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[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Louis A. Johnson Papers, A&M 4311, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.
Papers of Louis Arthur Johnson, (1891-1966), Clarksburg lawyer, and Washington, D.C. politician who co-founded the law office of Steptoe & Johnson. Johnson studied law at the University of Virginia and upon graduation immediately took up residence in the booming oil and gas town of Clarksburg, W. Va. and began the firm with Philip P. Steptoe. He served in France and Germany during and immediately after the First World War, and upon his return married Ruth Maxwell from Clarksburg. From 1937-1940 Johnson was the Assistant Secretary of War under President Roosevelt and later served as the second United States Secretary of Defense under President Truman from March 1949 to September 1950. Asked to resign by President Truman, Johnson returned to his law practice in Clarksburg until his death in 1966. This collection is minimally processed.
The collection includes correspondence, photographs, publications, news clippings, artifacts, etc. regarding Johnson's service in World War I, his political career, his social network, and his family life, among other topics. The collection also includes material related to other family members, especially his wife Ruth Maxwell Johnson, the Maxwell family, and Johnson's daughters, Lillian and Ruth Katherine (Kay) Johnson.
Series 1. Biographical Information; boxes 13-15, 31, 45, 52, 54-55; ca. 1910-2005.
Series 2. Diaries; boxes 19 and 23; 1916-1964.
Series 3. World War I Letters; boxes 1-4; 1917-1918.
Series 4. Correspondence; boxes 5a-7, 14, 21; 1917-1966.
Series 5. Scrapbooks; boxes 35, 40, 47, and 57; ca. 1920-1950.
Series 6. Publications; boxes 7, 9-12b, 15-18, 53, 57; 1913-1983.
Series 7. Miscellaneous Papers; boxes 8, 12a-12b, 14, 18-20, 23; 1917-1966, undated.
Series 8. News Clippings; boxes 12a-12b, 14, 18, 21-22, 53; 1913-1966.
Series 9. Photo Albums; boxes 29-32, 38, 41, 50; ca. 1910-1970.
Series 10. Photographs; boxes 3, 7, 12b-14, 18-21, 23-28, 31, 33-34, 36-41, 42-49, 51-52, 54, 58-60, 62, 69; ca. 1870-1970.
Series 11. Artifacts; boxes 16, 50-51, 53-54, 56a-56b, 60-61, 63-68, 84; 1917-1960, undated.
Series 12. Oversize; boxes 70-84, map cabinet 10, unboxed; ca. 1915-2013, undated.
Group photo signed by Harry Truman moved to A&M 435, Rare Signatures.
Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.
This series includes material related to Louis Johnson's life and death, including his Last Will and Testament, obituaries, honors, and degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Includes Last Will and Testament of Louis Johnson, obituaries and other clippings. Also includes correspondence and promotional material relating to a biography by Keith McFarland and David Roll.
Includes one copy of the April 26, 1966 issue with headline announcing death of Johnson, and five copies of the October 22, 1965 issue (does not seem to contain any information about Johnson or his career).
Includes certificate admitting Johnson as an attorney in Clarksburg (1913), citation to accompany Medal for Merit (1947), citation accompaning the award of the Distinguished Service Medal of West Virginia (1961), and honorary doctor of law degrees from Salem College (1938), and Creighton University (1949).
Includes sparse entries for appointments from September through December.
Includes diplomas awarded to Lillian Maxwell Johnson (Louis Johnson's daughter) from Harrison County Public Schools (1934) and the Emma Willard School (1938), Lillie B. Jarvis (mother of Ruth Maxwell Johnson) from Broaddus Female College (1882), Ruth K. Johnson from Zaner-Blopser Handwriting (1934), and Katherine Johnson (daughter of Louis Johnson) from Harrison County Public Schools (1937) and Elementary Shakespearean Dramatic Arts (1932).
Includes certificates awarded to Louis Johnson from the University of Virginia Thomas Jefferson Society of Alumni, the Bar Association of Washington D.C., the National Sojourners, and the University of Virginia Club of Washington Outstanding Alumni.
Includes three certificates for reappointment as Civilian Aide to Secretary of War for West Virginia (1931, 1935, 1946) and an honorary membership certificate from the International Printing Pressmen and Assistant's Union of North America (1933).
