RIGMJohnson
OLIVER JOHNSON 1799-1892
Picture from History of Freemasonry in Rhode Island, 1895, by Henry W. Rugg.
Grand Master 1855-1856
BIOGRAPHY
From History of Freemasonry in Rhode Island, 1895, Page 313:
This brother of honored memory lived a long and useful life on the earth, being gathered to the fathers in the fullness of years. His character was one of strong individuality. He was a man of uprightness all through and through, and he had sufficient of the heroic element in his nature to enable him to be true to his convictions in the face of opposition and trials. In business engagements, in public stations, in Masonic relations and duties, he could always be depended on as one who would neither present or follow any false lights, and who would consistently act in obedience to the highest obligations of moral being. It is pleasant to pen a memorial of such a man and trace his helpful connection with the Masonic Institution. Oliver Johnson was born in East Greenwich, R. I., June 14, 1799. He died at his home in Providence, May 20, 1892.
His Masonic career began by his initiation in Manchester Lodge, No. 12, at Coventry, R. I., June 6, 1823. This was but just preceding the gathering of the anti-Masonic storm which a little later swept over the country all so fiercely; and the young initiate was soon made to experience the frowns and opposition of those who misinterpreted the character and purposes of Freemasonry, and who were determined to force him to leave the institution. He was summoned on two occasions before the Baptist Church in which he held membership, and to whose principles and polity he was always ardently attached, and called to plead to the charge of being a Mason; he was urged to withdraw from the organization, or at least pledge himself not to attend any of the meetings of the Craft, but he would make no such pledge, and so well did he defend Masonry before his church that the attempt to discipline him for his connection with the Fraternity came to failure. When the darkest days came— 1830-35 — and the opposition took the character of a relentless persecution, he did not falter in his open and pronounced support of the organization which was then so much misrepresented. He stood stedfast during all those years of severe testing.
He never sought to conceal his Masonic affiliations, and was always ready to recognize his brethren and meet with them when called to do so, or to join them in the public procession, albeit to do this was to run the risk of not a little obloquy and abuse. The strength of character thus displayed, and the unwavering attachment to Freemasonry thus signified, will long be remembered, and will constitute his best memorial in the hearts of brethren who will cherish his memory and worth as thus identified with the Masonic Institution in the darkest period of its history.
His Masonic career extended over a period of nearly seventy years. During this period he was called to fill many of the leading positions in Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery. He served as Secretary, Senior Warden, and Wor. Master of his Lodge, faithfully fulfilling the duties of each of these offices for a considerable number of years. He was elected Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island in 1835-36-37-38; Junior Grand Warden in 1842, again in 1853-54, and Grand Master in 1855 and 1856. He was High Priest of Providence Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in 1856 and 1857. He was elected Grand Scribe of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Rhode Island in 1858, Deputy Grand High Priest in 1859 and Grand High Priest in i860. He was elected Recorder of St. John's (Encampment) Commandery in 1854, and served three years; he was Captain General in 1857 and 1858, and Eminent Commander in 1859.
He was versed in all the degrees and orders belonging to legitimate Masonry, including those of the Cryptic and Scottish Rites. By reading and by study he had become acquainted with the history of Freemasonry, while his observation and fruitful Masonic experience made almost every thing connected with its expression familiar to his mind. He understood and appreciated the moral import of Freemasonry, no less than its benign and social features. Thus he gave his earnest and constant efforts for the upholding and advancement of the Institution.
Oliver Johnson was a "self-made man " in the best sense of the phrase. Deprived of parental care and home advantages when quite young, he was thrown upon his own resources and obliged to make his way against many obstacles. He had a resolute will, however, and an earnest purpose to get forward in life, and so he overcame many of the difficulties which beset his path. By attending the schools of his native town and passing two or three terms at the Washington Academy, in Wick-ford, he qualified himself to teach school, entering upon such work when he was only sixteen years old. Teaching a part of each year he obtained the means to continue his studies during the other part, and thus was able to acquire a good academical education. As a teacher he was faithful and efficient, and met with a good degree of success. In 1822 he entered into business pursuits, becoming engaged in a general variety store at Centreville, R. I. A few years later, having studied with Dr. Sylvester Knight until he had obtained a thorough knowledge of drugs and medicines, he entered into that branch of business. In 1833 he came to Providence and in company with Dr. Knight opened a wholesale drug store on Weybosset Street, under the firm name of Oliver Johnson & Co. This partnership was dissolved in 1841, and for several years after that date the subject of this sketch continued in business by himself. In 1846 he established his business on Exchange street, where it is now continued. In conducting the business, grown to much larger proportions than at first anticipated, and prominent in the matter of paints and oils, he took his son, William S. Johnson, into partnership; a few years later Mr. Benjamin W. Spink was admitted a member of the firm. The son, an active business man, an esteemed citizen, and a worthy Mason, died a few years before his father's decease. The business was continued, however, and is still maintained, since the death of the venerable senior member of the firm, under the original designation, Oliver Johnson & Co.
The subject of this paper was interested in public affairs and was often called to fill positions of public service and responsibility. As Justice of the Peace and Public Notary, as a member of the City Council of Providence for an extended period, as Representative in the General Assembly for several years, as member of two State Conventions called to act upon propositions to remodel the Constitution of the State, he made ample proof of his ability and good sense, and of a faithful devotion to what he held to be the right. He served as a trustee or director in several banks, insurance companies, and other organizations of a financial character, and in these places of trust evinced the same qualities which characterized his entire life.
In religion Brother Johnson was identified with the Baptist denomination, having united with the church at Exeter, R. I., when he was a young man. His relations in later years were with the First Baptist Church in Providence.
He was spared to great age. Length of days was accorded to him, even according to God's promise of old made to the Hebrew patriarch:
"Thou shalt go to thy Fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in his season."
With faculties well preserved to the last; maintaining an abiding interest in friends, society, public affairs; cherishing a deep and hearty faith in Almighty God and in the life immortal, our brother passed into a serene and attractive age —
"An age that melts in unperceived decay. And glides in modest innocence away."
God's angel hastened not his coming to call the faithful servant home; but when the summons, which none may resist, was heard by the aged one, it found him ready to answer Azrael's bidding and go forward to that "undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveller returns."
"There was no moaning on the bar ; When he put out to sea."
He died May 20, 1892, and his funeral was solemnized, under direction of the Grand Lodge, three days later. The Masonic burial service, at the committal of the body to earth, was read by Grand Master Stillman White and the Grand Chaplain Rev. Henry W. Rugg.
The venerable brother, whose remains were thus laid away with fitting Masonic honors, represented a worthy type of character and life. He was the good citizen, the successful business man, the reliable friend, who had earned the universal respect of the community by the moral quality of his life. He was unpretending in manner, simple in habits and tastes, gentle in his demeanor—thus exemplifying some of the sweetest virtues that adorn our humanity. He was an intelligent Mason, a worthy Christian, and an honest man.
