James M. Johnson (politician)

James M. Johnson (December 8, 1832 – February 15, 1913) was an Arkansas politician. He was an officer in the Union Army; commanding the First Arkansas Infantry during the American Civil War and becoming a Brevet Brigadier General.[1] His younger half-brother Robert S. Johnson died while serving as a Private in the 16th Kansas Cavalry in Dakota Territory during the summer of 1865.

After the war he was elected lieutenant governor in 1868, with Powell Clayton as governor. When the Republican Party of Arkansas split in 1871, Johnson sided with the Brindle Tails against Clayton, who was supported by the Minstrels. When he spoke out against Clayton, he was attacked with articles of impeachment in the state legislature. Though exonerated, his reputation never recovered. Chief Justice John McClure was impeached but not removed from office for issuing an injunction preventing Johnson from taking the office of Clayton.[2] These were part of the events that lead to the Brooks-Baxter War.

He died on February 15, 1913.