Paul B. Johnson, Sr.

Paul Burney Johnson Sr. (March 23, 1880 – December 26, 1943) was an American attorney, judge, and politician, serving as United States Representative from Mississippi, 1919–1923, and as Governor of Mississippi, 1940–1943.

Early career From 1907 to 1908 Johnson served as a judge of the city court of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Two years later he became circuit judge of the 12th judicial district, with his tenure ending in 1919.

Political career In 1918 Johnson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat, serving from 1919 to 1923. During this period, he developed a friendship with Franklin D. Roosevelt, Assistant Secretary of Navy and future President of the United States, and his family. Their children played together.

In 1939, Johnson won the race for Governor of Mississippi. A supporter of New Deal measures, Johnson presided over numerous progressive reforms during his tenure.

Johnson died in office in 1943. His son, Paul B. Johnson Jr., was serving in the Marines in the Pacific during World War II at the time. More than 20 years later, he was elected as governor in 1963. His grandson, Pete Johnson, was elected state auditor in 1988.

Paul B. Johnson State Park, a state park in Mississippi, is named after him.