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Editor's note: Phil Reader's Notes indicate Johnson was in Co. C 44th Wis.

The Forty-fourth Infantry was called into service in the autumn of 1864. It was organized under the superintendence of Colonel George G. Symes. The companies were sent to Nashville as fast as recruited. Company A left Camp Randall October 10th, and was followed by Companies B, F, D and C, successively, the last reaching Nashville November 30th. These five companies, under Lt. Colonel Bissell, were present at the battle of Nashville, December 15th and 16th. They were in the trenches between Fort Negley and the Franklin Pike, a portion of them being detailed to guard prisoners. In February, 1865, the balance of the companies reached Nashville, and the organization of the regiment was completed.

The regiment was employed in post and guard duty at Nashville, until March 9th, when they were sent by General Thomas, to Eastport, Mississippi, to escort some Union Prisoners, whom Forrest was to deliver to them at that point. The prisoners not having arrived, they returned to Nashville, and embarked, April 3rd, for Paducah, Kentucky, at which place they were employed in picket duty until August 28th, when they were mustered out of service.

Watsonville Pajaronian (February 5, 1908)

DIED: Watsonville, Feb 4, 1909 James W. Johnson, native of Illinois, aged about 58 years. (Funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family residence, lower Main street)

Obituary

James W. Johnson aged 59 years died at his lower Main Street home in this city late yesterday. He had been ill for about two months. Deceased was an industrious man, respected by every person. His place of nativity was St. Clair, Illinois. To mourn his loss is left a widow and the following children: Mrs. Jennie Bailey of Marysville, Mrs. Emma Mavey of Watsonville, W. A. Johnson of Hamberg, and J.L. and May Johnson of Watsonville.

Date of Birth: 1847-09-09

Date of Death: 1908-04-02

County: Santa Cruz

Cemetery/City of Burial: Santa Cruz County

Plot: GAR-i

Mortuary: BBU

Cause of Death: Lng/Edima

Occupation: Miner

Local Address: Main St 46

Last City: Watsonville

Native of: IL

Father Native of: Henry (IL)

Enlisted: 1865/01/12

Discharged: 1865/08/28

Military Unit: WI_ 44 Inf_ Co G

Rank: Pvt

Military Notes: R-Buena Vista_ M/O-Paducah

GAR#: N/R

Available records used to obtain information:
Cemetery records
Santa Cruz County death records
Military records
Santa Cruz and Monterey newspapers
Voter Records

CW Reference: PAJ 1908/05/28