Born on February 28, 1858, in Brewerton,[1][2] an unincorporated community in Laurens County, South Carolina,[3] Johnson attended the common schools, then received an Artium Baccalaureus degree in 1879 from Erskine College and a Bachelor of Laws in 1883 from Vanderbilt University Law School.

[4] He was admitted to the bar and entered private practice in Laurens, South Carolina from 1883 to 1895.

[3] Johnson was elected as a Democrat to the United States House of Representatives of the 57th United States Congress and to the seven succeeding Congresses and served from March 4, 1901, until April 19, 1915, when he resigned to accept a federal judgeship.

[4] Johnson received a recess appointment from President Woodrow Wilson on March 9, 1915, to the United States District Court for the Western District of South Carolina, to a new seat authorized by 38 Stat.

[3] He was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 24, 1916, and received his commission the same day.