James Thomas JOHNSTON, Congress, IN (1839-1904)

JOHNSTON, James Thomas, a Representative from Indiana; born near Greencastle, Putnam County, Ind., January 19, 1839; attended the common schools; studied law; during the Civil War enlisted as a private in Company C, Sixth Indiana Cavalry, in July 1862; transferred to Company A, Eighth Tennessee Cavalry, in September 1863 and commissioned as second lieutenant, serving until January 1864, when he resigned; afterwards served as commissary sergeant of the One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry; commissioned lieutenant and assistant quartermaster of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and mustered out in September 1865; was admitted to the bar in March 1866 and commenced practice in Rockville, Parke County, Ind.; prosecuting attorney 1866-1868; member of the State house of representatives in 1868; served in the State senate 1874-1878; elected as a Republican to the Forty-ninth and Fiftieth Congresses (March 4, 1885-March 3, 1889); unsuccessful candidate for reelection; resumed the practice of law; commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Indiana, in 1893; died in Rockville, Ind., July 19, 1904; interment in the Rockville Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present