JOHNSON, THOMAS LOFTIN

(1854-1911), an American political reformer, 6. in George town, Ky. He began his career as a clerk in a street railway office, and during this period, of six years, invented a number of car devices, among these being the Johnson rail and a farebox. Later he became a street railway owner in Indianapolis, extending these interests to Cleveland, Detroit and Brooklyn. Having acquired considerable means, -he sold out his active interests and went into politics, joining the Democratic Party, but being also an ardent Single Taxer. He was in Congre during 18915; in 1901 he was elected Mayor of Cleveland, and was re-elected in 1903, 1905 and 1907. During his terms in office he put into effect a number of radical re_ forms. His special reform was a three cent street railway fare. He wrote “My - Story’ 1911.