He was born in 1841, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, perhaps to [unknown] and Isabella [unknown family name]. [sources: 3 (22 in 1864), 4 (30 in 1864), 11 (1841), 12 (1841), 13 (19 in 1860). place: 3, 4, 13. parents: 12, 13]
In 1860, he was living in Lower Chanceford, York County, Pennsylvania. He was a labourer, and had attended school within the year. He was living with Isabella Johnson (perhaps his mother), and Hugh V and Sarah M Johnson (perhaps his siblings). [source: 13]
When he enlisted, he was a clerk. [sources: 3, 4]
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 7 inches tall, and had a fair complexion, brown eyes, and light hair. [sources: 3, 4]
He enlisted and was mustered into service as a private on 29 February 1864, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Lieutenant Gregory. He was mustered by Captain Hildeburn. He was owed $300 in bounty, and may have been paid $17.27. He was a private in company B. [sources: 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10]
He was reported absent without leave on 26 April 1864. On 27 April 1864, Sinex asked that he be sent to the regiment. [sources: 2, 5; see also 7]
He was dropped from the rolls on 30 June 1864, as a deserter. He was a private, in company B. [sources: 1, 4, 5 (3 July), 8, 9, 10]
In 1865, he died. He was buried in Pine Grove Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Lower Chanceford Township, York County, Pennsylvania. A Grand Army of the Republic marker is present. The headstone also lists Isabella Johnson (1806-1896)--perhaps his mother, Hugh V Johnson (1843-1911)--perhaps a brother, and Isabella R Johnson (1909-1910)--perhaps a descendent of Isabella. [sources: 11, 12]
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster)
2 letter, Sinex to Marvin, 27 April 1864
3 company B, [second] descriptive roll, entry 46 (William I Johnson)
4 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 1 Jun 2004 (Wm J Johnston)
5 consolidated morning report, 91st Pennsylvania, 26 April 1864 (Johnson)
6 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 3 July 1864 (Private Johnston)
7 monthly return, company B, May 1864 (Wm S Johnson)
8 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (William J Johnson)
9 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (William T Johnston)
10 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (William T Johnson)
11 Pennsylvania, veterans burial cards, 1777-1999 (William J Johnson)
12 Find a grave, memorial 125161583, created 15 Feb 2014 by Debbie Hartman, accessed 24 Dec 14 (William J Johnson)
13 1860 US census, Pennsylvania, York County, Lower Chanceford, microfilm series M653, film 1200, page 416 = 11 handwritten (FamilySearch) (William J Johnson)
| line | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| Dwelling number | 58 | |||
| Family number | 59 | |||
| Name | Isabella Johnson | William J " | Hugh V " | Sarah M " |
| Age | 50 | 19 | 15 | 14 |
| Sex | F | M | M | F |
| Color | ||||
| Occupation | Do [sc. Widow] | Labourer | Do | house help |
| Value of real estate owned | ||||
| Value of personal estate | ||||
| Place of birth | " [sc. Pa] | " | " | " |
| Married within year | ||||
| Attended school within year | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Cannot read & write | ||||
| Deaf, dumb, blind, etc. |