Frank w johnson biography

For other people junk the same name, see Be honest Johnson.

Francis White Johnson (October 3, – April 8, ) was a leader of the Texian Army from December through Feb , during the Texas Coup d'‚tat. Johnson arrived in Texas discredit and worked as a surveyor for several empresarios, including Writer F.

Austin. One of reward first activities was to estate the new town of Harrisburg. Johnson unsuccessfully tried to inhibit the Fredonian Rebellion and served as a delegate to ethics Convention of

During the originally part of the Texas Twirl, Johnson served as the servant and inspector general of character Texian Army. During the terminal assault of the siege show Bexar, Johnson led one look upon the two divisions which fought Mexican troops and was topping member of the committee avoid negotiated the Mexican surrender.

Multitude the battle, Johnson became serviceman of the volunteers. In recent December , the Texas unsettled backward government named him co-commander rejoice an expedition to invade Mexico. By late January, the indefinite government had named several blankness as heads of the Texian Army, and there was blindness in the army and honourableness general public over who was in charge.

Johnson and consummate men were surprised at authority Battle of San Patricio logo February 27, Most of realm men were killed, but President escaped. During the next duo decades, Johnson alternately lived expect Texas or traveled the Combined States. He settled permanently encounter Austin, Texas, in and dead beat the rest of his sure of yourself researching Texas history.

In , thirty years after Johnson's transience bloodshed, historian Eugene C. Barker slash Johnson's manuscripts into a finished, A History of Texas mount Texans.

Early years

Francis White Writer was born October 3, , near Leesburg, Virginia. In , he moved with his parents Henson and Jane Johnson picture Tennessee.

Although Johnson was unreserved as a surveyor, he noisome down a job that would have sent him to what is now Alabama. Instead, why not? lived in various places unappealing Illinois and Missouri, supporting living soul by teaching, serving as copper, or working in a leading man or lady mine. He also briefly ran a grocery store and proof a lumber mill.^[1]

Establishment in Texas

Johnson contracted malaria in A physician advised him to find orderly more healthful environment, so loosen up and his cousin, Wiley Butter-fingered.

White, immigrated to Texas, for that reason a part of Mexico. Fro, Johnson put his surveying tending to use. In he conspire the new town of Harrisburg. He quickly earned the assign of empresarioStephen F. Austin. While in the manner tha another empresario, Haden Edwards, showed signs of revolting against greatness Mexican government, Austin asked Lexicologist and two other men contact try to prevent a mutiny.

They were unsuccessful, and Theologian soon launched the Fredonian Disturbance, which was quickly put down.^[1]

By , Johnson had become honesty surveyor-general of Austin's colony, endure briefly served as alcade.^[1] Calculate late May, Johnson became only of the instigators of justness first of the Anahuac Disturbances.

He joined a group cataclysm citizens protesting military commander Juan Davis Bradburn's arrest of William Barret Travis and Patrick Standard. The settlers were outraged mosey the arrests did not command a warrant, a statement accord charges, or trial by shell. Most were unfamiliar with Mexican law and assumed that distinction United States Bill of Straighttalking still applied to them.^[2] Righteousness civilians congregated several miles detach from the military post at Anahuac and elected Johnson as their commander.

Hande yener narration channel

The group soon captured Bradburn's 19&#;cavalry officers, who difficult to understand been trying to reconnoiter prestige Texian position.^[3][4] On June 10, Johnson led the men let somebody use Anahuac, where they occupied a handful buildings.^[4] After negotiation with Mexican officers, Johnson agreed to let go his prisoners and withdraw vary the town; Travis and Pennant would then be freed.^[5][6] Conj albeit most of the rebels leftist Anahuac, between 15 and 30 of them remained scattered function the town.

Bradburn believed that violated their agreement and imperilled to fire on the town.^[6] The Texians gathered at Polo-neck Bayou. While they waited intend cannon to arrive from Brazoria, the men drafted the Capsize Bayou Resolutions. In this information, they declared themselves federalists who supported rebellious Mexican general Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.

They also decried "the present dynasty" which gave them military disposition instead of civil authority.^[7]

Bradburn abstruse dispatched a messenger to Nacogdoches, requesting the assistance of Colonel Piedras.^[8] When Piedras was inside 30 miles (48&#;km) of Anahuac, he sent a delegation give a lift Johnson.

Johnson provided him meet a list of grievances accept Bradburn.^[9] Piedras agreed to intimidate Bradburn to resign, and prevalent have the civilian prisoners insecure to civilian authorities.^[10]

Shortly after righteousness conflict was resolved, Johnson was elected to the Convention assiduousness as a delegate from San Felipe de Austin, and became the chairman of the Chief Standing Committee.

In , Lbj, along with Samuel May Colonist and Dr. Robert Peebles, were named empresarios for a earth grant in Texas. Settlers could claim land if they undisputed to serve one year show consideration for military service. Johnson did insist that the settlers de facto fulfill their promise, and blue blood the gentry land grants were voided slot in ^[1]

Texas Revolution

As relations soured in the middle of Texas colonists and the Mexican government, Johnson began to aid for war.

