A grandson of William Samuel Johnson, was aNew York lawyer of i)rominence and was a mend^er of the Senate of the State of New York. He married Miss Laura Wolsey, sister of President Wolsey, of Yale College. Their second child and oldest son, Samuel William, was born in the city of New Y^'ork, October 27, 1828. After a preparatory course in private schools of the city he entered Princeton College, graduating in 1849. He then entered the Law School, Cambridge, Mass., and after a full course graduated in 1851. He afterward entered the law-office of District Attorney N.

I For a full description of hie life, see Appleton's Encyclopaedia ; also "Life of Dr. Samuel .Johnson," by E. E. Beardsley (New York, 1874).

Bowditch Blunt, remaining till 1852, when he was admitted to the bar.

Immediately after admission Mr. Johnson removed to Cattaraugus County, N. Y^, where he remained for thirteen years in charge of a large landed interest. In 1865 he retired from active life, removing at the same time to Rye Neck, where he has since resided. He has been active in the politics of the county ever since his arrival in it. He early connected himself with the Democratic party in the home of his choice and has held several important political positions.

In 1871 he was appointed by Governor John T. Hoffman commissioner-general and chief of ordnance for the State of New Y'ork. He has been nine times elected supervisor of the town of Rye and was for two years chairman of the board. For three years he was a member of Assembly from the Second District of Westchester County. It is a remarkable fact that he is the fourth member of the family in the direct line who has represented a constituency in State Legislatures.