Card-mounted poster featuring sketches of Johnson and text outlining his biography and key achievements.
Diplomas include: Bachelor of Law - University of Virginia (1912), Doctor of Law - Marietta College (1949), Doctor of Law - Villanova College (1949), Doctor of International Law - Pennsylvania Military College (1950). Also includes Virginia Attorney License (1912) and several humorous or honorary degrees from The Silver Tongue, American Airlines, College of Hunting and Fishing, Conference of National Organizations, Citizens Committee of the Hoover Report, Veterans of the Spanish American War, The Raven Society, and the Permanent American Aeronautical Commission.
This series contains two diaries, one written by Ruth Maxwell Johnson documenting her daily life, and another by a woman named Emily that records a trip taken by ship from San Franciscsisco to Naples.
Contains approximately twenty entries relating day-to-day events and family occurences (no mention of Johnson). Also includes one later entry, when Ruth found the diary many years later.
"Voyage 25, S.S. President Adams, San Francisco to Naples, Feb. 2, 1964-Apr. 14, 1964." Inscribed "For Aunt Ruth with my love, Emily." Typewritten. Contains entries regarding an ocean voyage.
This series contains mostly letters from Johnson to his future wife, Ruth Maxwell, though there are other correspondents as well, including Johnson's mother and other family members. Some letters were mailed during Johnson's time in training at Camp Lee, VA and others are from the front in France.
Includes letter from Johnson to Ruth Maxwell written moments after the Armistice was signed, among other letters.
This series includes mostly correspondence between Louis and Ruth Johnson discussing family matters. There are also letters from Ruth's daughters and her mother.
Includes mostly letters from Louis Johnson to his wife Ruth when traveling or while Johnson was in Washington on business relating to his political career.
Includes mostly letters from Louis Johnson to his wife Ruth when traveling or while Johnson was in Washington on business relating to his political career.
Includes mostly letters from Louis Johnson to his future wife, Ruth Maxwell, while Johnson was touring Germany and Italy with the occupational forces immediately following World War I.
Includes correspondence between Ruth Johnson and her mother, and between Ruth and her daughter Kay, among others.
Letters sent to Ruth Johnson on the death of Louis Johnson.
Mostly correspondence between Ruth and Louis Johnson discussing family news.
This series includes mostly scrapbooks documenting political events or Johnson's career.
Contains official photographs of Johnson, some portraits and some with others. Photos are unidentified.
Includes one scrapbook that documents the Johnson's social life, containing invitations to the White House, news clippings about those events, concert programs, etc. (1938-1940), and one scrapbook containing news clippings about Johnson and the American Legion (1931).
Documents Louis Johnson's visit to Pittsburgh in 1940.
Includes only a few film proofs depicting golf scenes and the graduation of one of Johnson's daughters.
Project proposal for runway expansion at Lindbergh Field airport in San Diego, California (now SAN International Airport), containing maps, drawings, photographs, and text.
This series includes magazines, books and other publications, most of which contain material by or about Louis Johnson.
August 1938 issue, features Johnson on cover.
Includes issues of Time, Newsweek, Kiwanis, Foreign Service, and the American Legion magazine. Most contain articles by or about Johnson.
Includes issues of Time, Newsweek, Kiwanis, Foreign Service, and the American Legion magazine. Most contain articles by or about Johnson.
Articles are in manuscript or pamphlet form.
Three copies of The Kiwanis Magazine, Novmeber 1938, featuring an article by Johnson titled "Industrial Mobilization."
Yearbook of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Picture book assembled by the America Legion for the 1937 National Convention in New York City, containing postcard images of notable sights.
Includes: "Corks and Curls", University of Virginia Yearbook, 1912; "Louis Johnson, the Assistant Secrretary of War, Addresses, Vol. 1-4, 1937-1939"; "Eminent Judges and Lawyers of the American Bar, 1951"; "Industrial Mobilization for War, Vol. 1"; "Louis A. Johnson Papers in the University of Virginia Library" for Mrs. Johnson.
Includes: "Louis Johnson, the Secretary of Defense, Addresses, 1949-1950, Vol. 1-4"; "Democratic National Convention Official Proceedings, 1952"; "Louis Johnson, the Assistant Secretary of War, Addresses, Vol. 1-2, 1937-1939".
Guidebook for soldiers stationed in Paris during and just after World War I.