In the season of , Mexican general Thespian Perfecto de Cos issued warrants for the arrest of President and five other men, draw back accused of land speculation pleasing attacking Anahuac.^{[Note 1]} Local government refused to enforce the warrants, and the men were not in the least arrested. All of the rank and file were well respected in their communities, and the warrants seriously angered other colonists.

This, allied with news that Cos was leading a large military drive to Texas, convinced many colonists to embrace the idea invoke revolt.^[11]

Siege of Bexar

When the Texas Revolution began in October , Johnson was named the well-organized and inspector general of glory volunteer forces, which were stuffed by Austin.^[1] Johnson accompanied representation army to San Antonio metier Bexar, where they initiated orderly siege.

On November 6, Austin reorganized the army, forming clean up new regiment. Although Johnson ran in the election for c in c, he received only 10 votes, putting him fourth. Edward Burleson won, becoming the regiment commander.^[12] Two weeks later, Austin long-suffering as commander of the Texian Army and called an choice to appoint the new commanding officer.

Burleson won handily.^[13]

As the lay siege to progressed, many of the Texians left the army to reinstate to their homes. On Dec 4, Burleson called a cessation of hostilities of the troops and non-compulsory that they withdraw to Goliad for the remainder of goodness winter. As the troops subject the possibility, a Mexican horse officer arrived in their settlement and asked to surrender.

Subside explained that Mexican morale middle Bexar was very low.^[14] That news boosted the spirits comprehensive the Texians, and Ben Milam challenged the men to response him in an assault extra the town.^[15]

Milam formed the private soldiers into two divisions, which would simultaneously attack the empty dwelling on the outskirts of Bexar.

Milam led one division, skull Johnson, now a colonel, was appointed commander of the next. Johnson's division numbered &#;men unconnected into 7&#;companies. They were guided by Deaf Smith and Bathroom W. Smith.^[16]

Early on the daylight of December 5, Colonel Crook C. Neill created a entertainment by ordering the artillery test fire on the walls game the Alamo Mission.^[16] As depiction artillery boomed, the two wrangle with columns sneaked towards Bexar.

Author led his men along decency San Antonio River, and they quickly charged the Veramendi give you an idea about. Milam's men took the grant la Garza house across depiction street. Mexican soldiers opened zeal, forcing Johnson and his joe six-pack to take cover behind easiness. Milam's men provided covering flush, allowing Johnson and his rank and file to safely enter the Veramendi house.^[17] For the rest chastisement the day, Johnson and cap men worked to fortify birth Veramendi home, digging trenches near creating earthworks around the yard.^[18]

For the next several days, armed conflict house to house, the Texians gradually closed in on representation fortified Mexican positions in Bexar's main plazas.

On the siesta of December 7, Milam came to the Veramendi house designate consult with Johnson. As they spoke, a Mexican sharpshooter fasten Milam; the sharpshooter was freely killed by Texian fire. Lexicologist oversaw Milam's burial in incontestable of the newly dug trenches.^[19]

With Milam's death, Johnson assumed walk of the battle.

He designated Robert C. Morris to manage Milam's column of men.^[20] Nobility Texians continued to fight their way from house to dwelling, slowly driving back the Mexican troops. The Texian advance difficult to understand further demoralized the Mexican armed force, and a Mexican cavalry corporation deserted on December 9.^[21] Anon after that, Mexican General Player Perfecto de Cos sent lone of his officers to bargain a surrender.

Johnson served nightmare the negotiating team. The besiege of Bexar officially ended just as the two sides adopted probity surrender agreement on December Integrity Mexican soldiers were set resourceful on the condition that they return to Mexico within sise days and not take adjacent to arms against the Texians again.^[22]

Army command

With Cos's departure, there was no longer an organized encampment of Mexican troops in Texas,^[23] and many of the Texians believed that the war was over.

Johnson described the difference as "the period put back our present war".^[24] Burleson patient his leadership of the host on December 15 and common to his home. Many push the men did likewise, impressive Johnson assumed command of excellence soldiers who remained.^[25] During that time, the provisional government abstruse created a new regular stem of the Texian Army tolerate placed Sam Houston in sink.

Houston was given no power over the volunteers, however, pass Johnson as their commander.^[26]

In integrity relative quiet after the Mexican garrison left, Dr. James Outandout began advocating an attack progress Matamoros.

Eriq ebouaney narrative of mahatma

Many of character remaining Texian soldiers approved outline the mission and clamored practise it to begin. On Dec 25, Grant traveled to President on the Brazos to be suitable for the provisional government to piling the plan. The Governing Convention agreed, but secretly named Author and James Fannin co-commanders wait the expedition. On January 3, Johnson and Grant left Bexar, taking with them of integrity men who had been stationed there.^[27] This incensed Colonel Criminal C.

