Private Jonathan B. Langston (older brother of Jacob R. Langston) was born on October 17th, 1837 at Darlington District, South Carolina. His family had relocated from South Carolina sometime after 1848.

In 1860, he was living at the residence of his father John near Blue Creek in Liberty County, Florida along with his mother, 3 younger brothers and a younger sister. Jonathan’s father was farmer of no small means, owning real estate valued at $3,000 and a personal worth of $4,935. Jonathan’s profession was given as farm laborer.

Jonathan married Celia A. McMillian at Wakulla County, Florida on November 22nd, 1860.

He enlisted in Captain Davidson’s Company on April 18th, 1862 at Rico’s Bluff, Liberty County, Florida. He was absent sick at Liberty County, but was able to rejoin the company before June 30th, 1862. He took ill again at on August 28th, 1862 and was left at Barboursville, Kentucky.

He returned to the company about November 12th, 1862, and was present with it until March 28th, 1863 when he was medically discharged at Strawberry Plains, Tennessee due to variola.[1] and poor health.

His discharged described him as 6’ tall, fair skin, brown hair, blue eyes, and by occupation a farmer.

His health improved sufficiently to permit his return to military service; he enlisted with Company B (Smith’s Company), 5th Battalion of Florida Cavalry on July 15th, 1863 at Quincy, Gadsden County, Florida. Jonathan surrendered at Tallahassee, Florida on May 10, 1865, and was paroled at Tallahassee, Florida on May 17, 1865.

After the war, Jonathan served as the postmaster at Smith’s Creek, Wakulla County, Florida.[2]

Jonathan died at his home at Smith Creek, Wakulla County, Florida on September 12th, 1900 and is interred at Smith Creek Cemetery, Smith Creek, Wakulla County, Florida.

Celia applied for and was granted a Confederate pension for Jonathan’s service.

[1] smallpox

[2] See Webb, Wanton S. “Webb’s Historical, Industrial and Biographical Florida, Part 1”. W. S. Webb & Co., New York. 1885. 202 pages.

Jonathan B Langston