Essex

JOHNSON, Russell Thayer

1st Biography of Russell Thayer JOHNSON

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 224 
(portrait p 224)

Russell Thayer JOHNSON, of West Concord [Essex County, Vermont], was born 04 
April 1841 in Newark [Caledonia County, Vermont], son of Ransel and Sally 
(FARMER) JOHNSON. The public schools furnished him with his early 
educational training, and he fitted for college in the Charlestown (Province 
of Quebec) Academy, after which he studied medicine with Dr. Charles S. 
CAHOON, of Lyndon [Caledonia County, Vermont], and graduated from Bellevue 
Hospital Medical College, New York City, in 1867. Dr. JOHNSON began the 
practice of medicine in Stanstead [Province of Quebec], Canada, and in 1869 
removed to Concord [Essex County, Vermont], and since that time has had an 
extensive practice no only in that, but also in adjoining towns. In 1862 he 
enlisted in the Eleventh Regiment Vermont Volunteers, and served nearly three 
years, most of the time in the medical department of the Sixth Army Corps and 
since 1872 have been examining physician for pensions. Republican; was a 
member from Concord in the state Legislature of 1884. In 1886 was vice 
president of the Vermont State Medical Society. For nine years he has been 
supervisor of the insane. He has been honored with several town offices, and 
at present is town treasurer. He is a prominent Mason and Odd Fellow, and is 
also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, having held several 
important offices in the department of Vermont. On 29 March 1869 Dr. 
[Russell Thayer] JOHNSON was married to Asenath A., daughter of Samuel and 
Almira (CURRIER) WEEKS, of Wheelock [Caledonia County, Vermont].



2nd Biography of Russell Thayer JOHNSON

Encyclopedia Vermont Biography: A Series of Authentic Biographical Sketches 
of the Representative Men of Vermont and Sons of Vermont in Other States. 
Dodge. Burlington: Ullery Publishing Company, 1912, p 236

Dr. Russell Thayer JOHNSON, physician and surgeon, Concord [Essex County, 
Vermont], was born 04 April 1841 at Newark [Caledonia County, Vermont], son 
of Ransel and Sally A. (FARMER) JOHNSON. Educated in the public schools, and 
academy at Hatley, Province of Quebec. Taught several terms of school; began 
the study of medicine in 1861 at Lyndon [Caledonia County, Vermont] under Dr. 
Charles S. CAHOON; attended three courses of lectures at medical department, 
University of Vermont; College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York; and 
Bellevue Hospital College, graduating from the latter in 1867. Began the 
practice of medicine in Stanstead, Province of Quebec; in 1869 removed to 
Concord, where he has built up a practice which covers the adjoining towns.

Member American Medical Association; member Vermont State (vice president 
1886), White Mountain, and Caledonia County Medical Societies. Delegate to 
International Medical Congress, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1876; health 
officer, Concord and adjoining towns; and medical examiner for pensions for 
several years. In 1862 [Russell Thayer JOHNSON] enlisted in Eleventh Vermont 
Regiment, and served nearly three years, most of the time in the medical 
department of the Sixth Army Corps; about two years division steward of 
Second Division of Sixth Army Corps. Has held many town offices, including 
that of treasurer and moderator at town meetings; represented Concord in the 
state Legislature, 1884.

Member Grand Army of the Republic, having served on the national staff at 
different periods; at present medical director of department of Vermont; 
member Concordia Lodge No. 43, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Moose River 
Lodge No. 82, Free & Accepted Masons, of Concord, of which he has been 
secretary thirty years and has passed all the chairs; at three different 
periods has been district deputy grand master. In 1869 [Dr. Russell Thayer 
JOHNSON] married [Miss?] Asenath A. WEEKS of Wheelock [Caledonia County, 
Vermont].

Submitted by Cathy Kubly