Joseph F. Johnston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph F. Johnston
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| United States Senator from Alabama |
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| In office August 6, 1907 – August 8, 1913 |
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| Preceded by | Edmund Pettus |
| Succeeded by | Francis S. White |
| 30th Governor of Alabama | |
| In office December 1, 1896 – December 1, 1900 |
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| Preceded by | William C. Oates |
| Succeeded by | William J. Samford |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 23, 1843 Lincoln County, North Carolina |
| Died | August 8, 1913 (aged 70) Washington, D.C. |
| Resting place | Elmwood Cemetery Birmingham, Alabama |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Theresa Virginia Hooper |
| Children | William Hooper Johnston Edward Douglas Johnston Forney Johnston |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit |  12th North Carolina Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Joseph Forney Johnston (born March 23, 1843 – died August 8, 1913) was an important American politician and businessman. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Johnston served as the 30th Governor of Alabama from 1896 to 1900. Later, he became a U.S. Senator for Alabama. He served in the Senate from 1907 until his death in 1913.
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Joseph F. Johnston's Early Life
Joseph Forney Johnston was born in Lincoln County, North Carolina, on March 23, 1843. As a young boy, he went to public schools in the countryside of North Carolina. When he was seventeen, Johnston moved to Talladega, Alabama. There, he attended a military academy to continue his education.
Joining the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Joseph Johnston joined the Confederate States Army. He started as a private, which is the lowest rank. He fought throughout the entire war. During his service, he was wounded in several battles. These battles included Chickamauga, Spotsylvania, New Market, and Petersburg. By the end of the war, he had earned the rank of captain.
A Career in Law and Business
After the war ended, Johnston returned home and began to study law. He learned from a lawyer named William H. Forney. Soon after, he passed his exams and became a lawyer himself. He started his law practice in Selma, Alabama.
Later, he moved to Birmingham. In Birmingham, he became the president of the Alabama National Bank. In 1887, Johnston took on another big role. He became the president of the Sloss Iron & Steel company. This was a very successful industry in Alabama at that time.
Becoming Governor of Alabama
Joseph Johnston first tried to become governor of Alabama in 1890. However, he did not win that election. Six years later, in 1896, he ran for governor again. This time, he won! He served two terms as the Governor of Alabama. Each term lasted two years.
During his time as governor, Johnston achieved several important things. He worked on making taxes fairer for everyone. He also helped create the Alabama Department of Insurance. This department helps protect people who buy insurance. Another achievement was setting up a state mine inspector. This person's job was to make sure mines were safe for workers.
Serving in the U.S. Senate
In 1900, Johnston decided not to run for governor again. Instead, he tried to become a U.S. Senator. He ran against John Tyler Morgan, but he lost that election. In 1902, he tried to become governor for a third time. However, some issues related to his business and the prison system came up. These challenges affected his campaign, and he lost the election.
Even after these losses, Joseph Johnston was elected to political office again. In 1907, Senator Edmund Pettus passed away while in office. Johnston was chosen to finish Pettus's term. He was re-elected in 1909 and continued to serve in the Senate. He worked as a Senator until his death in 1913. He passed away from pneumonia.
Family and Legacy
Joseph Johnston was married to Theresa Virginia Hooper. She was from South Carolina. They had three sons together: William Hooper, Edward Douglas, and Forney. Joseph F. Johnston is buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama.
