Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-14

the w dSilHStOH pOliCe dlu
said to be one of the five oldest men in
the District of Columbia. died yesterday
afternoon at the home of his son-in-law.
J. w. Payne. 1926 Georgia avenue. Had
Mr.. ,Johnson's life been spared until Jan
lary l. next he would have rounded out
ninety-two years, practically every year
of which was spent in Washington. The
funeral will take place at $50 clock
tomorrow afternoon from the Payne
home. with members Of the Association
of Oldest Inhabitants. of which the de-
ceased was a member. serving as pail
bearers. The interment will be in Rock
Creek cemetery.
For a pe~iod of a little over twenty
two years Mr.. johnson was a member of
the local police force, rising from the
rank of private to precinct commander,
during which time he became expert
criminal deteotor. He Sc we'd at inter
walls in practically every section of The
city. His record as an officer was an en-
viable one, and among the older members
OF the present force, many Of whom
served under him. his name has become
a synonym for integrity and fearlessn ass.
The deceased served the city as Il police
officer during the tumultuous lays of the
civil war.
Affiliated With Oldest Inhabitants.
He was loyal member Of the Associa-
ton Of Oldest Inhabitants. and whenever
his health permitted, attended it's meet
ings. The association was a source Of
keen enjoyment to him, as his fellow
members brought back to him memories
of the day of his younger manhood. He
was considered an authority on the his
tory in which the older families of the
District figured, and also of the political
changes in the District Because Of his
employment as an officer of the law he
had intimate relations with notable jurists
and lawyers of a half century ago.
His interest In the Association of Oldest
nhabtants was considered a noteworthy
change from his attitude of younger days,
because Of the fact that he was averse
to connecting himself, in his earlier life.
with any organization or society, believ-
ing that his spare time should he de-
voted to his family. The Association of
Oldest Inhabitants was the only organiza-
ton Of which he was member at any
time during his long life.
The death of Mr. Johnson was the d.
rect result of stroke Of paralysis re-
ceived November 13 last. while he was
on his way from the home of his son-in-
law to the center of the city.
His condition at times showed I'm
provement. but not sufficiently to justi-
fy hope of his recovery. and death
followed period of great weakness.
lasting a week or ten days. His three
living children and several grandchil-
dren were with him when he died.
Place of Birth
The deceased was born in an old
stone residence. long since torn down,
on what was called 9TH street road
between what are now known as Q
and r streets. The date of his birth
Of Jacob Johnson and Mrs. Barbara
Johnson, who came to Washington
from Frederick county, Md, several
years prior to the birth of the son, who
| is the subject of this sketch. His
mother was Miss Barbara Miller Of
Frederick, many of whose blood con-
nections are now living in that sec
ton OF Maryland.
Mr.. johnson was educated in the local
| schools and engaged in various vocations
with his father and brothers, among
| them employment in the navy yard He
labored there until September ~. 1861.
| when he was appointed a private on
| the police force. His first service was
| in the section OF the city north of l.
street, between North Capitol and 10th
4
| a suburb. The station house. afterward
| turned into the second precinct, was then
on the 7th street road. Later he per
| formed service in what is known as Fog
| gy Bottom, and made a name for him
| self for fearleSsness and bravery in the
| apprehension of thugs and crooks in that
section.
Record of Promotions.
| On account of commendable service lie
| was created acting sergeant March
| Il, 1863, and raised to the rank OF a full
sergeant December Is. 1864 In the ca
pacity Of sergeant and lieutenant he
| served in every part OF the city and saw
the gradual enlargement of the force un-
| til it had assumed substantial propor-
| tions. He was made a full lieutenant
July %, 1856. and later was placed In
| command of a precinct. He was the first
| to be in charge of what is now known
as the eighth precinct, with Headquarters
| located near 9Th and L streets. He re-
| signed from the police force May l. 1883
| Two daughters and one son, Mrs. j. W.
Payne. Mrs. Frank De Neale and George
| Johnson, all of this city, and twelve
grandchildren and three great grand.
| children survive him. One brother. Jacob
Johnson of Oklahoma also survives him
| Until the time OF his illness in Novem-
| Der Mr.. johnson was in complete possess
| sion of all his faculties, and made habit
| Of walking from his home into the center
| of the city whenever the occasion re-
auired. He attributed his great age to his
physical strength and exemplary habits.