William Samuel Johnson

              William Samuel Johnson's Life

 *BEFORE THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION*

Born: October 7, 1727 Stratford, Connecticut

Family History: William Samuel's mother, Charity Nicoll, and his father, Samuel Johnson, had 3 children together, William, and his two brothers, Benjamin, and William. Johnson's father was a well-known Anglican philosopher. Anglican is a type of religion. Because his father was very religious, he wanted his son, William Samuel, to become a minister, however William took an interest in law instead. Johnson and his wife Anne Beach, had eleven children together. However,many of them died at a young age.

Education: Before Johnson went to any schools, he received a education at home from his father. His father prepared him for college, and as a result, William was offered a scholarship to Yale,and later graduated in 1744. Three years later, in 1747, Johnson won a master of art degree, and an honorary master's from Harvard.

Professions before becoming a delegate: Before William Samuel Johnson became a delegate for the Constitutional Convention, he was a Lawyer, Inventor, and from 1787-1800, William Samuel Johnson was the president of Columbia University. 

*CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION*

Convention Contributions:  Johnson was one of the delegates who helped secure the passage of the Connecticut Compromise. This compromise was also known as the Great Compromise. It resolved many issues of representation in congress. It blended together the idea of the New Jersey Plan and the idea of the Virginia Plan. It was the idea that the states would be equally presented in the Senate, however in the House of Representatives, each state would be based on their population. The Connecticut Compromise, (Great Compromise) combines both plans and makes it one.

          William also worked for Connecticut's approval of the Constitution. Connecticut became the fifth state to approve of it on January 9, 1788. Johnson was one of the delegates who agreed with the Constitution. He was present from June 2, until the day the Constitution was signed. However, Johnson was absent for one day in late July.

            William Pierce stated, "Dr. Johnson is a character much celebrated for his legal knowledge; he is said to be one of the first classics in America, and certainty possess a very strong and enlighten understanding."     

*ACCOMPLISHMENTS* 

• William Samuel Johnson was a delegate to Congress.
• Johnson was a member of the Cinnecticut delegation to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and the Connecticut ratifying convention in 1788. 
• After the convention, William was a U.S Sentator.         

*FAILURES*

• Johnson was arrested in 1779 for communicating wiht the enemy. (Britian)