Johnston - James T. - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, p. 163.

Hon. James T. JOHNSTON is the junior member of the legal firm of Rice & Johnston of Rockville. He was born in Putnam County, Indiana Jan 19, 1839 and when he was 2 was orphaned by the death of his mother. The father afteward married again and by his 2nd union 6 children were born. He died when our subject was a mere lad and the responsibility of carrying on the home farm afterward fell upon his young shoulders. At the opening of the war, Mr. Johnston was preparing for college, but Lincoln's call for 3000 volunteers forever put an end to all aspirations in that direction. He enlisted as a private in Co. C 71st Indiana afterward the 6th Ind Calvary and 4 weeks later we find him fighting in the unequal and desparate engagement at Richmond, Ky. Being surrounded by the enemy, Gen. Nelson and the troops were forced to cut their way out. In Dec 1863, Mr. Johnston participated in thebattle at Muldraugh's Hill, where the union forces made a most stubborn resistance for one day, but were obliged to capitulate. In 1863 several hundred prisoners, Union men who had been conscripted into the Southern service from East Tenn, volunteered in the Federal army. By request of the officers, Gen. Burnside issued a special order in August of that year promoting James T. Johnston to the position of 2nd Lt. He then took command of the 8th Tenn Cavalry which was composed of the aforementioned prisoners. From the day of the appointment he was in regular command of his company, the Capt. and 1st Lt. having been detailed on other duty. The company being familiar with the topography of E. Tenn were sent in advance as scouts. It was a most desparate service and the men were commonly said to have "fought with hatlers around their necks." In one engagement ont he Holston, Lt. Johnston with only 25 men received a volley which killed 7 horses and wounded 11. He himself received a ball in thewrist and his horse, having been shot through the heart fell dead under him. During all the E. Tenn campaign, his comapny was in the advance, and was the first to enter Knoxville. After the seige of Knoxvill the 8th & 10th Tenn Cavalries were consolidated and ours ubject was offered a position in another command. Being, however, exhausted with sickness and the hardships incident to service, he concluded to resign and enjoy the well-earned rest.

As soon as Mr. Johnston's health was restored he again enlisted, becoming a member of Co. F 133rd Ind Inf and was mustered in for 100 days' service. The most of this time he filled the position of Commissary-Sgt. At the expiration of his term of service, he reenlisted, this time in Co C, 149th Ind Inf, under Lt. Col. WD Mull. Soon afterward he was apointed by Gov. Morton as 1st Lt. and Assistant-Quartermaster and remained with his command until Sept 27, 1865 when he was honorable discharged at the close of hostilities. While on the farm, Mr. Johnston had employed his leisure in the study of law. he now took a full couse with Williamson & Daggy at Greencastle, Indiana and in 1866 located in Rockville as their resident partner. 3 years later he formed a partership with Hon. TN Rice, which firm is still in existence. In 1866, Mr. Johnston was elected Prosecuting Attorney for the Common Please District, comprising Parke, Vigo & Sullivan Counties. Two years later he was chosen representative from Parke County to the Legislature, where he filled that responsibility position with efficiency and success. In 1872, Mr. Johnston was elector on the Grant ticket for his district and made a thorough canvass of his territory. The citizens of Parke & Vermillion Counties honored him in 1874 by electing him to the State Senate where, as in other positions to which he was called, he served with credit to himself and to the general satisfaction of his constiutents. While in the House he was he was Leader of the Republican party and as the Democrats were in the majority he had to conduct many a battle on parliamentary tactics and always acquitted himself with consummate skill, winning the hearty encomiums of his party. in 1884, Mr. Johnston made the race for Congress and was elected by a majority of 354. Two years later he was reelected by 1156 majority, in a district that usually gave a Democrat majority of 1000. During his first term as Congressman he served as a member of the Committee on War Calims, and was in thethickest of the Congressional fights over the Southern war claims. During his second term of office occurred the famous contest between Tobin & Carlyle over the Speakership and our subject was chosen by the Republican caucus as a member of the Committee on Elections, in which responsible position he served with distinguished ability. In the White-Lawry contest, Mr. Johnston managed the case for Mr. White.