Most contain articles by or about Johnson.
August 1938 and June 1949 issues, both feature Johnson on cover.
"Today's history in pictures… The annual permanent record of important national and world events." Features photo of Johnson in section on American politics.
This series includes programs, invitations, pamphlets, and other types of papers.
Includes World War I telegrams, condolence letters, and Thank You card signed by President Truman.
Plans for a garden gate for home in Clarksburg and floor plan for a house in Florida, with some correspondence from the architect.
Includes programs from the White House Correspondents' Seventeenth Annual Dinner (March 12, 1938) and The National Press Club Annual Dinner with President Franklin D. Roosevelt as guest of honor (November 19, 1938). Also includes invitation from the Under Secretary of State to Louis Johnson for dinner in honor of the Sultan of Muscat and Oman (1938), a menu from the Gridiron Club of Washington, D.C. (1938), mailings and account information from the Union National Bank addressed to Mrs. Ruth Johnson (1963), and receipts from Raleigh Haberdasher and Lord and Taylor.
Various military forms for Louis Johnson related to his service during World War I.
Includes mostly programs from conventions and banquets at which Johnson was a speaker or honored guest. Also includes itinerary for "Trip of the President to Gainsville and Warm Springs, GA," March 22, 1938.
Includes guide books related to military procurement/planning/ purchasing, and several addresses by Morris Sayre, president of Corn Products Refining Company.
This series includes several folders of news clippings, some of which are about Johnson, while others pertain to his career interests or specific projects.
Headline: "Truman Wars on Inflation, Louis A. Johnson Raps Acheson Policies".
This series includes both official photo albums from specific events and family photo albums documenting the Johnson family.
There are seven albums: 1. Album inscribed "Shots '37 - Ann Johnson Sage," photos mostly unidentified. 2. Album of vacation photos, none identified (ca. 1950). 3. Album of vacation photos, some featuring Louis and Ruth Johnson (ca. 1960). 4. Album featuring Ruth Maxwell and family/friends, photos unidentified (ca. 1915). 5. Album of vacation photos, not identified (includes some from Mount Vernon) (ca. 1965-1970). 6. "Camp Alleghany 1930," summer camp for girls, some subjects identified. 7. In Memoriam album for Ruth Johnson (1983).
There are four albums: 1. Album labeled "Lillian's," subjects not identified. 2. Album from California, almost all photos identified (1937). 3. Factual data and photos of Tuscon, Arizona compiled for Johnson as Secretary of Defense. 4. Louis Johnson Scrapbook, featuring photos from travels and official events, most captioned.
Includes mostly candid family snapshots and outdoor scenery. Approximately one-third are identified.
Official assembled photo album from the inauguration of President Truman. Includes images of the inaugural parade, candid shots of social gatherings with Truman and others, and other material.
Albums belonged to Ruth Maxwell or the Maxwell family and document family and friends. None of the photographs are identified.
"Presented to The Honorable Louis Johnson, Secretary of Defense, on the Occasion of his visit to the Far East, June 1950." All photos are captioned. Includes images of Guam, Japan (Tokyo), and Okinawa.
Includes photographs taken by Johnson documenting scenery in France, fellow officers, and destruction caused by the war. Also includes some family photos from after Johnson's return from Europe, depicting Johnson's wife Ruth and possibly his daughter, Lillian. Some business cards from Steptoe and Johnson are also included. Some of the photographs seem to have identification on the back.
This series includes many photographs, some of which relate to Johnson's career and others to his personal life. Subjects include the Johnson family, the Maxwell family (Johnson's inlaws), Johnson's service in World War I, trips taken by Johnson to Egypt, India, and other locations, Johnson's affiliation with the American Legion, and Johnson's political career, including official portraits of Johnson for press releases and public relations. There are also portraits of others individuals given to Johnson. Most photos are unidentified, though some bear inscriptions.
Includes framed photographs, citation to accompany the award of Medal for Merit (signed by Truman, 1947), and letter from John W. Davis (in a frame) to Johnson regarding his loss in the presidential election of 1924.
Includes crayon sketch of political cartoon and conference panorama.
Two framed portraits of Ruth Maxwell Johnson's parents, one card mounted photo of Louis Johnson as a child, and one card-mounted photo inscribed "Arthur age 2."
