Haleyville in Winston County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
The Honorable Frank Minis Johnson, Jr.
Photographed By David J Gaines, January 24, 2015
1. The Honorable Frank Minis Johnson, Jr. Marker
Born in Winston County, Alabama in 1918, Frank M. Johnson, Jr. transcended the prejudices of his time and made his mark as one of the great jurists in American history.
He married his Winston County sweetheart, Ruth Jenkins, in 1938. During World War II, he served in the infantry under General Patton. Twice wounded, he returned to Alabama in 1946 to practice law. In 1955, President Eisenhower appointed him federal district judge for the Middle District of Alabama, and, in 1979, President Carter elevated him to the United States Court of Appeals.
Hero in war and peace, Judge Johnson enforced the rights of forgotten segments of society. In the face of unremitting social and political pressure to uphold entranced traditions of oppression and neglect, he did not yield. His landmark decisions in the areas of desegregation, voting rights, civil liberties, mental health and prison reform inspired the nation and transformed its understanding of the United States Constitution. Ever true to his “Free State of Winston" roots, Judge Johnson gave full meaning to the principle of equality under the law.
Though his service as a federal judge kept him in Montgomery, Judge Johnson’s heart always remained here in Winston County.
Erected 1985 by Alabama Historical Commission
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Civil Rights. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Commission, the Former U.S. Presidents: #34 Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #39 James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.
Location. 34° 13.574′ N, 87° 37.338′ W. Marker is in Haleyville, Alabama, in Winston County. Marker is at the intersection of 20th Street and 10th Avenue, on the right when traveling east on 20th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Haleyville AL 35565, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. City of Haleyville, Alabama (here, next to this marker); First 9-1-1 Call (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Byler Road (about 300 feet away); Haleyville Ice Company (approx. half a mile away); Jacob Pruet’s Stand (approx. 2.1 miles away); Factory Cemetery (approx. 6.9 miles away); The Free State of Winston / Natural Bridge (approx. 9.2 miles away); Byler Road / History of Natural Bridge (approx. 9½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Haleyville.
Photographed By David J Gaines, January 24, 2015
2. The Honorable Frank Minis Johnson, Jr. Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2015, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. This page has been viewed 578 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 31, 2015, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
