John B. Johnston was born at Fort Gaines, Georgia in the County of Early, now Clay County, on September 27, 1840.  After reaching the age of 18, Johnston applied to and became a cadet of West Point where he recieved his military education. After graduation from West Point, Johnston went  back to Georgian and enlisted in Macon for service with the Confederate States Army.  On May 11, 1861, John B. Johnston enlisted with Company H. of the 5th Georgia Volunteer Regt.  In 1865 during detailed services to Macon, Johnston was shot and wounded in the left thigh and captured by Union Forces.  Johnston was imprisoned in Macon and was paroled on April 24, 1865 on account of "cessutions of hostilities" or the end of the war. After the war Johnston continued to live in Georgia where he was born.  According to Johnston's own writing he moved to Florida on June 28, 1882.  Johnston decided to settle in Alachua County where he engaged in the newspaper business. Soon after Johnton moved to Dade City, where he established the Pasco County Democrat in 1887 after the formation of the new county.  The Pasoco Democrat was published for nearly 20 years in Pasco County.  In 1893 Johnston was elected to the Florida State Legislature, representing Pasco County, serving for three terms.  In 1895 Johnston was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives for Florida.  On December 15, 1888 John B. Johnston was elected to serve as the first Mayor of Dade City during an election to incorporate Dade City, Johnston served two terms as Mayor of Dade City. By 1909 Johnston had acquired large interest of property in Dade City where he was well liked and respected.  By 1910 Johnston had become an active member in the Dade City Confederate Veteran Camp No. 57.   By 1915 Johnston had moved to Tampa and was living in a home situated on Franklin Steet.  John B. Johnston passed away in 1922 while living in Tampa. (Research by Jeff Cannon- Copyright © 2008) (Photo courtesy of U.S.F. Special Collections)