Includes photos of Johnson being sworn in as Secretary of Defense.
Includes photos of Ruth Johnson, other acquaintances and politicians, and a photo of President Roosevelt, John Pershing, and Clement Attlee with printed signatures.
Includes photos of Ruth Johnson, Kay Johnson, WB Maxwell, and a post-World War I parade in France.
Includes portraits of Ray Murphy, Major General Frank Lowe, and Paul H. Griffith (National Commander of the American Legion), among others.
Image used on the cover of Time magazine in 1949.
Certificate admits Johnson as attorney in Washington, D.C. (1953).
Two collectible prints of TWA airplanes.
This series includes flags, medals, dog tags, academic hoods, and other items belonging to Johnson.
Three keys for rooms in the Mayflower Hotel, located in New York City.
Bronze head of Franklin D. Roosevelt, by J. Davidson.
Medal of Liberated France and Order of the Compassionate Heart Medal.
1. American Legion New York State Convention Ribbon, 1933;
2. American Legion New York State Convention Ribbon, 1933;
3. Order of the Crown of Italy; American Legion 14th Annual Promenade Nationale, Chicago Ribbon, 1933;
4. Louis A. Johnson, National Commander, American Legion National Convention, Janesville, WI, 1933 Ribbon;
5. American Legion Philadelphia, PA Ribbon, 1933;
6. American Legion 38th National Convention, Los Angeles, Distinguished Guest Ribbon, 1956;
7. Distinguished Service Award presented to Colonel Louis A. Johnson by the National Guard of Honor American Legion;
8. American Legion, Grand Rapids, MI Ribbon, 1933;
9. American Legion, 12th National Convention, Portland, OR Ribbon, 1932;
10. GAA, University of Virginia, Virginia-Hopkins Dual Meet, Heavyweight Boxing Medal, Louis A. Johnson, 1912;
11. GAA, University of Virginia, Heavyweight Wrestling Medal, Louis A. Johnson, 1912;
12. Democratic National Convention, Philadelphia, 1948, Honored Guest Ribbon.
1. American Legion 15th Annual Convention, New London, CT, 1933, Louis Johnson, National Commander Ribbon;
2. Grand Cross of Military Honor;
3. American Legion Service Committee Pin, Los Angeles, 1956; American Legion Distinguished Guests Committee Pin, Los Angeles, 1956; American Legion Life Member Pin; American Legion First National Aerial Roundup Pin, 1933;
4. Democratic National Convention, 1940, Chicago, Assistant to the Chairman Ribbon;
5. American Legion Department of Iowa, Dubuque 1933 Ribbon; American Legion National Executive Committee Ribbon;
6. Democratic National Convention, Delegate, Honorary Vice President Ribbon;
7. Louis A. Johnson, American Legion Department of West Virginia Annual Convention Ribbon, Clarksburg, 1938;
8. National Distinguished Guest Committee Pin, San Antonio Convention, American Legion, 1928;
9. Louis Johnson, Delegate, American Legion Department of West Virginia, 14th Annual Convention Ribbon, 1932;
10. Medal for Merit;
11. American Legion Pilgrimage for Peace Ribbon;
12. Democratic National Convention, Assistant to Chairman Ribbon, Philadelphia, 1948.
Leather desk box containing items probably of sentimental value, including photos of Johnson's daughter's graduation, a book of poems handmade by his daughter, etc.
Small metal lamp originally mounted to Johnson portrait.
This series contains large photographs, framed artwork, and artifacts, including flags, academic hoods, panoramic photographs, signed portraits, transcription discs with recordings of Johnson's speeches, and a World War I trunk with equipment, among other items.
Enlarged group photos, one labeled "Corps Area Commanders and Bureau Chiefs," one depicting several generals and their printed signatures, one of Johnson and others at a desk, and one unidentified group of pilots and military men in front of a plane.
One mounted aerial photo and one group of men, both unidentified.
Includes crayon sketch of Johnson by Jean Eason, a poster of boxing photos, and several unidentified group photos that include Johnson.
Includes family and political portraits, some group photos, a framed telegram from President Roosevelt to the American Legion, and an award to Johnson from the state of West Virginia.
Includes portraits given to Johnson by friends, acquaintances, and admirers. Many are signed and inscribed by the person pictured.
