when relying on the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) or Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), as their genealogical records may be flawed or outdated. Sometimes, in order to obtain membership in these organizations, individuals may force connections that are not entirely accurate.

The fact is that like Philip Ballard, Ann Nancy Johnston is another conundrum and brick wall we have to deal with.

Married Philip Ballard.

Current Known History

On 5 April, 1756, Philip Ballard of Orange Co. & Ann, his wife, to John Penn of Spotsylvania Co. for £10, 200 acres in Spotsylvania Co., Witnessed by Peter Gatewood, Alexr. Spence Head, John Tureman. Later sold by Penn on 10 February 1767, recorded 2 March 1767, and described as, “joining lands of Holloday bought of John Sartin, & the lands of Wm. Mays, & the patent granted Edmund Waller.” {Deed books, (Spotsylvania County, Virginia), 1722-1910, 1962; general indexes, Deed Book E, pg. 708-709,database with images, FamilySearch, Virginia, not indexed}.

On 2 March 1758, Philip Ballard and his wife Ann sold an additional 434 acres in Spotsylvania Co. to John Hubbard of Culpeper Co., Virginia, for £43, witnessed by Ann Head, Peggy Bruce, Robert Sharman, Joseph Hawkins, Robert Beagles, Dilly Beagles, and Thos. Wiatt. {Spotsylvania Co. Va. Deed Book E, pg. 520-522, Family Search, not indexed}.

On 5 April, 1760, Philip and wife Ann sold another 100 acres in Spotsylvania to William May for £9, 7 shillings. The witnesses were John Penn, Alexr. Spence Head and Peter Gatewood. {Spotsylvania Co. Va. Deed Book E, pg. 664-665, Family Search, not indexed}.

On 14 April, 1787, Philip and wife Nancy sold son William 100 acres of land for 50 pounds. The property is located in modern day Greene County, Virginia, which was formed from Orange County in 1838. {Orange County, General index to deeds, 1734-1892; deeds, 1734-1865; court records, 1734-1760; marriage and birth records, 1751-1778, Deeds Vols. 19-20 1786-1795, pg. 125-127.}