Johnson, John Henry, 1889-1956
Biographical Note
John Henry Johnson, a Southwest Virginia politician, farmer and businessman, was born in Turkey Cove (Lee County), Virginia on June 22, 1889. The son of John M. and Mannie Morrison Johnson, he attended school at Shoemaker College, Washington and Lee University and the University of Virginia. Johnson was appointed a Virginia delegate to the National Good Roads Congress in 1911. By 1914, Johnson was living in Scott County, from which he was elected as a Democrat to a single term in the Virginia House of Delegates. A farmer and businessman, Johnson also served in a number of local civic posts and managed the statewide campaign of Benjamin Franklin Buchanan in his race for lieutenant governor. During World War I, he was a "four-minute man," delivering short speeches--while reels were exchanged at film showings--in support of the war effort. In 1923, Johnson was elected to the Virginia Senate, representing the Sixteenth Senatorial District, composed of Lee and Scott counties. He also served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention the following year. Reelected to the state senate in 1925, Johnson lost his bid for a third term in 1927. John Henry Johnson died on September 27, 1956.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
John Henry Johnson Scrapbook
The collection includes a scrapbook of John Henry Johnson, a Scott County, Virginia politician, including letters signed by other politicians (including William Jennings Bryan and other members of the Bryan family), newspaper clippings, certificates, invitations, original poetry, and a photograph.