In 1929, I received a Family Tree and short history on the Littlejohn family from a Dr. David Littlejohn, who was then the head of the Health Department for State of West Virginia. This information stated that "Littlejohn" was a friend and companion of Robin Hood, who was the Earl of Huntington and not a fictional character. Robin Hood and a group of men lived in Sherwood Forest, robbed the rich and helped the poor, and gave the High Sheriff of Nottingham a rough time. Due to religion, the Littlejohns left England and migrated to France to become French Huguenots. The story went on to tell that after some years they migrated to the United States with George Oglethorpe to Savannah, Georgia.

Further, I have received a letter from the Reverend Martin F.H. Hulbert M. A. B. Sc., the Vicar of St. Michael and All Saints Church in Hathersage, England, giving more information. In the churchyard nearby there is a headstone with this inscription.

"Here lies Littlejohn a friend and lieutenant of Robin Hood"

In the Annals of Yorkshire House written by the English author A.M.W. Sterling it reads,

"This Famous Companion of Robin Hood, who was a native of Hathersage was brought up to the local industry of nail making, till his wonderful strength and prowess made him try his fortunes elsewhere. Little is known of his career, however, till the Battle of Eveshaw in 1265, where he fought with the rebels under Simon De Montfort, who was defeated. Littlejohn with Robin Hood and many of the Earl's followers was outlawed.� The forewith retired to the woods, and escaping the arm of justice lived a jolly free life till old age overtook them. Robin Hood died at the age fourscore and was buried by Littlejohn in Kirklees Park. After the burial Littlejohn left to seek out his native village where he wished to lay his own bones. As he approached the vale of Hathersage, it is said he remarked that his career would soon be ended, and shortly after he breathed his last. From that time his great bow and some chain armour were hanging in Hathersage Church. The great bow is still at Canon Hall. The bow is made of spliced yew and is about six feet from tip to tip and takes a 160lb. pull to shoot it.

In 1715 a Colonel Naylor strung the bow and shot a deer with it."

Capt. James Shuttleworth caused the grave of Littlejohn to be opened and some of the bones removed. One thighbone was measured to a length of 31 to 32 inches, which would indicate a person being about seven feet tall.

In 1876, Dr. Charles Cox went into the Littlejohn story very fully in his book "Churches of Derbyshire" and he by no means scoffed.

The following is a summary of his writings:

"On the whole the evidence warrants us in assuming that a portion of the weapons and accoutrements peculiar to a forester were hung up in the church, and the said forester (both from the bow and the grave) was of exceptional stature, that both weapons and grave was popularly assigned to Littlejohn 600 years ago, and that the said weapons must have belonged to a man of extraordinary fame, or they would not have found such a resting place."

It is also stated that Littlejohn was known as "Bow Bearer" or considered a gentleman forester appointed by Edward I, King of England.

The grave of Littlejohn is tended by the Ancient Order of Foresters.

You can use your own judgment whether the above is truth, fable or myth, for we will never know.