Joseph E. Johnston

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Joseph E. Johnston was born February 3rd, 1809* in a house settled between the Appalachian frontier and the Abingdon society. This small town in Virginia was also named ‘Wolf Hills’ by Daniel Boone when a wolf pack allegedly attacked his dogs. It was in this town that Joseph, or Joe, learned the fundamental skills such as hunting and riding with a bold courage and faceless determination he soon applied to day to day life.

Those who met young Joe would not have thought him to be extra ordinary, with a simple 5’7, thin frame and dark eyes. His hair was cropped short, his expression serious. Despite his appearance, Joe had a stout heart that did not sway from hardship.

In fact, while growing up Joseph Johnson experienced an exceptionally agonizing event when his leg broke on a riding trip with his friends. He did not cry out, merely called them back saying:

“Hello boys. Come here and look, the confounded bone has come clean through.”

It became apparent that his friends would have to carry him the many long and bumpy trails to the end of their journey. Through it all Joe did not cry out or complain, proving once again his daring and seemingly fearless personality.

Joe’s parents, Judge Johnston and his wife**, where very strong in their views on education. There was no doubt that Joe and his brothers would go to school. Joseph respected his father and adored his kind hearted mother, so he respected their wishes and attended Abingdon Academy.At the age of Nineteen, Joseph Eggleston Johnston was accepted into West point, and made the thirty five mile trip up the from the New York Harbor up the Hudson River to join his fellow classmates (the most noted of which was Robert E. Lee).

Upon graduating West Point in 1829, he joined the fourth artillery where he served for 7 years (until 1836). Two years later and throughout the Florida war, he accepted the title of First Lieutenant of Topographical Engineers. While there and during the Mexican War, he obtained the brevet*** of Captain. Afterwards he gained two more brevets for “Distinguished conduct”.

Joe fought in many battles since then. He was in command during the battle of Bull Run and fought until wounded on the Virginia Peninsula (battle of Fair Oaks). His fellow student Robert E. Lee succeeded him.Joseph E. Johnston openly opposed Grant, rising up with the rest of his ‘Virginia Rebels’ to fight by General Lee’s side. At the end of the civil war, he was forced to surrender under Grant and Lee’s agreement in terms.

Afterwards Joseph remained a Democrat and active participant in the fire insurance business as well as railroad construction. He died on the 21st of March in Washington, D.C.


  • * Records also state him to be born in 1804 and 1807, so an accurate date is questionable.
  • * * Remains unlisted.
  • * * * Brevet: 1. N.A commission promoting an officer to a higher nominal rank than that for which he is paid 2. Adj. of a rank or of rank obtained or bestowed by

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