William E. Johnston (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William E. Johnston
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| South Carolina House of Representatives | |
| In office 1868–1869 |
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| South Carolina State Senate | |
| In office 1869–1877 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1838 Charleston, South Carolina |
| Died | 1899 (aged 60–61) |
| Political party | Republican |
William E. Johnston (1838-1899) was an important leader in South Carolina during a time called the Reconstruction era. This was a period after the American Civil War when the Southern states were rebuilt. Johnston worked as a state legislator, which means he helped make laws for the state. He served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1868 to 1869 and later in the South Carolina State Senate from 1869 to 1877.
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Early Life and Church Work
William E. Johnston was born in 1838 in Charleston, South Carolina. He was born free, meaning he was not enslaved. He grew up in Philadelphia.
During the American Civil War, Johnston served in the Union Army. After the war, he moved back to South Carolina. He settled in Sumter County.
A Church Leader
Johnston became a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This church was very important for African Americans at that time. He also helped start a new church group called the Independent African Methodist Church. He became its president in 1885.
It was said that Johnston taught that important Christian figures like Christ, Joseph, and Mary were Black Africans. This was a powerful message for his community.
Business Activities
Besides his church work, Johnston was also involved in business. He was a director for the Enterprise Railroad. He also started several other companies.
Political Career
William E. Johnston was a member of the Republican Party. This party was very active in the South during the Reconstruction era.
Helping Write the State Constitution
In 1867, Johnston was part of the Republican state central committee. The next year, he was chosen to be a delegate for Sumter County. This was for the 1868 constitutional convention. At this meeting, leaders wrote a new constitution for South Carolina. Johnston was on the Committee of the Judiciary, which helped create the state's laws.
Serving in the Legislature
Johnston served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1868 to 1869. After that, he moved to the South Carolina State Senate. He served there for many years, from 1869 to 1877.
In 1876, he worked on several important committees in the Senate. These included committees for Incorporation, Finance, Printing, Roads, Bridges and Ferries, and Railroads. These committees helped manage different parts of the state.
Leaving Politics
Johnston was a strong Republican. He left the legislature in 1877 when the Democrats took control. This change marked the end of the Reconstruction era in South Carolina.
In 1874, he was also the chairman of the Republican Party in Sumter County.
See also
