Evening star., 1932-02-14

was then and even for years later turnpike
road On the east side, near Florida avenue
house still standing at the entrance to the base
ball park-lived James johnson, well known
to many early Washingtonian as lieu
tenant Of police at the old second precinct
where Joseph T. Morgan, uncle Of the present
Capt. Morgan of the Brightwood precinct did
mounted duty for many years.
Lieut. johnson for a number Of years .
conspicuous figure CT the Association Of Old
est Inhabitants with his long white hair and
beard and cape which he always wore on the
street in cold weather. He was born in 1913.
and when he died, in 1909 The Star said:
The deceased was born IN old stone
residence, long since torn down, on what was
called Seventh street road between what are
now known and streets. The date Of
his birth was January IL, 1913. He was the
son Of Jacob Johnson and Mrs. Barbara john
son. 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 connections
afe now living in that section Of Maryland
Mr.. johnson was educated in the local
schools and engaged in various vacations with
his father and brothers, among them employ
ment in the navy yard. He laboFed there
until September 27 1861, when he was ap-
pointed a private on the police force. His
first service was in the section Of the city
north Of L street, between North Capitol and
Tenth streets which was considered at that
time q suburb. The station house, afterward
turned into the second precinct, was then
on the Seventh street road Later he pei
formed service in what is known Is FOgU
Bottom, and made q name for himself Tor
fearlessness and bravery in the apprehension
Of thugs and crooks in that section.
"On account of commendable service he was
created An acting sergeant March IL, 1853, and
raised to the rank of full sergeant December
Is, 1854. In the capacity of sergeant and
lieutenant he served in every part Of the city
and saw the gradual enlargement of the force
until 1t had assumed substantial proportions.
He was made full lieutenant July %, 1896,
and later was placed in command of precinct.
He was the first to be in charge of what is
now known as the eighth precinct, with head
quarters near Ninth and U streets. He re-
signed from the police force May 1, 1883.
1.-TWO daughters and one son, Mrs j. w.
Payne, Mrs. Frank De Neale and George john
son. all of this city, and IL grandchildren and
great-grandchildren survive him. One
brother Jacob johnson Of Oklahoma also
survives him.
Until the time of his illness in November,
Mr.. johnson was in complete possession Of all
his faculties, and made . habit Of walking
from his home into the center Of the city
whenever the occasion required. He attributed
his great age to his physical strength and
exemplary habits
Quite frequently the writer meets the old
lieutenant's granddaughters, the Misses Ardeu
ard Irene M. Payne, at whose parents rest-
dence the aged lieutenant died.
h lEXT north Of the johnson home was the
" Park Hotel, then the residence Of Mn.
Beckert, Otho Gattren, butcher; W. Belt and
John b. King, father Of Miss Emma r.. King.
who y now the widow of Cspt. James Z