William R. Johnson, the son, received his education in the public
schools of Lynchburg, Virginia, and was graduated from the high school
of that city. After attaining manhood he was engaged in the news-
paper business four years, and for two years was proprietor and editor
of the Lynchburg Star. On disposing of those interests he came to
Knoxville, Tennessee, where he embarked in the cigar business, and was
thus identified until July, 1912. His attention in a business way is now
given wholly to his interests in the American Construction & Develop-
ment Company, of which he is president and general manager. The
company is incorporated and has offices in the Henson building. As
a citizen Mr. Johnson has always been active and influential in affairs
pertaining to the advancement and general good of the city, and besides
the firm place he holds in the confidence and esteem of his fellow men
he has recognized abilities of leadership. He has been thrice elected
mayor of the suburb of Park City, in 1907, 1909 and 1911, each time
on the Progressive ticket. When the project of the National Conserva-
tion Exposition was launched, Mr. Johnson was chosen a member of the
managing board and is commissioner of finance of the same. He is a
member of the Travelers' Protective Association and is very promi-
nently identified with its work. He has served as president of the
Knoxville Post, two terms as president of the Tennessee Division, served
four years as national director, one term as first national vice-president,
and was elected unanimously at Savannah, Ga., in 1905 as national presi-
dent, a distinction never before accorded any member of the Travelers'
Protective Association. He was elected again national president in 1907
at Norfolk, Va., on the first ballot, defeating three others who were
prominent candidates. He has had the honor of presiding over three
national conventions, viz.. New Orleans, Buffalo and Milwaukee. He and
his wife, who was ^liss Delia Haynie prior to her marriage, are both
communicants of the Methodist Episcopal church.
