The Peru Gazette

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 102^nd 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.