Tom L. Johnson

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**Tom L. Johnson**

Office:	Mayor, Cleveland, Ohio
Political party:	Democrat
Term of office:	1901–1909
Preceded by:	John H. Farley
Succeeded by:	Herman C. Baehr
Date of birth:	July 18, 1854
Date of death:	April 10, 1911
Profession:	Politician

Tom Loftin Johnson (July 18, 1854–April 10, 1911) was an American politician of the Democratic Party from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He headed relief efforts after the Johnstown, Pennsylvania floods of 1889, was a U.S. Representative from 1891–1895 and the 35th mayor of Cleveland, Ohio between 1901 and 1909. In 1903, he was the Democratic nominee for Governor of Ohio.

He invented a pay-box for trolleys and became wealthy from licensing the patent. He began investing in street railways in Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Detroit. Then became principle owner and president of the Detroit City Railways after leaving Congress in 1895. Later he sold his stake in DCR in 1899 and moved to Cleveland to reenter politics. Johnson was an advocate of Henry George's single tax.

Today, Johnson is considered a great influence in the progressive movement in the United States that took place in the early 20th century. He is also considered Cleveland's greatest mayor.

In the book, Best and Worst of the Big-City Leaders 1820-1993 (Penn State Press) by Melvin G. Holli in consultation with a panel of experts, placed Johnson among the ten best, next to Fiorello H. LaGuardia of New York City.

[edit] References

The Encyclopedia Of Cleveland History by Cleveland Bicentennial Commission (Cleveland, Ohio), David D. Van Tassel (Editor), and John J. Grabowski (Editor) ISBN 0-253-33056-4

[edit] See also

Election Results, Ohio Governor

[edit] External links

Preceded by John H. Farley	Mayor of Cleveland 1901–1909	Succeeded by Herman C. Baehr
Preceded by Theodore E. Burton	U.S. Representative from Ohio's 21st Congressional District 1891–1895	Succeeded by Theodore E. Burton