Includes portraits given to Johnson by friends, acquaintances, and admirers. Many are signed and inscribed by the person pictured.
Includes portraits given to Johnson by friends, acquaintances, and admirers. Many are signed and inscribed by the person pictured.
Includes portraits given to Johnson by friends, acquaintances, and admirers. Many are signed and inscribed by the person pictured.
Includes group photograph of Steptoe and Johnson staff (1946), framed letter from Frank L. Polk (1924), rolled photos of Johnson at desk, American Legion poster (1942), and photo of plane flying over Wright Memorial signed by Major C. Haynes.
1. Secretary of State Hull and Assistant Secretary of War Johnson Speeches;
2. Honorable Louis Johnson, B'nai B'rith - George Washington Celebration, Feb. 25, 1940.
3. Johnson, Army Day Banquet, Apr. 8, 1938 (4 discs);
4. Food and War Speech, June 18, 1940.
5. Address by Louis Johnson, May 26, 1940;
6. Col. Johnson - Part 2;
7. Louis Johnson Talk, May 28, 1940 - Part II;
8. Louis A. Johnson American Legion, Oct. 6, 1945, parts 2 and 3 (2 discs).
1. "Speaking of 'Unification'", F.O. Alexander (signed), 11/3/1949
2. "The Old, Old Story", Alexander, 8/26/1949
3. "Operation Handsaw", Paul R. Carmack (signed), 3/32/1949
4. "Louis Johnson, Psychiatrist, Armed Forces", William Wolfe (signed), undated
5. "Unification - Oh Brother!", Herc. Ficklen (signed), undated
6. "Assembly", Herc. Ficklen (signed), undated
7. "Better Leave the Bag Outside", Gib Crockett (signed), undated
8. "Secretary of (Self) Defense", Sean Allen (signed), undated
9. "'100% for Unification Laws' Vice Admiral Sherman", John Stampone (signed), undated
10. "Good Luck, Louis!", Keith Temple, 3/30/1949
11. "But It's Not Big Enough to Hold All of Them", Cliff Berryman (signed), 10/27/1949
12. "Mutiny on the Bounty", Richard Yardley, 10/4/1949
13. "A Very Unusual Situation to Say the Least", Tom Carlisle (signed), undated
14. "Don't Fret, Now, Under Unification We Are Going to Put Wings On It", Cliff Berryman (signed), 4/20/1949
15. "Louis A. Johnson First Man in History to Cut Goverment Costs", Gib Crockett (signed), 8/29/1949
16. "Three into One", Hal Coffman, 6/22/1949
17. "Always the Other Fellow Should Economize", Hal Coffman (signed), 9/8/1949
18. "A Note of Confidence, For a Change", John Knott, 2/4/1950
19. "Ah'm Feeling a Bit Scot'ish", John Stampone (signed), 9/1949
20. "A Direct Hit", Cy Hungerford (signed), 08/25/1949
21. "Offensive in the Defense Department", Philip "Flip" Uzanas (signed), undated
22. "Cheese it, There's Pop!", Hal Coffman (signed), undated
23. "Too Bad", Kendall Vintroux (signed), undated
24. "Seizing the Reins", Vaughn Shoemaker (signed), undated
25. "Ouch! You're Hurting the Little Guy Yow!", Glenn Brett (signed), undated
26. "And Let the Chips Fall Where They May!", Leo Joseph Roche, 7/21/1949
27. "See Here, Private Johnson!", Richard Yardley, 10/13/1949?
28. "Taking Capitol Hill", Shoemaker (signed?), undated
29. "An Omen?", Dorman H. Smith (signed), undated
30. "National Defense", Canfield, undated
31. "Stop It!", Lute Pease (signed?), undated
32. "Two Big Flops", Daniel R. Fitzpatrick (signed), 08/25/1949
33. "Who Says the Navy's Been Gagged?", Jim Berryman (signed), undated
34. "Jack the Giant Killer", Dowling (signed), 08/26/1949
35. "Now We'll Have A Little Peace and Quiet", Yardley (signed), 08/13/????
36. "Forecast: Stormy Weather in Pentagonia", Jim Berryman (signed), undated
Masonic Knights Templar sword inscribed with Johnson's name on blade.
Signed, though signature is damaged.
This portrait originally had a lamp attached to it.