Robert Daniel Johnston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Daniel Johnston
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| Born | March 19, 1837 Lincoln County, North Carolina |
| Died | February 1, 1919 (aged 81) White Post, Virginia |
| Allegiance | |
| Service/ |
 Confederate Army |
| Years of service | 1861 – 1865 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Robert Daniel Johnston (born March 19, 1837 – died February 1, 1919) was an important military leader. He served as a brigadier general for the Confederate States of America. This was during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Robert Johnston was born at a place called Mount Welcome. This was in Lincoln County, North Carolina. His parents were Dr. William and Nancy Forney Johnston. He had two cousins who also became Confederate generals. Their names were William H. Forney and John Horace Forney. Before the war began, Johnston worked as a lawyer.
Serving in the Civil War
Johnston joined the Confederate States Army in 1861. He was made a captain on July 15, 1861. He led Company K of the 23rd North Carolina Infantry.
Rising Through the Ranks
On April 16, 1862, he was promoted. He became a lieutenant colonel in his regiment. His first battle was on May 5, 1862. This was the Battle of Williamsburg during the Peninsula Campaign. After the Battle of Seven Pines, he took command of his regiment. He had been wounded in that battle.
Key Battles and Commands
Johnston returned to duty in time for the Maryland Campaign. He fought in the Battle of South Mountain. He also fought in the Battle of Antietam. At the Battle of Chancellorsville, he led the 12th North Carolina Infantry. This unit had lost all its main officers.
He went back to the 23rd regiment for the Gettysburg Campaign. He was wounded again at the Battle of Gettysburg. On September 1, 1863, he was promoted. He became a brigadier general. He then took command of a new brigade.
Later War Service
Johnston led his brigade through the Overland Campaign in 1864. He was wounded a third time at Spotsylvania. He returned to his brigade in August. This was during Lt. Gen. Jubal Early's Shenandoah Valley Campaign. He fought in the Third Battle of Winchester, the Battle of Fisher's Hill, and the Battle of Cedar Creek.
After these battles, his army returned to Petersburg. They rejoined Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. While at Petersburg, Johnston briefly led a division. He also worked to find soldiers who had left the army.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Johnston went back to being a lawyer. He practiced law in North Carolina. Later, he became a banker in Alabama.
Johnston married Elizabeth Johnston "Johnsie" Evans. She later started the Alabama Boys' Industrial School. They had nine children together. One of their sons was Gordon Johnston. He later received the Medal of Honor.
