Answer Summary
Cave Johnson died on November 23, 1866. He was a U.S. Representative from Tennessee and a prominent figure in 19th century American politics. This article clarifies the date, circumstances, and historical context of his death, drawing on verifiable records to provide a durable status clarification for an evergreen audience interested in historical biographies.
Biographical Context
Born on January 3, 1793, in Sumner County, Tennessee, Cave Johnson established a long public service career that included roles in state government and national legislative work. Understanding his life trajectory helps explain why his death date remains a point of historical interest. His career included service in the U.S. House of Representatives and leadership roles aligned with Tennessee’s development during the early to mid-1800s.
Confirmed Death Details
Reliable historical and governmental records confirm that Cave Johnson died on November 23, 1866. Cross-referencing congressional biographical archives, Tennessee state historical markers, and obituary sources from the period supports this specific date as accurate.
Place of Death and Circumstances
He passed away in Clarksville, Tennessee, where he had resided for a significant portion of his adult life. While nineteenth century accounts may vary in detail, modern biographical compilations converge on this location and timeline, treating his passing as an established fact within regional history.
Age and Era Context
At the time of his death, Cave Johnson was 73 years old. His passing occurred during the Reconstruction era, a period of considerable social and political change in the American South. This context helps explain both the public response to his death and the efforts to document it in official records.
Documented Timeline
The following table summarizes key dates and attributes related to Cave Johnson’s life and death, drawing on authoritative biographical sources and public records.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 3, 1793 | Biographical records |
| Date of Death | November 23, 1866 | Congressional and state archives |
| Age at Death | 73 years | Calculated from verified dates |
| Place of Death | Clarksville, Tennessee | Local historical accounts |
| Primary Role | U.S. Representative from Tennessee | Congressional biographical directory |
Historical Reputation and Public Memory
Cave Johnson is remembered as a diligent public servant who navigated the political landscape of 19th century Tennessee and Washington, D.C. His death marked the end of a career that intersected with significant national developments, including westward expansion and pre-Civil War legislative debates. Later historical assessments have reinforced the reliability of the recorded date and location, minimizing ambiguity for researchers.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Some informal historical references may present conflicting years or vague descriptions, but authoritative sources consistently support November 23, 1866 as the definitive date. Treating this as a status clarification helps distinguish verified information from speculation or minor transcription errors found in less rigorous publications.
Legacy and Records
Official records, including congressional documents and Tennessee historical markers, preserve the memory and service of Cave Johnson. These materials serve as durable evidence for biographers, educators, and historians seeking accurate information about his life and the era in which he lived.
