Johnson, Sir William

(1715-1774), was born in Ireland, and, having emigrated to America, settled in the Mohawk Valley. In this region, then mainly an Indian wilderne , Johnson’s tact, ability and knowledge of the Indian character made him the central personage. He was colonel of the Six Nations, commi ary of Indian affairs, and member of the Governor’s council. His headquarters was Fort Johnson, near Amsterdam. The influence of the Johnson family held the Six Nations to the English alliance in the French and Revolutionary wars. Johnson attended the Albany Congre in 1754, and the next year was appointed to command in the north. For the victory at the head of Lake George, September 8, 1755, really won by General Lyman, Johnson received the credit together with a baronetcy and a sum of money. In 1759, after the fall of Prideaux, he succeeded to the command in the attack on Fort Niagara.