General Washington Johnston

Who was General Washington Johnston?

General Washington Johnston was born in Culpepper County, Virginia. General was his given name. Johnston migrated to Vincennes, Indiana then part of the Northwest Territory in 1793. In February 1799, he became the first man in the territory admitted to the bar.

Johnston achieved many firsts in Vincennes and the Indiana Territory. He is also generally considered the founder of Vincennes Masonic Lodge #1, F.&A.M. in 1809 (originally Vincennes Lodge #15 under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky). Johnston would serve several terms as Worshipful Master of Vincennes Lodge and many terms in different Grand Lodge offices, yet never was elected Grand Master.

Johnston served in the Territorial Legislature during the 1807 and 1808 sessions. He would also go on to serve in the Indiana General Assembly in the years 1821, 1822, 1826, and 1829. During the 1822 session, he served as Speaker of the House. His most notable contribution might have occurred in 1808 when the Indiana Territory was considering allowing slaves to be brought into the state. The Legislature was evenly divided on the subject. Johnston, seeming to be pro-slavery, delivered a "forceful indictment against human slavery" that swayed the body and won the day.