Governor Henry S. Johnson

HENRY S. JOHNSON was born in Virginia on September 14, 1783. He studied law, was admitted to the bar, and then established his legal career in the Orleans Territory. He was clerk of the Second Superior Court in 1809, and served on the bench of the Parish District Court in 1811. Johnson entered politics in 1812, serving as a member of the State Constitutional Convention. He also served as a member of the U.S. Senate from 1818 to 1824. Johnson was elected governor on July 5, 1824. After being confirmed by the legislature, he was sworn into office on December 13, 1824. During his tenure, the Planters’ Banking Association was established, as was the Bank of Louisiana. Also, internal improvements were advanced, and a revised civil code law was supported. After completing his term, Johnson left office on December 15, 1828. The following year, he ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate, and also was defeated in his 1834 and 1838 gubernatorial bids. From 1834 to 1839, he served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and was a member of the U.S. Senate from 1844 to 1849. After running unsuccessfully for reelection to Congress in 1850, Johnson retired from public service. Governor Henry S. Johnson died on September 4, 1864, and was buried on the grounds of his plantation.