Tom Johnson, the Fighting Quaker: Champion of England 1783-1791
Profile of Tom Johnson (1750-1797), the corn porter who became Champion of England in bare-knuckle boxing. The 18th-century Thomas Johnson who ruled the prize ring.
The name Thomas Johnson has been carried by remarkable individuals throughout history, from Founding Fathers to professional athletes, from blues legends to media executives. This combination of two of the most common names in the English-speaking world has produced a surprisingly diverse group of notable people.
Perhaps the most historically significant was Thomas Johnson (1732-1819), who served as the first Governor of Maryland and later became a Supreme Court Justice. He nominated George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, and helped name the new federal city "Washington" in his friend's honor.
In the arts, Tommy Johnson (1896-1956) became one of the most influential Delta blues musicians of his era. His eerie falsetto voice and intricate guitar work influenced generations of musicians. The band Canned Heat took their name from his song, and his legend inspired a character in the film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"
Who You'll Find Here
Our profiles cover Thomas Johnsons from politics and government, sports and athletics, music and entertainment, journalism and media, and more. Each profile explores their achievements, contributions, and the legacy they've left behind.
Notable Thomas Johnsons in Science and Invention
Discover notable inventors, scientists, and researchers named Thomas Johnson, from 17th-century botanists to modern technologists who shaped their fields.
Thomas Johnson Educators: From Schoolrooms to Lecture Halls
Discover notable educators named Thomas Johnson throughout American history, from school founders to professors and the Maryland high school bearing the name.
Thomas Johnson, Supreme Court Justice: A Legal Career Most People Don't Know About
Thomas Johnson served as a U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice under George Washington. Explore his legal career, his Maryland judicial role, and the name's deep roots in American law.
Tom Johnson: The Mayor Who Fought for Cleveland's Soul
Profile of Tom Johnson (1854-1911), the streetcar millionaire turned reformer who served four terms as mayor of Cleveland and became a legend of the Progressive Era.
Tom Johnson: The Minimalist Composer Who Made Less Mean More
Profile of Tom Johnson, American minimalist composer born in 1939, known for The Four Note Opera and experimental mathematical music works in Paris.
Thomas Johnsons Who Changed How We Read Literature
Profiles of Thomas Johnsons who made lasting contributions to literary scholarship, from the editor who finally organized Emily Dickinson's poems to university researchers.
Thomas Johnson, Botanist: The Man Who Rewrote the Herball
Profile of Thomas Johnson, the 17th-century English botanist who revised Gerard's Herball and first documented the banana in Britain. A notable Thomas Johnson in science history.
Notable Architects Named Thomas Johnson
Exploring notable architects named Thomas Johnson throughout history, from colonial builders to modern designers who shaped American architecture.
Famous People Named Thomas Johnson
Discover the most notable people named Thomas Johnson, from Founding Fathers and Supreme Court Justices to blues legends and sports stars.