Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1888-02-28
AN AMERICAN STATESMAN.

Rev. William G. Andrews Reads AN
Interesting Paper Befere the 4istor-
fcaI Society ON the Life of Hon.
Samuel Johnson, One of the Raria-
ers of the Constitution.
Rev. William G. Andrews, of Guilford last
evening read an interesting paper before the
New Haven Historical society, of which he
was for years secretary, on the life and work
of Hon. Samuel johnson, LII. D., one of the
ratifers of the constitution of the United
States and the envoy of the colony of Con-
necticut to England.
The pleasant rooms of the society were fill
ed with the members of the society and their
friends.
The speaker began by giving an outline of
the condition of the colonies before DR.. John
sens entry into the field to battle for their
rights. "For more than twenty years." said
he, cdr. johnson did his utmost to serve the
colonies and better their condition What
he and his colleagues accomplished in 1887
was what he had labored most assiduously
for. This distinguished statesman was born
October z, 1927, at Stratford, Conn He was
the son of a leading clergyman of that town.
He entered Harvard college and studied law.
He took his second degree in I747
and began the practice of law
in his native town. After while he be-
came deeply interested in literature and
formed the acquaintance of many noted liter
att, among them being his great English
nsmesake, Samuel johnson of England.
He was described as one of the most accom-
plished lawyers of his time. The part taken
by this Stratford lawyer in the congress that
framed the constitution is graphically de-
scribed by Bancroft. Of the four reports
presented to the congress Johnson's was the
most superior. The address to the king was
principally the work of johnson.
time as lawyer than an
orator, although he was an eloquent speaker.
As envoy to England to plead the course of
the colonies he was in the fullest sympathy
with the people. He opposed the stamp act
most strongly. The university of Oxford
gave him the degree Of Doctor of Laws. 1t
was at the close of 1850 that he became en-
gagged as counsel for the defense in the great
Michigan Indian case. johnson showed him
self true American, and fully showed his
devotion to Connecticut by remaining away
from his family ties for SO long period of
time. He measured the men in England by
their ideas about the colonies rights.
strenuous measures like the hanging of the
custom house officers efigies or breaking the
officers windows. AS time grew on he be-
came almost passionate in his plea for the
uniting of the colonies. In all his CORE
spondence from England he showed himself
man of most remarkable genius and abil-
ity. He returned from England in 1771,
after having served the colonies most faith
fully and WELL Connecticut thanked him
for his noble work and he was at once re-
stored to the council
"When hostilities were commenced he re-
signed his commission as an officer and de-
clined to be resRpointed in the continental
congress, although afterwards he furnished
soldiers and collected money, and did
all in his power for the cause.
In 1884 he again went to the continental
congress and was chairman of the delegation
that framed the constitution of the United
States.
Gle loved justice and hated oppression
intensely.
cdr. johnson was undoubtedly one of the
most cultured men in America at that time,
and was one of the best qualified and most
able statesmen in American history. In
1871, after Congress moved to Philadelphia,
he resigned his seat in the Senate and was
succeeded by Roger Sherman. He at once
entered upon his duties as president of
college, over which he ably presid-
ed for many years. After resigning the pres
idency he retired to his Stratford home where
he led digni6ed and quiet life.
'sHe passed away quietly and peacefully
at the age of 80 years on the 18th of Novem-
Der, 1919"
Among the few living descendants of Will
liam Samuel johnson are his great-grand-
children, General Samuel William johnson
Of New York, Mrs. S. E. johnson Hudson,
who occupies the old johnson manor at
5tratford, and Mrs. DR.. w. Fl. Carmalt of
this city. The late DIR. Woolsey johnson of
New York also was great-grandson.