He was considered the "Father of Woburn," and served as its first town clerk (from 1640 until his death).
He was selected as Deputy from Woburn to the Massachusetts General Court (the colonial legislature) almost every year from 1646 on.
[2] Johnson was the first military officer commissioned in Woburn, and was one of the founders of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.
He served as Surveyor General of the military stores of the colony in 1659.
[4] Johnson was selected by the General Court to make the first map of Massachusetts.