The majority of the committee, being Democrats, favored Lawry and the Republicans gave their influence to the support of White. Mr. Johnston made the closing debate in the case and secured the victory for White. In 1888 he was again a candidate for Congress but was defeated by a majority of about 53. It may be stated of him, however, that although defeated, he ran far ahead of his ticket and received many more votes than the Presidential elector. In addition to the active part he has taken as a public official, he has been prominent in every campaign, and his services have been utilized often by the Republican State Central Committee. Since his retirement from Congress, Mr. Johnston has devoted himself to his legal practice and the management of his farms, one of which is located in Putnam County, Indiana and other in Edgar County, Illinois. He owns altogether about 450 acres of land all well improved and in a good state of cultivation. Socially, he has been identified with the Masonic fraternity since his initiation at the age of 21. He has been a member of the Grand Army of the Republic since its organization and served as Comander of post No. 9 for 3 successive years, and April 7, 1893, was elected Deportment Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic for the Department of Indiana. He was a delegate to the national Encampment 3 times and once filled the position of delegate of the state-at-large. In Feb 1866, Mr. Johnston married Miss Mattie M. Morrison who died Nov 14, 1872 leaving an infant daughter. The second marriage of our subject occurred Nov 1873 and united him with Miss Lucy, daughter of Dr. George P. Daly, one of the oldest physicians of Parke County. Financially, Mr. Johnston is well-to-do and the owner of valuable property, including his residence in Rockville. His life is well worthy the emulation of the young, for through perseverance and energy he has gained success and is prominent both in professional and social circles. Upon starting out in life for himself, he was not only without money but was burdened by a debt of $1,000 which his father, having gone security for a friend was called upon but was unable to pay. The debt was liquidated by Mr. Johnston and his brothers after he had commenced the practice of law. The law firm of Rice & Johnston has a very extensive practice and is usually represented, as clients for plaintiff or defendant in every important case in the county. They have been associated in practice since 1869 and their relations have always been of an amicable nature. Their knowledge of legal technicalities is widely known and their opinion concerning important questions always carries weight. -- kbz

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Source: Argus News  (Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana ) 1-6-1886

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James T. Johnston was born in Putnam County, Indiana on January 10, 183 9, the son of Anderson and Louisa Johnston. He was educated in the comm on schools of Putnam County, being at one time a pupil of his long time l aw partner and friend, Hon. Thomas N. Rice. Mr. Johnston was married to Ma rtha Morrison on February 14, 1866, and they had one daughter, Mrs. Matt ie (Johnston) Cooper of Greencastle, Indiana. Mrs. Martha Johnston di ed in 1872. James was married to Lucy Daly on November 6, 1873.

He began the study of law in 1861, in Greencastle, and continued until t he summer of 1862, when he enlisted in Company C, 71st Cavalry (afterwar ds the 6th Indiana cavalry) for three years service. James was elected Com mander of the Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Indiana, in 189 3.

Shortly after the Civil War, Mr. Johnston read law in the offices of Will iamson and Daggy. He held the office of Prosecuting Attorney - elected Com mon Pleas Prosecutor in October of 1866, receiving a 1,204-vote majority.

He represented Parke County in both branches of the Legislature - in 18 68 he was elected Representative - defeating James W. Hurst by 1,018 vote s, and in 1874 to the State Senate from the counties of Parke and Vermilli on, and served four years; twice represented the Eight District in Congres s.

He was an aspirant for the Republican nomination for Governor in 1896, re ceiving strong support.

Hon. James Johnston died on July 19, 1904 at Rockville, Indiana, and is i nterred at the Rockville Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress :

Representative from Indiana; born near Greencastle, Putnam County, Indian a, January 19, 1839.

Attended the common schools; studied law; during the Civil War enlist ed as a private in Company C, Sixth Indiana Cavalry, in July 1862; transfe rred to Company A, Eighth Tennessee Cavalry, in September 1863 and commiss ioned as second lieutenant, serving until January 1864, when he resigne d; afterwards served as commissary sergeant of the One Hundred and Thirty- third Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry; commissioned lieutenant and as sistant quartermaster of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regiment, India na Volunteer Infantry, and mustered out in September 1865.

Was admitted to the bar in March 1866 and commenced practice in Rockvill e, Parke County, Ind.; prosecuting attorney 1866-1868; member of the Sta te House of Representatives in 1868; served in the State Senate 1874-1878.

Elected as a Republican to the Forty-ninth and Fiftieth Congresses (Ma ch 4, 1885-

March 3, 1889); unsuccessful candidate for reelection; resumed the practice of law; commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Indiana, in 1893.

