The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-04-14
NOTABLE TRIBUTES PAID
 THE LATE DR. JOHNSON

plish we'll so many diverse duties as fell to the lot of Dr. Johnson. As civil engineer he has left his mark upon more than one of the railway systems of this state. As soldier and engineer during the struggle for southern inde- pendence his fame is indelibly stamped upon the records of that period, and especially in connection with the heroic and successful defense of Fort Sumter, where, in discharge of his duty, he re- ceived the wound whose effects he never ceased to feel during all these years. The system of defense with sandbags there put in operation by Dr. Johnson not only made it possible for Confederate troops to hold the fort af- ter it had been dismantled and reduced to seeming ruin, but held in it sug- gestion that other engineers have not been slew to follow.
 ''As author, his book, ''The Defense of Charleston Harbor,' is regarded by ex- perts as a most valuable and accurate contribution to the history of warfare on land and sea. and especially on har- Dor defense It is possible to say of this book what can hardly be said of almost any other, that the author has so sunk himself in his subject that it could with difficulty be detected that he had written it. or that he had been so large contributor to the defense which he describes.
 AS clergyman and theologian also he is recognized as among the men of his church whose lives have shed the lustre of conservation and devotion upon the sacred calling he embraced ana of learning and scholarship that was full, varied and discriminating. As ministering the consolation of faith to his people, as seeking to win to the Masters service them that were out If ac " Jpb to car out the apostolic injunction to the min ister of Christ that he should rejoice with them that rejoiced and weep with them that wept. as one who in tho spirit of Christion love always hoped and believed the best that was possible of his fellow man. Dr. Johnson truly adorned the doctrine of his Lord and has left an example that his brthreh
 in the ministry should be glad to fol- low. Softenng and sweetening as he drew near the sunset there was never theless conspicuous throughout his life that devotion to duty, that unselfish giving of himself to his work that silent but eloquent determination to sink self in service of others, which bespoke the good soldier and servant of Jesus Christ.
 Yet his was a soul in which the grace of humanity was shed abroad in unusual measure. To his Bishops testimony out of a full heart. Johnson, you have fought a good hght' his characteristic reply was, T wish I could think so,' Illustrates the depth and beauty of his humility. He knew he was going. but the atmosphere about him he kept bright and cheer full, and for him and them nearest and dearest to him 1t came to pass that at eventime it was light. And so he has fallen in sleep, the exemplary citizen, the gallant soldier, the saintly minister. the noble gentleman the pure patriot, the tonsecrated Christian, the devoted hus- band. the loving father Truly as has been said of another, as we stand to- day to pay him the last tribute of re- spect Nothing is here for tears, noth- ing to wall or knock the breast; no weakness. no contempt. dspraise or blame; nothing but we'll and fair and what may quiet us in life so noble'"