Trouble magnet.

    CIRCUS.--Wilson's Great World Circus exhibited here on Monday evening to a large audience and gave general satisfaction. John Wilson is a pioneer showman and personally one of the best-hearted men that ever made a track in the ring. Long may he wave.
Shasta Courier, Shasta, California, August 28, 1869, page 1


    THE CIRCUS.--The Great World Circus has come and gone. It was about as much like the advance bills as the clown was like Harry Jackson--advertised to be with it, but now in New York. The acrobatic performance was good as the best, the lions were cross as desirable and the extra fee exacted for seeing them munch a little beef was a downright swindle. The jokes of the clown were coarse and stale, the performance of Zoyara on the slack rope was very good, but the bearded woman, photograph peddlers and other side shows were a disgrace to any respectable show.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 11, 1869, page 3


    THE ABDUCTION CASE.--The colored man, Albert Johnson, who was arrested and imprisoned, a few days since, for abducting the 13-year-old daughter of another colored man, by the name of Butler, was brought before Judge Wade on Tuesday last, and after an extended examination discharged. Although the evidence brought out on the examination was not sufficient to warrant his being bound over for the crime charged in the complaint, still enough leaked out to show that "old Fifteenth Amendment," as the boys call him, was not altogether innocent in the premises, and fearing an arrest on a new charge, he has eloped. So the story comes to us.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 23, 1870, page 3


    SQUIRE'S COURT.--Before J. R. Wade, J.P., Tuesday and Wednesday--State of Oregon vs. Albert Johnson (colored) for inducing a girl (colored) under the age of sixteen to leave home, without the consent of her parents--discarged. Kahler and Neil for prosecution--Fay for defense.
Democratic News, Jacksonville, April 23, 1870, page 3


Jacksonville, Oregon:
Harriet A. Johnson, 43, mulatto, born Maryland, keeping house
Albert A. Johnson, 26, mulatto, born Mexico, laborer, parents born outside U.S.
Malcomb A. Johnson, 17, mulatto, born California
U.S. Census, enumerated July 28, 1870


    ON THE WAR PATH.--On Wednesday a female "Lo," residing on Kanaka Flat, donned the war paint, and attacked a dusky sister with a carving knife, inflicting several cuts about the head and hand. We understand a warrant has been issued for the arrest of the termagant.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 27, 1871, page 3


    BOUND OVER.--The belligerent she-digger, referred to in another place, has been held to answer a charge of assault with a deadly weapon, after an examination before Justice Wade.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 27, 1871, page 3


    BELLICOSE.--The she-digger row, referred to last week, was the origin of a passage at arms between Joe Ball and Albert Johnson (colored) last Saturday. Neither party were hurt, no blood was shed, but an awful amount of profanity was expended. Marshal McDaniel wanted the belligerents to visit Recorder Hayden, who requested them to contribute $7.50 to the town treasury as the price of their warlike pastime. Being unprovided with the necessary funds, Charley, the colored barber, became Ball's surety for his fine, while Chinaman Yack went security for Johnson, and "all is quiet on the Potomac" once more.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 3, 1871, page 2


    THE WINTER FIGHTS HAVE COMMENCED.--Following the example of Mace and Coburn, Indian Billy and a semi-bleached American citizen, named Alfred [sic] Johnson, had a set-to this week, in which the representative of the Lo family had his peepers put in mourning. The latter is anxiously inquiring whether the "white men's laws won't punish a nigger for whippin' an Injun."
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 16, 1871, page 3


    FREE FIGHT.--A free fight, between the white, negro and Indian race, has been going on during the past week. Albert Johnson and a white creature, named Barnhart, had a combat over a dusky daughter of the forest, and in the melee the latter was battered up in a manner most fearful to behold. He swore out a complaint against Johnson, but the latter was too wily for the officers, and up to yesterday had eluded their vigilance. Barnhart is covered with wounds from head to foot, inflicted with a club. This Johnson has of late made himself notorious with his lawless exploits, and the sooner the community gets rid of him, the better.
    P.S.--He was captured yesterday.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 28, 1874, page 3


    A colored individual named Albert Johnson, and a white creature named Barnhart, had a combat over a dusky daughter of the forest at Jacksonville, and in the melee the latter was battered up in a manner most fearful to behold.
"Pacific Slopers," Albany Register, Albany, Oregon, April 4, 1874, page 3


    The origin of the fire is not precisely known, and reports in regard thereto are conflicting. Some say that the fire first broke out in the rooms of the Social Club, while others aver it started in the Eldorado Saloon. Others, however, believe it to have been set on fire, and John Lennox, white, and Albert Johnson, mulatto, both notorious characters, were arrested on suspicion. The evidence against them not being sufficient, however, they were discharged.
"Disastrous Conflagration," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 18, 1874, page 3


