James A. Johnson (California politician)

James Augustus Johnson (May 16, 1829 – May 11, 1896) was an American politician. He served as a U.S. representative from California; who went on to serve as the state's 14th Lieutenant Governor.

James Augustus Johnson
14th Lieutenant Governor of California
In office
December 9, 1875  January 14, 1880
GovernorWilliam Irwin
Preceded byWilliam Irwin
Succeeded byJohn Mansfield
Member of the United States House of Representatives from California's 3rd district
In office
March 4, 1867  March 3, 1871
Preceded byJohn Bidwell
Succeeded byJohn M. Coghlan
Member of the California Assembly
In office
1859–1861
Serving with Joshiah Lefever, Thomas J. Haliday
Preceded byJ. A. Clarke, R. D. Hill
Succeeded byJohn Dougherty, Thomas Wright
Personal details
BornMay 16, 1829
Spartanburg, South Carolina
DiedMay 11, 1896 (aged 65)
San Francisco, California
Resting placeWoodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Colma, California.
Political partyDemocratic
Residence(s)Downieville, California
Occupationlawyer

Early life

Johnson was born May 16, 1829 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.[1] When he was quite young he moved with his parents to Arkansas where he attended the common schools.[1] He moved to California in 1853. He studied medicine and was graduated from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He then studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1859, then commenced the practice of law in Downieville, California.[2]

Political career

Johnson served as a member of the California State Assembly in 1859 and 1860, representing Sierra County. He was elected as a Democrat to the U.S. House of Representatives for the Fortieth and Forty-first U.S. Congresses, serving from March 4, 1867, until March 3, 1871. He served as Lieutenant Governor of California from 1875 until 1880. After leaving office he moved to San Francisco. He served as registrar of voters in 1883 and 1884.

Death

He continued practicing law until his death on May 11, 1896 in San Francisco, at age 66. He was interred in the Masonic Cemetery,[2] and in 1931 was re-interred in Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Colma, California.

References

  1. Lanman, Charles (1887). Biographical Annals of the Civil Government of the United States: From Original and Official Sources. J.M. Morrison. p. 267.
  2. "Johnson, James Augustus". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. United States Congress. Retrieved 2021-10-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)


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