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James T. Johnston was born in Putnam County, Indiana on January 10, 183 9, the son of Anderson and Louisa Johnston. He was educated in the comm on schools of Putnam County, being at one time a pupil of his long time l aw partner and friend, Hon. Thomas N. Rice. Mr. Johnston was married to Ma rtha Morrison on February 14, 1866, and they had one daughter, Mrs. Matt ie (Johnston) Cooper of Greencastle, Indiana. Mrs. Martha Johnston di ed in 1872. James was married to Lucy Daly on November 6, 1873.

He began the study of law in 1861, in Greencastle, and continued until t he summer of 1862, when he enlisted in Company C, 71st Cavalry (afterwar ds the 6th Indiana cavalry) for three years service. James was elected Com mander of the Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Indiana, in 189 3.

Shortly after the Civil War, Mr. Johnston read law in the offices of Will iamson and Daggy. He held the office of Prosecuting Attorney - elected Com mon Pleas Prosecutor in October of 1866, receiving a 1,204 vote majorit y; represented Parke County in both branches of the Legislature - in 18 68 he was elected Representative - defeating James W. Hurst by 1,018 vote s, and in 1874 to the State Senate from the counties of Parke and Vermilli on, and served four years; twice represented the Eight District in Congres s. He was an aspirant for the Republican nomination for Governor in 189 6, receiving strong support.

Hon. James Johnston died on July 19, 1904 at Rockville, Indiana, and is i nterred at the Rockville Cemetery. Party: Republican.

*Condensed from The Republican 10-17-1866; Centennial Memorial by Isaac St rauss 1916; Rockville Tribune 7-27-1904.

JOHNSTON, James Thomas, a Representative from Indiana; born near Greencast le, Putnam County, Ind., January 19, 1839; attended the common schools; st udied law; during the Civil War enlisted as a private in Company C, Six th Indiana Cavalry, in July 1862; transferred to Company A, Eighth Tenness ee Cavalry, in September 1863 and commissioned as second lieutenant, servi ng until January 1864, when he resigned; afterwards served as commissary s ergeant of the One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment, Indiana Volunteer In fantry; commissioned lieutenant and assistant quartermaster of the One Hun dred and Forty-ninth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and mustered o ut in September 1865.

Was admitted to the bar in March 1866 and commenced practice in Rockvill e, Parke County, Ind.; prosecuting attorney 1866-1868; member of the Sta te house of representatives in 1868; served in the State senate 1874-187 8; elected as a Republican to the Forty-ninth and Fiftieth Congresses (Mar ch 4, 1885-March 3, 1889); unsuccessful candidate for reelection; resum ed the practice of law; commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, Depar tment of Indiana, in 1893; died in Rockville, Ind., July 19, 1904; interme nt in the Rockville Cemetery.

http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=J000188

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Source: "The Solons of the State ..." Indianapolis Sentinel, Saturda y, 23 January  1875.

James T. Johnston Senator from Parke is a native of Putnam County, this st ate. He was born Jan 19, 1839. His parents were natives of NC and remov ed to Indiana in 1826. They settled in Washington County but did not rema in there more than two or three years.  They then located in Putnam Count y. Te date of their location there was anterior to the laying off of the t own of Greencastle.  In 1861 the senior was Sheriff of the county.  Senat or Johnson, was educated in the common schools of the county and read l aw in the office and under the careful instruction of Williamson & Dagg y. This was in 1860-61, hardly had he completed his course of reading wh en he felt calle dupon by the most vital interests of his country to be ar arms in her behalf and he responded by enlisting in Co C 71st Indian a. He served in that regiment until 1863 when he was transferred to the 8 th Tenn Cavalry where he was commissioned Lt. Subsequently he was Quarterm aster Sgt of the 133rd Indiana, a 100 day regiment. When his term of servi ce therein expired he became Quartermaster of the 149th Ind. In Sept 18 65 he was mustered out of the service and returned home.  The year followi ng he removed to Parke County and located at Rockville and engaged in t he practice of the law. He is now a resident of Rockville and member of t he legal firm of Rice & Johnston and in the enjoyment of a remunerative pr actice. For two years Senator Johnston was Prosecuting Attorney for the Pa rke, Vigo & Sullivan Circuit.  In politics he is a Republican living in t he very Gibralter of the party in Indiana

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Source: Crawfordsville Star, Oct 9, 1884 p 1 c1

James T. Johnston, Republican candidate for Congress will speak at the court house on next Saturday evening.  Billy Williams, a talented orator from northern Indiana will help him out.

Source: Same p 1 c 2

Johnston is all right.  He comes to Terre Haute and drinks is beer with the boys.  This is a common practice.

