The Republican journal., 1899-12-14
John o. johnson OF Liberty.

Waldo county's candidate in the coming
contest over the selection of the depart
ment commander for the Maine Grand
Army of the Republic has already been
prominently mentioned in connection
with the office, and even beyond the pales
of Liberty, his home, or beyond the coun-
ty limits, his candidacy has been received
/ with more than ordinary enthuiasm.
ohn o. johnson is really the pride of
Waldo county G. A. r. men. His name
will be presented by them at the coming
encampment and it is predicted that he
| will receive a most substantial vote.
| John o. johnson, who is veteran of
both services of the fighting forces of our
country in the civil war--t e army and
the navy-was born in Belmont, Feb. Z,
1884, the son of Daniel aud Phebe (Stev-
ens) johnson. lnheriting much patriot
| ism from his ancestors, who took part in
the two most important colonial wars, the
French and Indian and the struggle with
! Great Britain, for independence, together
with much military spirit caused him to
enter the civil war, where he served with
| honor.
Mr.. Johnsop's great grandfather, Lewis
| JOnuSou, SeINeu uuQeT 1eu. w ole, dl l0e
siege of Quebec and his grandfather,
Daniel Johnson, fought in the Revolution
airy war. Mrs. Hannah Dustin, famous
for a remarkable exploit, was a relative
OF the family.
Mrs. Dustin and her family lived in
Haverhill and when that village was at,
tackled and partially destroyed by the In
dams in 1897, Mrs. Dustin, her nurse and
a boy were captured and carrie off by
the Indians, while her husband escaped
with seven small children.
Mrs. Dustin the nurse and boy were
marched over $50 miles. During the
march through New Hampshire, while the
I Indians were wrapt in siumber one night,
the three captives broke their bonds and
/ tomahawked ten of the Indians, only a
squaw and boy escaping. The boy had
| learned from the savageS the way t. cause
instant death and the scalps were taken to
| prove their story.
The father of the subject Of this sketch
| David johnson, was farmer and was
some 81 years Of age when h. died
John Q. johnson obtained his early edu-
cation in the schools Of Belfast and later
followed the sea in the merchant marine
SERVICE being in the West Iudia trade
some eight years and Mt that time mate of
the vessels When the Rebellion broke
out he enlisted as d private in the Fourth
Maine regiment of Infantry
On a forced march he received a sun
stroke, which affected his eyes and caused
his later discharge. On recovering he
entered the navy and was appointed a,
''master's nate on the fngate North
v Carolina and later transferred to the bark
Midnight, which was stationed on the
coast of Texas about year.
Ia 1862 he was promoted to the posi-
ton of acting ensign, and went on duty
on board the Commodore Hull, at that
time in the inland waters of North Car
DINA. His gallant conduct in action
caused his promotion to acting master in
June, 1868, and the next year, in May,
1861, he participated in the fight with the
rebel ram Albemarle leading the attack
upon Plymouth, receiving honorable men
tion for gallant conduct.
On Sept. u, 1865, he was honorably
discharged with the thanks Of the Navy
department. The same year he entered
the United States revenue service, with
Whch he was connected some four years.
He married Arobine w. Neal and they
have one adopted daughter. MI John
son had two brothers, Fred $. of Belfast,
and Ralph, who was an orderly sergeant
of the 10Th Maine regiment, infantry,
and was killed in the battle of the Wilder
! ness.
Mr.. johnson is well known throughout
the State and is a man having many
friends He is a member of the kenne-
bee Naval Veteran association, Loyal
Legion, Bradstreet post, G. A. R., of
Liberty, and at present president of the
| Waldo County Neteranassociati0n. He
has been junior vice commander Of the
Maine G.. A. r., is member of the Pa
irons of Husbandry and the Masonic fra
ternity. His name will be presented by
committee from the Waldo County Vet
eran association. Bangor Commercial.