Elliot Johnson (politician)

KCMG
Speaker of the House of Representatives
In office 14 June 1917 – 27 February 1923
Preceded by	Charles McDonald
Succeeded by	William Watt
In office 9 July 1913 – 7 October 1914
Preceded by	Charles McDonald
Succeeded by	Charles McDonald
Member of the Australian Parliament for Lang
In office 16 December 1903 – 17 November 1928
Preceded by	Francis McLean
Succeeded by	William Long
Personal details
Born	(1862-04-10)10 April 1862 Nationalist (from 1917)
Spouse	Marie McLachlan ​ (m. 1881)​
Occupation	Sailor

Sir William Elliot Johnson

Johnson was born at Newcastle upon Tyne, England, the son of a scene-painter. He ran away from home at 13, worked in the telegraph office at London, and afterwards assisted his father scene-painting at Covent Garden theatre. He was then apprenticed on a sailing-ship and after obtaining his second mate's certificate, settled in Sydney in 1883. He took much interest in the free-trade movement and was also a follower of Henry George.^[1][2]

Johnson was an early member of the

In

He was elected Speaker of the House in 1913 and held this position until after the 1914 election. He was again Speaker from June 1917 to February 1923, when William Watt was chosen for the position. Johnson was a man of great industry who made it his business to be thoroughly acquainted with the subjects under debate. He was particularly interested in the question of immigration. As Speaker he was quietly dignified, courteous and efficient.^{[citation needed]}

He was defeated at the 1928 general election.

Personal life

Johnson died at

In private life his hobby was painting and etching. A set of his etchings is at the National Library of Australia, Canberra.^[1]

References