Francis Godschall Johnson

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Francis Godschall Johnson (January 1, 1817 – May 27, 1894) was a Canadian judge and public administrator who held several important posts in the 19th century.

Early life and education
He was born at Oakley House in Bedfordshire, England, the son of Captain Godschall Johnson and Lucy Bishopp. He was educated at Harrow, then studied in Saint-Omer and Bruges. He moved to Montreal in the 1830s to study law and was called to the bar in 1839. He earned a reputation as a leading figure in criminal law and was known for his bilingual abilities.

Legal career and politics
Johnson became a Queen’s Counsel in 1848. A Conservative, he served as vice-president of the British American League in 1849 and opposed the Rebellion Losses Bill. He signed the Annexation Manifesto, which caused him to lose his QC for a time (it was restored in 1853).

Family
In 1856 he married Mary Louisa Mills, the eldest daughter of Thomas Milliken Mills of Taunton, Somerset, England.

Hudson’s Bay Company and Manitoba
In 1854 the Hudson’s Bay Company hired him to work as a legal administrator in Assiniboia. He became Assistant Governor in 1855 and then Governor later that year, serving until 1858. He was well regarded there.

Return to Montreal and the courts
Johnson returned to Montreal in 1858 to resume his law practice and was appointed a judge in 1865.

North-West and Manitoba appointments
In 1870 Cartier asked him to become the first legal recorder for Manitoba, and he was sworn in on October 19, 1870. Two days later, he was named to the North-West Territories Legislative Council, becoming the territory’s first councillor and Executive Council member. That NW appointment was soon revoked, and he never served in the council. On April 9, 1872, he agreed to replace Archibald as lieutenant governor of the territories, but the appointment was revoked and he was never sworn in.

Superior Court of Quebec
Johnson returned to Montreal and was appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec in 1872. He became Chief Justice on December 9, 1889, serving in that role until his death.

Death
He died in Quebec City on May 27, 1894, at the age of 77.