He
read law
Reading law was the method used in common law countries, particularly the United States, for people to prepare for and enter the legal profession before the advent of law schools. It consisted of an extended internship or apprenticeship under th ...
under the supervision of his brother, Reverdy, and was
admitted to the bar
An admission to practice law is acquired when a lawyer receives a license to practice law. In jurisdictions with two types of lawyer, as with barristers and solicitors, barristers must gain admission to the bar whereas for solicitors there are dist ...
in 1820 or 1821. He then practiced in
Upper Marlborough, despite periodic health problems, until he was appointed Clerk of the Court of Appeals, in Annapolis, in 1829.
He was well regarded in that office, from which he resigned in the fall of 1836 to return to practice, primarily before the Courts of Chancery and Appeals at Annapolis.
He was also elected to represent
Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County (; ), also notated as AA or A.A. County, is located in the U.S. state of Maryland. As of the 2020 United States census, its population was 588,261, an increase of just under 10% since 2010. Its county seat is Annapolis, wh ...
in the
Maryland House of Delegates
The Maryland House of Delegates is the lower house of the legislature of the State of Maryland. It consists of 141 delegates elected from 47 districts. The House of Delegates Chamber is in the Maryland State House on State Circle in Annapolis ...
, during a period of financial crisis in the state. He was named Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, and was noted to have worked tirelessly to address the crisis. He was not reelected, and a subsequent candidacy for the State Senate also failed, leaving Johnson to return to his legal practice.
Upon the death of Chancellor Bland in 1846, Johnson was appointed to succeed him as Chancellor of Maryland, despite reservations from friends and family about the effects that the work might have on Johnson's health. Johnson served in that office until it was abolished by adoption of the New Constitution of the State in 1851, thus making him the last of the Chancellors.
Johnson returned to private practice for several more years until his death.
Throughout his legal career, Johnson maintained an interest in the welfare of St. John's college, advocating for it before the legislature and the public. He delivered at least one address to the alumni, and actively served on the board of visitors and governors.
Personal life
Johnson was married to Mary Tyler (1804–1858). Together, they were the parents of several children, including:
* Mary Tyler Johnson (1833–1854)
* John Johnson III (1835–1912), who married Ellen Armistead Hemsley (1836–1904), a descendant of
William Hemsley,
in 1860.
* Flora Johnson Todd (1845-1933), the wife of Navy officer
Henry D. Todd and mother of Army officer
Henry D. Todd Jr.
Henry Davis Todd Jr. (August 29, 1866 – January 22, 1964) was a career officer in the United States Army. A veteran of the Spanish–American War and World War I he attained the rank of major general and was most prominent for his command of ...
In 1856, his health quickly deteriorated, leading to his death on October 4, 1856.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson, John Jr.
1798 births
1856 deaths
Chancellors of Maryland
St. John's College (Annapolis/Santa Fe) alumni
American lawyers admitted to the practice of law by reading law
19th-century American judges