William J. Johnson
| William Johnson | |
|---|---|
William Johnson
|
|
| Born |
December 8, 1821 Williamstown, Massachusetts, United States |
| Died | October 11, 1875 (aged 53) Seneca Falls, New York, United States |
| Allegiance | |
| Service/branch | |
| Years of service | 1862 – 1863 |
| Rank |
 Colonel
|
| Commands held | 148th Regiment |
| Other work | New York State Senator, 26th District, Democrat, 1871 - 1875. |
William Johnson (December 8, 1821 – October 10, 1875) was a New York State businessman and politician.
William Johnson was born on December 8, 1821 in Williamstown, Massachusetts, to David Johnson and Olive (Stodard) Johnson. The family removed to Frankfort, New York, where David died in 1825. At 14, William began studies in mechanics, and without completing a degree he began work as a contractor on public works projects.
It was his work on the New York State Canal System from 1849 through 1856 that brought him to Seneca Falls, New York. There he married in the summer of 1855 Angeline Chamberlain (died 1901), daughter of Congressman Jacob P. Chamberlain. The couple had five sons, the last surviving of whom was Charles Chamberlain Johnson. The Johnson residence still stands on Cayuga Street in Seneca Falls, and is being developed into condominiums after years as a home for women.
In 1859, Johnson entered into the manufacture of knit goods. He was a Democratic member of the New York State Assembly (Seneca Co.) in 1861, and was a member of the Canals Committee and the Commerce and Navigation Committee.
When the American Civil War began, he was appointed by Governor Edwin D. Morgan as Seneca County representative to the War Committee, responsible for procuring troops and supplies. In 1862, he assembled 1200 men at Camp Swift in Geneva, New York. He was appointed Colonel and led the 148th Regiment into the war. He resigned his commission and returned to New York in late 1863, citing ill health, but continued to support the Union cause at home.
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