    ARRESTED.--Albert Johnson, a mulatto, was this week arrested by Deputy Sheriff Kent and Marshal McDaniel, for breaking open Horace Rice's house, on Rogue River, last October, and taking some firearms, etc., therefrom. He sold a shotgun to parties in Crescent City, where it was identified by D. H. Hudson, son-in-law of Mr. Rice, which led to Johnson's arrest. He will have a preliminary examination today.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 16, 1875, page 3


    Albert Johnson, a mulatto at Jacksonville, was last week arrested by Deputy Sheriff Kent and Marshal McDaniel, for breaking open Horace Rice's house, on Rogue River, last October, and taking some firearms, etc., therefrom.
"Oregon," Oregonian, Portland, April 20, 1875, page 1


    BOUND OVER.--Albert Johnson, accused of breaking open Horace Rice's house last October and stealing some articles therefrom, had a preliminary examination before Justice Stinson last Friday, who held him to appear before the grand jury in the sum of $10,000. Being unable to respond, he now languishes in jail.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 23, 1875, page 3


    Deputy Sheriff Kent returned from Crescent City a few days ago, having with him a witness in the case of the State vs. Albert Johnson, indicted for larceny.
"Personal," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 28, 1875, page 3


    PRISONER ESCAPED.--Harris, the negro held to answer the charge of larceny of a horse, last Saturday escaped from the county jail. It seems that while James Leslie, the jailer, was at breakfast, and Chas. Harris alone in charge, the negro asked to go out in the yard, and permission was granted him. One of the prisoners inside the jail just then called for a basin, and while Charley was giving it to him, the negro slipped the shackles (which Harris had fastened too loosely) off his feet and made tracks for the brush. His absence was soon perceived, and R. L. Ish and W. H. McDaniel dispatched after him. Although he was supposed to have gone in the direction of Bear Creek and was reported to have been seen in that vicinity, a thorough search there failed to reveal his whereabouts. A few days afterwards, he was seen on Applegate. Deputy Sheriff Kent started after him on Tuesday, and succeeded in getting on Harris' track; but owing to the inefficiency of those assisting him, together with some tall running on the part of the negro and the thick brush convenient, he failed to capture him. Mr. Kent returned yesterday, and we learn from him that the negro broke into a cabin belonging to a Mr. Baker, stealing a pair of blankets and some provisions therefrom. He thinks the prospects for his capture very fair.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 28, 1875, page 3


    CIRCUIT COURT.--After waiting on the grand jury for some time, the Circuit Court commenced business yesterday morning. The case of the State vs. Albert Johnson, indicted for larceny, was first called, and was still being considered as we went to press.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 28, 1875, page 3


    SENTENCED.--Judge Prim last Saturday sentenced Albert Johnson, convicted of larceny in a dwelling house, to seven years' imprisonment in the Penitentiary, and Mathew Harris, who pled guilty to an indictment of larceny of a horse, to six years' confinement in the same institution. They will be taken to Salem ere long.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 4, 1874, page 3


    GONE FROM OUR GAZE.--Harris and Johnson, the negroes convicted at the present term of court for larceny, and sentenced to the penitentiary for six and seven years respectively, were last Friday taken to Salem, in charge of Deputy Sheriff Kent and P. D. Hull.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 11, 1875, page 3


    DISCHARGED.--James Wilson, the youth brought from Crescent City, and also "Old Joe," the negro arrested near Waldo, Josephine County, who have both been confined in jail in relation to the case of Albert Johnson, were last week discharged, there being no apparent cause for their further detention.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 11, 1875, page 3


    Prince Albert Johnson of Coos County is under a forced contract to make brick at Salem for the state for one year for larceny.
"Oregon," Morning Oregonian, Portland, June 11, 1875, page 1


    Albert Johnson, for larceny, serves Jackson County seven years in the penitentiary, and Mathew Harris, a horse thief, goes for six years. That is the way to set these cusses up.
"Pacific Coasters," Albany Democrat, Albany, Oregon, June 11, 1875, page 2


    PRISONER ARRIVED.--Jay Tuttle, Sheriff of Coos County, on yesterday delivered at the Penitentiary Prince Albert Johnson, who was convicted of larceny. He was sentenced to 1 year's hard labor.
Willamette Farmer, Salem, June 11, 1875, page 1


    Prince Albert Johnson, lately of Yreka, but now of Coos County, a darkey who traveled with Wilson's circus formerly, is under a forced contract to make brick at Salem for the state for one year for larceny.
"General Notes and News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 25, 1875, page 2


Prince Albert may have been a different person than Albert A. Johnson--the Coos County connection is puzzling--but penitentiary records list only Prince as resident in 1875; the 1880 census shows only Albert A. there (which fits with Prince's one-year sentence). Wilson's circus performed in Jacksonville on September 4, 1869, which fits with Albert's first appearance in Jackson County history.