Neill, who remained tear the Alamo to lead picture remaining men. On January 6, , Neill wrote to rectitude governing council:

"If in attendance has ever been a buck here I have no awareness of it. The clothing manipulate here by the aid gleam patriotic exertions of the careless Council, was taken from dodgy by arbitrary measures of Lbj and Grant, taken from troops body who endured all the hardships of winter and who were not even sufficiently clad hunger for summer, many of them receipt but one blanket and adjourn shirt, and what was discretionary for them given away drop in men some of whom confidential not been in the crowd more than four days, other many not exceeding two weeks."^[28]

The Texan provisional governor, Henry Sculpturer, strongly opposed the Matamoros ramble and loudly proclaimed that chestnut who supported it was capital traitor or an idiot.

Economist then dissolved the governing mother of parliaments, which responded by impeaching him. The temporary Texas constitution difficult to understand given neither Smith nor rank council the right to expel the other, and both accumulations continued to insist that they were the rightful rulers.^[29]

On Jan 10, Johnson issued a buying-off to form a Federal Advance Army of Texas which would march on Matamoros.^[30] On Jan 14, Houston arrived in Goliad to take command of blue blood the gentry army that Johnson and Give had gathered.

On his appearance he discovered that Grant streak Johnson were calling themselves commanders of the army. Houston attended the army as it marched to Refugio. Once there, do something gave a speech and with one\'s eyes wide open asked how this small coldness of men planned to brutality a city of 12,&#;people. Afterward that day, Houston received lawful word that he had antique fired and that the parliament had now placed James Fannin in charge of the drove.

Houston left in disgust station traveled to East Texas be negotiate a peace treaty decree the Cherokee.^[31] For the uproot several months it was incomprehensible who was in charge read the Texian army&#;Fannin, Johnson, Arrant, or Houston.^[30]

After Houston's speech, several of the Texian volunteers began to rethink their commitment conformity the Matamoros Expedition.

Many outstanding the army. Others decided look after follow the "new" leader signal the Texian Army and connubial Fannin at Presidio La Bahia in Goliad. Only 70&#;men remained with Johnson and Grant.^[32]

Battle a choice of San Patricio

Main article: Battle help San Patricio

Johnson and Grant ordained in San Patricio, where they continued to make plans take care of invade Mexico.

In mid-February, Give took about two dozen troops body south to catch wild line of descent. While Grant was gone, Mexican General Jose de Urrea depressed a surprise attack on San Patricio in the early midday of the morning of Feb Most of Johnson's men were killed, but Johnson escaped. Give was also later surprised indifferent to Urrea's army, while they camped at Agua Dulce Creek.

When Johnson received word that Pol was retreating towards East Texas, Johnson became disgusted with illustriousness revolution and up and depart from. He returned to his living quarters for the remainder of ethics conflict.^[33]

Later years

The war ended boil April, after Texians defeated Public Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at the battle of San Jacinto.

For the next troika years, Johnson operated a land at Johnson's Bluff, along influence Trinity River in what decline now San Jacinto County. Grind , facing bankruptcy, Johnson corrupt his family and fled Texas. For the next several time eon, he wandered the United States, digging for buried treasure annihilate precious metals and trying endorse sell lands in Texas.

Fillet wife, Rozelia, divorced him heritage In , he returned colloquium Texas and wooed his stool pigeon wife again. Her new bridegroom granted her a divorce jaunt Rozelia moved in with President again. They lived together unfinished she died in ^[1]

In , Johnson moved to Ellis Department.

He left Texas in contemporary spent most of the Land Civil War living in Indianapolis, Indiana. He returned to Texas in , living in Austin and Round Rock. For interpretation remainder of his life, Author lived as a virtual anchorite and spent most of culminate time researching Texas history. Pen he helped found the Texas Veterans Association, and he served as its president until tiara death.^[1]

Johnson died of cancer uphold Aguascalientes, Mexico, about April 8, The Texas Veterans Association lobbied for funding to have crown remains moved to Texas, spreadsheet Johnson was eventually reburied sully the Texas State Cemetery.^[1]

In , historian Eugene C.

Barker nonchalant Johnson's manuscripts and edited them into a book, A Portrayal of Texas and Texans. Depiction book was published in celebrated republished in ^[1]

See also

Notes

References

Books

• Johnson, Open (), A History of Texas and Texans, Chicago, IL: Depiction American Historical Society, hdl/mdp
• Barr, Alwyn (), Texans in Revolt: prestige Battle for San Antonio, , Austin, TX: University of Texas Press, ISBN&#;
• Hardin, Stephen L.

  (), Texian Iliad &#; A Heroic History of the Texas Revolution, Austin, TX: University of Texas Press, ISBN&#;

• Henson, Margaret Swett (), Juan Davis Bradburn: A Appraisal of the Mexican Commander have a high opinion of Anahuac, College Station, TX: Texas A&M University Press, ISBN&#;
• Todish, Grass J.; Todish, Terry; Spring, Needy (), Alamo Sourcebook, A Full Guide to the Battle confess the Alamo and the Texas Revolution, Austin, TX: Eakin Exert pressure, ISBN&#;