Isaac Johnson – Slave, Soldier, Quarryman, Master Mason, Contractor
The Clinton County Historical Association Lecture Series
Presents: Isaac Johnson
Slave, Soldier, Quarryman, Master Mason, Contractor
By Cornel “Corky” Reinhart
Retired Director, University Without Walls program
Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs
Tuesday, July 13, 6:30 pm
At the Plattsburgh House of Prayer, 63 Broad Street, Plattsburgh
Isaac Johnson was a slave who joined a white Michigan Union regiment after escaping a brutal Kentucky slave master. Making his way to Detroit, Isaac enlisted in the first 102nd U.S. Colored Regiment and was wounded twice in Georgia and South Carolina battles. He later settled in Ontario and northern New York where he was welcomed into the local communities. There he was acknowledged as the contractor, master stonemason, bridge-builder and building designer for the region. His credits include the construction of the Waddington Town Hall, the Winchester United Methodist Church in Winchester, Ontario, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Churubusco and designing and building the stone arch bridge over the Grass River at Chamberlain’s Corners. Johnson is buried in Ogdensburg. The story of Isaac Johnson’s life has been researched for presentation by Cornel “Corky” Reinhart, retired Director, University Without Walls program, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs whose lifelong interests have included African-American History and American Social History.
This presentation is free and open to the public. For more information email director@clintoncountyhistorical.org or call 518-561-0340.
Posted: June 30th, 2021 under Community Events, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.