Alexander S. Johnson

Alexander Smith Johnson (July 30, 1817 – January 26, 1878) was a Judge and Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals and was a United States circuit judge of the United States Circuit Courts for the Second Circuit.

Johnson received a recess appointment from Ulysses Grant on October 25, 1875, to a seat vacated by Lewis Bartholomew Woodruff. Nominated on December 15, 1875; He was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 15, 1875, and received commission the same day. Johnson's service was terminated on January 26, 1878, due to death.

Education and career

Born on July 30, 1817, in Utica, New York, Johnson graduated from Yale University in 1835 and read law in 1838. In November 1859, he was defeated for re-election by Republican Henry E. Davies. He resumed private practice in Utica from 1859 to 1865.

Family

Johnson was the son of Alexander Bryan Johnson and Abigail Louisa Smith (Adams) Johnson (1798–1836); she was a daughter of Charles Adams and Sally Smith, a niece of William Stephens Smith, and a granddaughter of President John Adams and Abigail Adams. In 1852, Johnson married Catherine M. Crysler (1833–1898), and they had four children.

Honor

In 1859, Hamilton College conferred the title of LL.D. on Johnson.