William Johnson

William Johnson (1715-74), British soldier and colonial official in America, born in county Meath, Ireland. He immigrated to America in 1738 and settled on a tract of land in the Mohawk River valley of New York. As a trader, he established friendly relations with the Native Americans, especially the Mohawk of the Iroquoian Confederacy. In 1746 Governor George Clinton appointed Johnson superintendent of Iroquois affairs, and in 1750 he was commissioned a member of the governor's council. Largely through his influence, the Iroquois were allied with the British during the French and Indian War (1754-63). Johnson was commissioned a major general in 1755 and was appointed sole superintendent of Indian affairs for the region north of the Ohio River in 1756. For distinguished services he was created a baronet in 1755. Four years later he commanded the British force that captured Niagara from the French, and in 1760 he took part in the capture of Montréal. Johnson founded Johnstown, New York, in 1762.