The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-03-02
governor Jo.eph Johnson.

ou1cses
Intelligence was received in Baltimore
Yesterday of the death, at Bridgeport,
Harrison county, West Virginia, OF ex-
Governor Joseph johnson, in the ninety
second year of his age. His death DC.
Cured yesterday morning, after brief
illness. Ex-Governor johnson was IN
many respects q remarkable man. In
his public life, covering period OF
nearly three quarters of a century, dur
ing which time he was twice Governor
of Virginia, and for many con-
secutive terms q member Of Con-
gress, his record IS IN striking con-
trsdlstinction to the political cor
ruptionists of later days. But politically
and in social life Governor Johnson's
reputation was unspotted, and his integ'
rity and strict propriety never questioned.
He was born in New York December 10,
1885, and when 10 years of age, removed
with his mother and younger brother
to Bridgeport, where he resided sor more
than seventy year. His parents were in
humble circumstances, though highly re-
spected, and young johnson was thus
deprived of those educational advantages
which hundreds of far less successful
men have enjoyed. In fact, in the
DAYS of his boyhood there were
few if any schools, and little opportunity
was afforded him to acquire an
education. He was consequently an en-
tirely sef-msde man. While engaged
durlug the day in tilling the soil and
earning support for his mother, ne EN-.
ploved his evenings in educating HIM
self, and was close student. In the war
of 1912 he volunteered in defense of his
country. and served as a captain of
militia stationed at Norfolk. He subse-
uuently represented Harrison county IN
the Legislature OF Virginia for several
wears. He was soon after elected to Con-
gress, and served fourteen terms in the
House of Representatives. At the time
of his death be was the only surviving
member of the Eighteenth Congress. He
first took his seat in December, 1923,
more than fifty-three years ago. AS
stated above he was twice elected
Governor OF Virginia, first by the
Legislature under the Constitution Of
1929, and was the first Governor elected
BY the people under the provisions of
the new Constitution of 1851, which he
assisted in framing. Politically he was
Jackson Democrat, but was opposed to
secession in 1861. 1t was not until Lin
coin decided on coercive measures that
he expressed his full sympathy with the
cause of the South. For this he was
compelled to fee from his homein North
west Virginia (now West Virginia), but
returned at the close of the war. Two
wears ago when In Baltimore, Gov. Jonn-
son visited Congress, and also called
upon President Grant; but the latter WAS
absent from the White House At the
time of bis visit. 1t is a somewhat re-
msrksble fact that Gov. johnson en-
ioyed the personal acquaintance OF every
President of the United States, except
Washington and Grant. He at one time
took an active interest in state and nG-
tional affairs, and lost no opportunity in
promoting the interests oil his native
State. The Chesapeake and Ohio rail-
road enterprise was urged by him when
Governor, and completed in accordance
with his recommendations Personally,
he was of short stature and slender
physique, but of great physical vigor.
Though self-tsught, he was man of
highly cultured intellect, vigorous and
forcib!e speaker ard very entertaining
conversstionslist. Notwithstanding his
advanced age, his physical powers were
unimpaired, and his mind was un-
clouded up to the time of his death. Gov.
Jshnson married Miss Smith, OF West
Virginia, who died some twenty years
ago, by whom he had FIVE children. two
daughters and three sors, all of whom
are living. He also leaves fourteen
grand children and twelve great grand
children. DR.. G. H. Eyester, well
known physician in this city, married n
grand daughter. One of the daughters
of the deceased is also the wife Mr.. j.
a. English, of Baltimore. The lstter
gentleman was with Governor johnson
Yesterday when he breathed his last,
The funeral of the deceased, who had
within the past few years been men,
Der of the Baptist Church At Bridgeport,
will take place tomorrow from his late
residence