Jacksonville, Oregon:
Harriet A. Johnson, 49, black, born Maryland, parents born Maryland
Malcom Johnson, 28, black, born California, father born Va., mother Md., wood chopper
Edward Johnson, 16, black, born Oregon, father born Va., mother Md., wood chopper
U.S. Census, enumerated June 4-5, 1880


Oregon State Penitentiary, Salem, Oregon:
Albert A. Johnson, 36, Mexican, horse breaker, born Mexico, parents born Mexico
U.S. Census, enumerated June 14, 1880


    COMMUTATIONS.--His excellency Governor W. W. Thayer has recently granted the following commutation of sentences: Albert A. Johnson, sent from Jackson County for larceny for seven years from June 5, 1875; uniform good conduct and sentence being nearly expired. . . .
Oregonian, Portland, April 9, 1881, page 3


    Albert Johnson, the mulatto sent to the penitentiary from this place by Judge Prim several years ago, has been released from his confinement.
"Brief Reference," Democratic Times, April 15, 1881, page 3


    Albert Johnson and several other parties had some misunderstanding this week which resulted in a fight. Justice Huffer thought they had violated the law to the extent of $5 and costs.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, December 24, 1881, page 3


    There was a row in Africa last Saturday evening, in which a half-breed, named Frank Duke, shot at Albert Taylor, but missed him. A warrant having been got out for Duke's arrest, he lost no time in making tracks for the Klamath.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, September 22, 1882, page 3


Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 12, 1886, page 3


    The infant daughter of Albert Johnson of this place died one day recently, after a protracted illness. It was buried the following day.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, October 21, 1887, page 3


    Albert Johnson was proudly displaying an enormous coyote skin yesterday, having killed the animal on Applegate last Tuesday. He reports the "varmints" very abundant over the hill this year.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 29, 1888, page 3


    Mrs. Harriet Johnson, who has resided in Jacksonville for many years, died on Saturday. She was 80 years of age and has been a county charge for some time. She has two grown sons who reside here. Services were held at the Catholic church on Sunday by Rev. Desmarais.
"Jacksonville News," Medford Mail, April 2, 1897, page 3


    The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Johnson was buried on Monday.
"Jacksonville News," Medford Mail, April 16, 1897, page 3


    Albert Johnson, a Spaniard, charged with the crime of rape on a girl of 15, was held to answer yesterday by Justice Dunlap, with bonds fixed at $200. District Attorney Watson, who appeared for the state, was dissatisfied with the bond, and upon application to Circuit Judge Hanna the bond was raised to $1000. Johnson is in jail. His case will come up for trial Tuesday. He was convicted some years ago in this county of larceny, and served a term in the penitentiary.
"Jury Failed to Agree," Oregonian, Portland, December 18, 1899, page 3


    Albert Johnson, the Spaniard held for rape on a girl 15 years old, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today by Judge Hanna to 15 years' imprisonment in the penitentiary. He was taken to Salem on tonight's train.
"Liberated on Second Trial," Oregonian, Portland, December 21, 1899, page 6


    State vs. Albert A. Johnson: information charging defendant with rape on one Grace Allen, a girl under 16 years of age; defendant pled guilty and was sentenced Wednesday to fifteen years in the penitentiary.
"Doings of the Circuit Court," Medford Mail, December 22, 1899, page 3


    A LONG SENTENCE.--At the penitentiary, yesterday, Albert Johnson of Jackson County was received, under a fifteen-year sentence for rape. Deputy Sheriff T. M. Reed escorted Johnson to Salem and delivered him to the prison officials, the cost of transportation being $81.75.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, December 22, 1899, page 5


    Mrs. Millie Johnson, wife of Albert Johnson, died at home in Jacksonville Saturday evening, Feb. 24, 1900, of abscess of the lungs, aged 22 years, 5 months and 29 days. Mrs. Johnson was born and raised in Jackson County. She was married to Albert Johnson in 1893, by whom she had four children, one of which died not long since. Three children and her husband survive her. The remains were buried in Jacksonville cemetery, Monday at 2 o'clock, Father LeCroix officiating.
"Jacksonville News," Medford Mail, March 2, 1900, page 3


    SALEM, Or., March 29.--(Special.)--After having suffered imprisonment in the  penitentiary for nearly six years in silence, it now develops that Albert A. Johnston is innocent of the crime charged against him, as evidenced by an affidavit to that effect from the girl supposed to have been the victim of criminal assault, for which he received a sentence of fifteen years. The crime was alleged to have been committed in Jackson County, this state, December, 1899, and Johnston was convicted upon the testimony of the girl who was the principal witness for the prosecution.
    The girl's name is Grace Allen. She is of Indian parentage and was scarcely 15 years of age when the crime was alleged to have been committed. Now she is married and lives at Siskiyou, Cal., bearing the name of Mrs. Frank Barfield.
    In an affidavit contained in an application for the pardon of Johnston received by the Governor today, Mrs. Barfield states the testimony she gave upon the witness stand is false; that Johnston never was guilty of the crime with which charged and convicted, and never attempted to commit such crime; that she was young at the time and did not know the meaning of the charge of criminal assault.
    The Governor has taken no action in the case yet, but will probably grant a pardon upon the receipt of confirmatory evidence of the innocence of Johnston.
Oregonian, Portland, March 30, 1905, page 6







Last revised January 18, 2021