Representative Frederick Avery Johnson

Frederick Avery Johnson (January 2, 1833 – July 17, 1893) was an American politician and banker who served as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1883 to 1887. A member of the Republican Party and a resident of Glens Falls, New York, he represented his state in the House of Representatives for two consecutive terms during a significant period in American political and economic development.

Johnson was born on January 2, 1833, in Fort Edward, Washington County, New York. He attended the common schools of the area and pursued further studies at Glens Falls Academy in nearby Glens Falls, New York, from which he graduated. On September 1, 1858, he married Harriet Elizabeth Locke, establishing a family life that paralleled his growing involvement in business and public affairs.

Before entering national politics, Johnson built a career in commerce and finance. He engaged in the wool business and banking in New York City, gaining experience in both trade and financial operations. He later returned to Glens Falls, where he continued his work in banking. His prominence in local affairs led to his service as president of the village of Glens Falls, a position that reflected the confidence of his community in his leadership and administrative abilities.

Johnson’s business background and local political experience provided the foundation for his election to Congress as a Republican. He was first elected to the Forty-eighth Congress representing New York’s eighteenth district and served from March 4, 1883, to March 3, 1885. He was then elected to the Forty-ninth Congress representing New York’s twenty-first district, serving from March 4, 1885, to March 3, 1887. Throughout his two terms in the House of Representatives, Johnson participated in the legislative process and the broader democratic governance of the period, representing the interests of his constituents and contributing to the work of Congress during a time of industrial expansion and political realignment. He was not a candidate for renomination in 1886, thereby concluding his congressional service after two terms.

After leaving Congress, Johnson returned to private life in Glens Falls, where his principal pursuits remained in banking and local civic affairs. He continued to be identified with the economic and community life of the region, drawing on the experience he had gained in both business and national politics.

Frederick Avery Johnson died in Glens Falls, Warren County, New York, on July 17, 1893, at the age of 60 years and 196 days. He was interred in Glens Falls Cemetery, also known as Bay Street Cemetery, in Glens Falls, New York.