American watchman and Delaware advertiser., 1826-09-01
a Biographical sketch Of THOMAS JoHssoE' Esq
the first Republican Governor Of JMaryland.

the ) ate OF Mary land, was born on tne 4'h oay o.
November, 1892 in Calvert county, Maryland, at
the mouth of ST. Leonard's Creek, rendered mem
orabe by the battle Of the Barges, under the com
mand Of Commodore Barney. with the frigaes
during the last war with Great Britain. His grand
father, an eminen, lawyer CT Liverpool, emisrated
10 this country at a very early period OF It's settle
ment. His iather respectable farmer and planter,
lived to good old age, having the satisfaction OF
seeing seven sons and four daughters grown to
years Of maturity settled in the world and Thomas
elected Governor. One ofthem was Joshua John.
son ESQ the first American Consul 10 London,
whose useful life and kind hospitality has been
held n grateful remembrance by all his couptrymen
who visited England. He the father Of Mrs.
ADAMS, the Lady Of the President OF the Unlied
States. Mr.. Johnson received the rudments oil an
English education at Of the common schools oil
the country, al that time very inadequate to impaft
instruction and capable only Of teaching reading,
wiring, and arithmetic. At an early age, he was
sent to Annapolis TO write in the Provincial Court
Office. where he continued shor, time, until his
vigorous judgment aud ardent desire Tor informa
tion determined him to commence the study oil the
Law, which he prosecuted under the auspices OF
Mr.. Bordley As soon as he was admitted to the
bar, ne was distinguished equally tor the acuteness
OF his legal knowledge, sound logical disquisoD,
and, all, for his inhexible honesty and integ
riy of character In a very short time he arose to
Inc Hrst pFOtcsslondi TaHk IN lne Otdtci hDu Win
his compariots the Chases, Stone Pacs. Tilghman,
Goldsborough, ard lew others, occupied the high
est standing at the bar for several years. On the
commencement OF lhe troubles with Great Britain,
he, with the above named gentlemen, stepped for
ward in the foremost ra ks to oppose the unlusi
demands Of he mother county. and never swerved
an inch from the ST taght path that led to indepen
dence. IN the councils OF the State, and at puolic
harangues he always kept steady eye towards OBJ
tanning redr. IS for our wrongs; and when all hopes
OF accompl shing that ohlec, failed. he mantuly
supported and asserted claims to Independence
He member oil the FIST Congress of IVA,
which station he continued TO hold until he was
called ny his Dave State to higher trusts; was
member OF every important com mmittee, distinguish
ed for his pariotic speeches. and nominated Gene
raj Wastingt0n TO be Commander in Chief oil al
the Armies Of the United States. During the
memorable month Of July, 1776, he was absent
from Congress and until the 9th day Of November
following, was serving in the convention which
formed the Constitution Of Maryland. 1t is worthy
OF remark that so important his services esti-
mated, ha, having refused TO represent Anne
Arundel county. where he resided, under the in
st. ucons of the people, Colonel William Richard
son, oil Caroline who had been elected Delegate,
On his arrival at Annapolis, finding that Mr. John
son was not a member OF the Convention, immedi-
a;ely resigned his seat, conveyed him farm in his
county went home, and had him returned in his
place.
Shortly after the adjournment, Of the convention,
he was appointed brigadier- general OF the militia,
and in the winter OF l776 and l777 he headed
body Of l7o0 men, from Frederick county, compos
cd Of three regiments, commanded by his brothers
Colones James end BAHIA Johnson, and William
Beatty, which reinforcement formed large part oil
General Wsshingon's army 10 the Jerseys, during
that gloomy and critical period Whilst engaged
n he HeId N drfp of hia he ala
cd first Governor ot the State Of Maryland, and
immediately repairing to Annapolis, he filled the
olice at that tventu time, with diligence, integ-
Fy, and patriotic ability, that have not been excel
Cd II eqnalled, by any OF his successors After his
guberna'orial term expired, he removed to Frede
ricktown, In Frederick county, which he often
represented in the House Of Delegates and shortly
alter his re eligibility to The Governors chair, was
reelected; which honor he declined and although
often frequently solicited, ever refused to occupy
the first station 10 the state He never refused his
services when he thought them useful and impor-
iant to his countrymen, and, accordingly we find
him the most conspicuous advocate in the conven-
ton which adopted the Constitution of the United
States; opposing, with success, the transcendent
talents of the Messrs. Chases, Martin, and Mercer
The question OF adoption was carried by almost an
unanimous vo'e Upon the decease Of Mr.. Har
.isnn, Chief Judge OF the General Court, Mr.
Johnson was appointed to fill the vacancy; which
Office he held until he was appointed one of the As
spcia'e Judges of the Supreme Court of the Uni
ted Sa!es. The feeble state of his health Obliged
him to resign, in 1895. But so essential we're his
services thought by General Washington, whose
highest confidence he always enjoyed, that he inyi
ted bIm to scat in the cabinet which the state of
his affairs al ths, time prevented him from accept
ing nut he prevailed on him TO take the appoint
ment oi Commissioner Of the City of Washington,
with DR. Stuart and Mr.. Daniel Carroll, in con-
junction with whom. he laid of the plan and fixed
on The sites of the Capi'ol Presidents House, and
other public buildings: lasting monument of his
powerful mind, and devotion to the service of his