Francis Godschall Johnson
Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Quebec | |
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In office 1889–1894 | |
Preceded by | Sir Andrew Stuart |
Succeeded by | Sir Louis-Napoléon Casault |
Personal details | |
Born | Oakley House, Bedfordshire | January 1, 1817
Died | May 27, 1894 Quebec City | (aged 77)
Sir Francis Godschall Johnson (January 1, 1817 – May 27, 1894) was a Canadian office holder. He was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba on April 9, 1872, but had his commission revoked before he was sworn in. In 1889, he was appointed the 4th chief justice of the Superior Court of Quebec.
Early life
Born New Year's Day, 1817, at Oakley House in Bedfordshire. He was the son of Captain Godschall Johnson (1780–1859), formerly of the 10th Royal Hussars, and his wife Lucy (died 1823), daughter of Sir Cecil Bishopp (1753–1828) 8th Bt., of Parham Park, West Sussex; 12th Baron Zouche. He was a nephew of Colonel Cecil Bisshopp. Francis Johnson was educated at Harrow and afterwards at Saint-Omer and Bruges. In his early life he had the reputation of an excellent athlete, and in later life he was remembered as a renowned wit.
Johnson moved to
Politically, Johnson was a
On March 4, 1856, at St John's Church, Red River, he married Mary Louisa Mills, eldest daughter of Thomas Milliken Mills of
Legal career
In 1854, Johnson was commissioned by the Hudson's Bay Company to work as a legal administrator in Assiniboia. He was soon recognized as one of the most competent figures in the Company, and became Assistant Governor of Assiniboia on July 19, 1855. On November 26, he succeeded William Bletterman Caldwell as governor, also retaining his legal portfolio. He appears to have been popular and respected during his time in the territory.
Johnson returned to Montreal in 1858, and resumed his legal practice. He was appointed a judge in 1865.
In 1870, he was commissioned by George-Étienne Cartier to become the first legal recorder in the new province of Manitoba. He was sworn in on October 19, and sought to develop a functioning legal system in the province.
Political career
On October 21, 1870, Lieutenant Governor
On April 9, 1872, Johnson reluctantly agreed to replace Archibald as lieutenant governor of the territories. This appointment was also revoked, following opposition in the House of Commons of Canada to a government appointee holding two paid positions. Johnson was never sworn into office, despite his continued popularity in the region.
Judicial career
Johnson returned to Montreal later in 1872, and was appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec. On December 9, 1889, he was appointed its chief justice.