Johnston, J. Stoddard (Josiah Stoddard), 1833-1913

Josiah Stoddard Johnston, lawyer, journalist, and political figure was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Feb. 10, 1833. After the death of his parents, Johnston moved with his brothers to Kentucky to live with relatives. Upon receiving his law degree from Yale, he moved to Arkansas where he became a successful cotton farmer. He returned to Kentucky in 1859, settling in Scott County to farm. During the Civil War, Johnston became a distinguished officer in the Confederate Army. After the war, he returned to Arkansas to practice law. In 1867, he moved to Frankfort, Kentucky, where he became editor for the KENTUCKY YEOMAN. He helped establish the Kentucky Press Association and served as its president from 1870-1886. Johnston was selected as adjutant general of Kentucky in 1871 and later became the secretary of state. He moved to Louisville in 1889 and served as associate editor of the LOUISVILLE COURIER-JOURNAL from 1903 to 1908. He also wrote books on various Kentucky history topics and was president of the Filson Club from 1893 until his death in 1913.

From the description of J. Stoddard Johnston letters, 1891-1901. (Kentucky Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 39624528

Soldier, historian, author of Louisville and Frankfort.

From the description of J. Stoddard Johnston : papers, 1850-1912. (Filson Historical Society, The). WorldCat record id: 49243975

Josiah Stoddard Johnston, a lawyer, journalist, and politicalfigure, was born on February 10, 1833, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He moved to Kentucky, after the death of his parents, to live with relatives. In 1854, he received a law degree from Yale and set up his law practice in Arkansas. He returned to Kentucky in 1859 to farm. He joined the Confederate Army, in 1862, and became a distinguished soldier, rising to the rank of Lieutentant Colonel. After the war, he returned to Arkansas. Johnston came back to Kentucky in 1867, becoming the editor of the Kentucky Yeoman. He was elected to political office, serving as Secretary of State from 1875-1879. Johnston moved to Louisville in 1889 and worked as an editor for the Louisville Courier-Journal. In 1893, Johnston became president of the Filson Club, serving in this capacity until his death in 1913.

From the description of J. Stoddard Johnston papers : letters, 1902-1904. (Kentucky Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 36923729