Ebenezer Johnson
Encyclopedia
Ebenezer Johnson was the first mayor of Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...

, serving May 1832 – March 1833 and 1834–1835. He was born in New England on November 7, 1786, and studied medicine in Cherry Valley, New York
Cherry Valley, New York
Cherry Valley, New York is the name of two locations in Otsego County, New York:*Cherry Valley , New York*Cherry Valley , New York...

 with Dr. Joseph White, a well-known physician of the time. He came to Buffalo in 1810 where he began a medical practice and eventually opened a drug store. On January 25, 1811, he married Sally M. Johnson at Cherry Valley. She died in June 1834, and on December 7, 1835, he married Lucy E. Lord. During the War of 1812
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...

 he was appointed "surgeon's mate," or assistant surgeon. From 1823 on, Johnson had many business dealings including banking and bought property throughout the city.

On May 28, 1832 the first election in Buffalo took place and under the first city charter, the Common Council had the power to elect the mayor. Dr. Ebenezer Johnson was elected the first mayor of Buffalo with a salary of $250 per year and his political affiliation was Democrat-Republican. During his term he established the first hospital, the McHose House, for the care of cholera
Cholera
Cholera is an infection of the small intestine that is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The main symptoms are profuse watery diarrhea and vomiting. Transmission occurs primarily by drinking or eating water or food that has been contaminated by the diarrhea of an infected person or the feces...

 patients. Johnson served as mayor from May 1832 to March 1833. He declined a second term. He did accept his re-election in 1834, serving a second and final term ending in 1835.

Dr. Johnson owned a parcel of land on Delaware Street, from Chippewa to Tupper, now known as "Johnson Park" and located in the West Village Historic District
West Village Historic District (Buffalo, New York)
West Village Historic District is a national historic district located at Buffalo in Erie County, New York. The district is a 19th century residential neighborhood within walking distance of the central business district and Lake Erie...

. His land was approximately 25 acres (101,171.5 m²) total. It was surrounded by a high fence and he allowed wild animals to live freely within its limits. His home was known as "Johnson Cottage," or just "the Cottage," and was a well known place for socializing. The property included fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, flower beds, and elm trees.

After his second term, he moved to Tellico Plains, Tennessee
Tellico Plains, Tennessee
Tellico Plains is a town in Monroe County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 859 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Tellico Plains is located at ....

, where he owned an iron ore mine with his brother, Elisha Johnson
Elisha Johnson
Elisha Johnson was an engineer and early resident of Rochester, New York. He served the then village as its fifth mayor.Johnson was born in Chautauqua County, New York and graduated from Williams College. He moved to Rochester in 1817 and purchased of land on the east bank of the Genesee River...

, who was a former mayor of Rochester, New York
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...

. He died at Tellico Plains on September 23, 1849.
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