Degree Recipient

Life Experience

Alvah Johnson was educated in Boonville, Indiana, before graduating from IU in 1849. He was elected recorder of Warrick County and served in that position for four years. In 1852, he began his law practice in Boonville with Judge L. Q. De Bruler of Rockport. The following year, Johnson was elected treasurer of the county, serving four years. In 1862, he was the Union Party candidate for the 1st Congressional District, but he was defeated.

Johnson moved to Evansville, where he was appointed provost marshal of the 1st Congressional District during the Civil War. He was charged with managing investigations and incarcerations of the 143rd and 144th Indiana Infantry Regiments. In June 1869, he made a tour of Europe, from Scotland through England, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. Once he returned to Evansville, he became a ruling elder and trustee of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and superintendent of its Sabbath School. Living to age ninety-five, he was unable to read due to blindness, but was still “hale and hearty” according to the IU Alumni Quarterly published at that time.

Marriage and Family

In June 1852, Johnson married Jane Parrett, daughter of Reverend Robert Parrett (Evansville Methodist preacher). Her sister, Martha, was the wife of fellow IU alumnus Robert Rufus Roberts. Johnson and his wife Jane had eight children.

References

1. Wylie
2. Findagrave.com
3. Wikipedia
4. The Wabash Courier 09/01/1849
5. Indiana University Alumni Quarterly (1917) #4
6. Indiana University Alumni Quarterly (1921) Volume 8