National Governors Association

Alabama Governor Joseph Forney Johnston
Born: March 23, 1843
Died: August 8, 1913
Birth State: North Carolina
Party: Democrat
Family: Married Theresa Virginia Hooper; three children

Periods in Office: From: December 1, 1896
To: December 1, 1900

State Web Site

Higher Office(s) Served: Senator

War(s) Served: Civil War

JOSEPH FORNEY JOHNSTON, Alabama’s 30th governor, was born in Lincoln County, North Carolina, on March 23, 1843, to Dr. William and Nancy Johnston. He was educated in public schools, and moved in 1860 to Talladega, Alabama, where he attended high school. In 1861, Johnston enlisted in the Confederate Army as a private, served as captain of the 12th North Carolina Infantry, and was wounded in four battles.