Honorable Joseph Prosper Johnson

Connecticut resident relocates to Provincetown as an apprentice and becomes a respected member of the community and participates in and officiates at government level activities.

 

1827 Arrived in Provincetown at age 15 as an apprentice sailmaker for his brother, Timothy, until he was 21
1833 Formed a partnership with Thomas Hilliard and started his own business; Johnson & Co., Grocers and Ship Chandlers on Hilliards Wharf
1835 Became partners with Reuben Cook and founded Johnson and Cook Co., vessel outfitters, packers and dealers in cod and mackerel on Market Wharf
1850 Elected to State Legislature and served until 1880
1882-83 Elected to the Senate
1845-50 Member of the Provincetown Board of Selectmen and presided over town meeting for 28 consecutive years
1836 Appointed to purchase Provincetown's first Fire Engine
1836 Donated the Steeple Clock in the Town Hall
1845 Licensed as a public auctioneer and continued so until his death in 1891
  The schooner, Joseph P. Johnson was named after him