Jacob Johnson
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Jacob Johnson (1778 – January 4, 1812) was the father of Andrew Johnson, the seventeenth President of the United States.
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[edit] Early life
Jacob Johnson was born circa 1778. Some sources indicate that he was born in Newcastle, England and sailed to America around 1795, but other sources indicate that he was born in Raleigh, and that it was his grandfather (and possible namesake) who sailed to North America from England. Historian Rev. Nash A. Odom writes that "In the year 1760, Peter Johnson, migrated from Kintyre Scotland to North Carolina with his large family and settled in Cumberland County. The preaching instinct broke out again and a number of the Johnsons became ministers. One was the father of Jacob Johnson, who moved to Raleigh, North Carolina and was the father of President Andrew Johnson." Author Billy Kennedy writes that Jacob's father, named Andrew, a Presbyterian, came to North Carolina about 1750 from Mounthill Northern Ireland.
[edit] Marriage and family
Jacob married Mary (Polly) McDonough on September 9, 1801. They had three children - William Johnson (1804 - unknown), Elizabeth Johnson (1806 - unknown), and Andrew Johnson (December 29, 1808 - July 31, 1875). Andrew is said to have been named after his uncle or grandfather, Andrew McDonough.
[edit] Career
Known as "mud-sills", Jacob and Mary were both employed at Casso's Inn (see below), where Mary worked as a weaver and clothes washer, and Jacob worked as a hostler. Jacob also served as a militia Captain of Muster Division 20, as a sexton for the Presbyterian Church, and as a porter for the State Bank of North Carolina (chartered in 1811). Jacob is also reported to have been the sole bell toller in Raleigh.
[edit] Home
The Johnson family log home was located on the property owned by Casso's Inn - a popular antebellum inn located northeast of the present-day North Carolina State Capital building. Casso's Inn was run by Peter Casso - a Revolutionary War soldier.
The Johnson home is now preserved at Mordecai Historic Park in Raleigh, North Carolina.
[edit] Death
Jacob Johnson saved the lives of Colonel Thomas Henderson, the young editor of the Raleigh Star, and his friend Mr. Callum, when the enthusiastic group of fishermen capsized their fishing skiff on Walnet Creek near Hunter's Mill in December of 1811. The third occupant of the skiff, Mr. Pearce, had no trouble getting to shore. Jacob Johnson jumped in the water and saved Henderson and Callum - to the detrement of his own health. Jacob died several weeks later - ironically, while ringing the funeral bell. He is buried at the Old City Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina.
His obituary from the Raleigh Star newspaper (dated January 10, 1812) read as follows:
- "Died, in this city, on Saturday last, Jacob Johnson, who had for years occupied a humble but useful station in Society. He was a city constable, sexton, and porter of the State Bank. In his last illness he was visited by the principal inhabitants of the city, by all whom he was esteemed for his honesty, industry, and humane and friendly disposition. Among all whom he was known and esteemed none lament him more (except, perhaps, his relatives) than the publisher of this paper; for he owes his life, on a particular occasion, to the boldness and humanity of Johnson."
Jacob's grave remained unmarked until 1867, when the current marker was erected. The writing on the marker has been obliterated from weather and vandalism, but an early account indicates that it was inscribed as follows:
- "In memory of Jacob Johnson. An honest man, loved and respected by all who knew him."
The dedication for the marker was attended by Andrew Johnson. This marked Johnson's only trip to the south during his term as President - from June 1 to June 8, 1867. He stopped at Richmond, Virginia on June 2, and arrived in Raleigh on June 3. The dedication took place on June 4. He spent June 5 and 6 in Chapel Hill, where he attended the commencement at the University of North Carolina.
[edit] References
Websites:
- State Library of North Carolina Encyclopedia Entry for Andrew Johnson: [1]
- Legacy Family Tree entry for Jacob Johnson: [2]
Books:
- Savage, John. The Life and Public Services of Andrew Johnson, Seventeenth President of the United States. New York: Derby & Miller, Publishers. 1866.
- Stryker, Lloyd Paul. Andrew Johnson: A Study in Courage. New York: The MacMillan Company. 1936.
- Thomas, Lately. The First President Johnson: The Three Lives of the Seventeenth President of the United States of America. New York: William Morrow & Company, Inc. 1968.
- Winston, Robert W. Andrew Johnson: Plebeian and Patriot. New York: Henry Holt and Company. 1928.
Journals:
- Graf, LeRoy and Ralph W. Haskins, Editors. This Clangor of Belated Mourning. The South Atlantic Quarterly. Volume 62.3, 1963.
