Biography of Warden James A. Johnston

Born: Brooklyn, New York, September 15, 1874
Parents: Thomas and Ellen (Walsh)
Education: Public School Sys. Brooklyn Spring Valley Sch. (SDH) and Sacred Heart College, SF 1889
Married: Ida M. Fulton November 8, 1905
Children: Nellie, Muriel, Fulton (all deceased) and Barbara Ford of Ross.
Background History:
Admitted to CA bar by examination, 1919
Practiced SF and member SF County Board, Chairman State Control Board.

Warden;

1. Folsom Prison(1912-13)
2. San Quentin Prison (1913-25)
3. VP American Trust Company, S.F.1925-1932
4. Federal appointment as Warden; USP Alcatraz January 1, 1934-April30, 1948

Misc. appointments:

1. Asst. Director Fed Bureau of Prisons (MEH 1949)
2. Past President San Francisco Advertising Assoc.

Misc. affiliations: Commonwealth, Rotary (past president), Olympic Assoc. Chairman Ca. Crime Comm. 1927-1930. Pres. American Prison Association., 1940-41.

Publications: "Prison Life is Different, Alcatraz Island and the Men Who Live There" 1949, numerous pamphlets, and articles on prison work, education, reform practices, and reintegration.

Deceased: September 6, 1954 at
2901 Pacific Ave. SF

Biography of the Boat

Planning began in May of 1941 in Seattle by L.H. Coolidge for the Warden Johnston. The vessel was build by prisoners at McNeil Island Penitentiary with oversight by professional boat builders Everet Soldin and Woody Woodruff. The boat was completed in 1944.

The Warden Johnston is constructed of wood. The hull is Douglas Fir, the rub-strake is Ironbark, and the exterior trim and windows are Teak. The vessel weighs 60 tons and is 65 feet long, 17 feet wide and draws 8 feet.
more

The boat remained with the Sea Scouts for 35 years, where it was used to train hundreds of kids in seamanship. The Scouts are responsible for the good condition because the Coast Guard inspected it for passengers