John Johnson was promoted to Major of Engineers in October 1864. Upon recovering from his wounds, he joined Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's army in eastern North Carolina and took part in the battles of Averasboro and Bentonville. He was paroled as senior officer of engineers at the surrender of the army at Greensboro in April 1865. (Probably Johnston's surrender at Bennett Place in Durham, N.C..)
After the war, he resumed his ministerial studies and in January 188, was ordained to the Episcopal ministry and assumed charge of Grace Church in Camden, South Carolina. In 1871, he returned to Charleston and became assistant minister of St. Philip's Episcopal Church. he was made rector the following year, at age 43, and served in that capacity for the next 34 years.
In July 1890 he published his work "The Defense of Charleston Harbor, Including Fort Sumter and Adjacent Islands 1863-1865." This book received high commendation from the best literary and military critics.
In the summer of 1891, he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee, and a few years later the College of Charleston conferred on him the degree of LL.D..
The Reverend John Johnson died in Charleston at age 78 on April 7, 1907, the 44th anniversary of his posting to Fort Sumter. he was survived by his wife of of 42 years, Floride Canteyand eight children. he is buried at St. Philip's Church Cemetery..
--Old Secesh