Source: Same p 1 c 3

Monday afternoon Mr, Jacob D. Early, acting for Mr. Johnston and Dr. W.H. Gillum of Rockville, acting for Mr. Lamb signed the following articles of agreement.  We, the respective chairmen of the Democratic and Republican congressional committees of the Eight District, hereby agree upon the following programme of arrangements for a joint debate between Hon. John E. Lamb and Hon. James T. Johnston upon the political issues of the day in this congressional district.  1. The meetings shall be held as follows: Montgomery County at Crawfordsville Tuesday Oct 21, 1884.  Warren County at West Lebanona Wed Oct 23rd.  Parke County at Rockville, Friday, Oct 24th.  Vigo County at Terre Haute, Saturday Oct 25th at the Republican Wigwam.  Vermillion COunty at Newport, Monday Oct 27th.  Clay County, at Brazil Tuesday Oct 28th.  2.  All meetings shall be at 2 o'clock p.m.  3.  The opening speech shall be limited to one hour and fifteen minutes; second to one hour and a half and closing to 15 minutes.  4.  Mr. Lamb shall open and close at Crawfordsville, Veedersburg and Terre Haute.  Mr. Johnston will open and close at West Lebanon, Rockville, Newport and Brazil.  5.  The gentleman having the closing argument shall not discuss a subject not referred to in the preceding speechs at the same debate.  6.  At each meeting there shall be a presiding officer for each party to be selected by the chairman of each county committee.  Such presiding officer shall introduce the speaker whom he represents by simply announcing his name to the audience without any comment whatsoever. The presiding officer representng the speaker having the opening and closing arguments shall call the meeting to order without any comment.  7.  Each speaker shall designate a time keeper for himself at each and every meeting.  8,.  No parade or other demonstration shall be made by either party at any of these meetings.  Any music provided shall be employed and paid for jointly by both parties.  Wm. H. Gillum; Jacob D. Early

p. 3 c 2 -- At the request of Mr. Johnston who called on Mr. Lamb at Rockville yesterday, there have been a few slight alterations in the arrangements made for the joint debate. The debate will open at West Lebanon on the 21st will be at Veedersburg on the 22nd; and at Crawfordsville on the 23rd. In the arrangement as first made the debate opened at Crawfordsville. The change is made because it is easier to make the places as now arranged.

p 3 c 1 -- Mr. Johnston did not have the gall to do all the lying himself; hence ha had Charley Travis, the pension attorney to put up the finishing touches for him.  They ought to read the letter from the Gallant Gen. Tom Browne and go off and die.  

The fact that Mr. Johnson has put a "t" in the middle of his name is supposed to be basked on his fondnessfor taking his tea with Terre Haute Germans.  At the same time it enables him to tell the Prohibitionists that it stands for "teetotaller" (sic).

The Crawfordsville Star is one of the fairest if not the ablest and most liberal sheets published in Western Indiana.  It rightly gives the Indianapolis Sentinel fits for delving into Blaine's private life; it serves Cleveland's villers (?) equally severe, puts Mr. Johnston, the dodger, away down where he belongs; sits straddle of the inflated Bayless W> Hanna of the Review with gushing (?) effect; properly says the Ring of Parke County is a reality; and still has room on its editorial page for observations of an independent nature to keep the Rockville Republican readers astonished for six of the latter's publications - Rockville Eagle.

A representative of The Star attended the Johnston meeting at New Market on last Saturday afternoon.  When the Congressional candidate arrived there was not a man at the school house and the greatest number present at any time was 17 Republicans and 13 Democrats.  Mr. Johnston went away in a great rage.

p 4 c. 1 - Mrs. James T. Johnston has been willfully mistating Mr. John E. Lamb on the Mexican Pension Bill and lying very badly right in the face of the Congressional Record.  Further proof that Mr. Lamb was a very true friend of the soldiers will not be wanted by the soldiers when they read the following pointed letter from General Tom Browne, the gallant Republican candidate for Congress in the 6th Indiana district.  Winchester, Oct 2, 1884 - Hon. John E. Lamb, Terre Haute, Ind - Dear sir: Your letter is before me. My recollection is that you both voted and acted with the friends of the Mexican War Pension Bill as amended by the Senate.  I know that in the struggle to get the amendments considered by the House I regarded you an earnest friend  of the measure. Very Truly Yours, Thomas M. Browne

If Mr. Johnston has the least honor he will correct his mistatements on the pension bill.

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Note: Other lengthy articles in this paper as well