My Genealogy Hound

HON. J. B. JOHNSON.
The death of Judge J. B. Johnson in February, 1899, at his home on West Sixth street, Topeka, removed one of Kansas’ leading attorneys and able men, one who had distinguished himself as signally in peaceful pursuits as he had done on the field of battle. Judge Johnson was born in McDonough County, Illinois, in 1841.

When but a lad of 17 years he took up arms in defense of his country’s liberties and his valiant services were of such a nature that he was given a captain’s commission before the close of the war. He then entered upon the study of the law, for which his great talents especially fitted him, becoming a notable member of the profession and rising to an honorable position on the bench. He was judge of the Circuit Court of Shawnee County when that court existed and was a candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor on several occasions. After serving several terms in the Kansas House of Representatives from Jefferson and Shawnee counties, he was chosen Speaker of the House in 1881 and four years later was again chosen Speaker. His personality was of such a character that, in a city of particularly able men, he filled a place which no other has been found to occupy.

Judge Johnson was an honored and valued member of the Lincoln Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, which had charge of the funeral obsequies, which were of a most impressive nature. After a beautiful sermon by Dr. Linus Blakesley, of the First Congregational Church, the mortal remains of one who had been loyal in every relation of life were taken in charge by his comrades, who paid them every military honor before leaving them in the vault which had been prepared in the Topeka Cemetery. A wealth of the most beautiful blossoms to be secured, arranged in every artistic design to express love and regret, had been sent in token of the honor, affection and respect entertained by his professional brethren, business associates and the general public. The active pall-bearers on this sad occasion were: Judge Charles F. Johnson, of Oskaloosa, Kansas; Dr. George W. Hogebloom; Charles Blood Smith; Judge W. A. Johnson; Capt. R. M. Spivey and George W. Findlay. The honorary pall-bearers, appointed by the Topeka Bar Association, were: Judges S. A. Kingman, A. H. Horton, D. M. Valentine, S. H. Allen, John Martin, John T. Morton, John Guthrie and Z. T. Hazen.