William Preston Johnston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Preston Johnston
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William Preston Johnston, circa 1890
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| Born | January 5, 1831 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | July 16, 1899 (aged 68) Lexington, Virginia, U.S.
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| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work |
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William Preston Johnston (January 5, 1831 – July 16, 1899) was a very smart person who did many things. He was a lawyer, a writer, and a soldier. He also led two important universities.
William was the son of a famous general, Albert Sidney Johnston. Later, William wrote a book about his father's life.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Preston Johnston was born in Louisville, Kentucky. His father was Albert Sidney Johnston and his mother was Henrietta Preston Johnston. Sadly, his mother passed away when he was only four years old. After that, his mother's family helped raise him.
William went to several schools as he grew up. He studied at places like Centre College and Yale University. He worked hard and earned a law degree in 1853 from the University of Louisville School of Law. That same year, he married his first wife, Rosa Elizabeth Duncan.
Service During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, William Preston Johnston joined the Confederate Army. He served as a special helper, called an aide-de-camp, to Jefferson Davis. Davis was the president of the Confederate States.
Johnston reached the rank of colonel. Near the end of the war, he was captured along with President Davis. He was held as a prisoner for a few months at Fort Delaware.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, William Preston Johnston continued his important work. A famous general, Robert E. Lee, invited him to become a professor. So, Johnston taught at Washington College in Virginia.
In 1880, he became the president of Louisiana State University. He led this university for four years. Then, in 1884, he became the very first president of a new university called Tulane University. He helped shape Tulane into the important school it is today.
Writer and Poet
Besides his work as a lawyer, soldier, and university leader, William Preston Johnston was also a writer. He wrote two books of poetry. These were called My Garden Walk (published in 1894) and Pictures of the Patriarchs and Other Poems (published in 1895).
He also wrote a book about his father, The Life of General Albert Sidney Johnston. This book is considered a very detailed and important story of his father's life. In 1893, William Preston Johnston was chosen to be a member of the American Antiquarian Society. This is a group that studies American history and culture.
Later Years and Family
William Preston Johnston's first wife, Rosa, passed away in 1885. A few years later, in 1888, he married Margaret Henshaw Avery.
William Preston Johnston died on July 16, 1899, when he was 67 years old. He passed away at the home of his son-in-law in Lexington, Virginia.
Images for kids
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William Preston Johnston, circa 1890
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Lt. Col. William Preston Johnston, by Joseph Henry Bush
