Approximately 38 items, spanning ca 1844-1873, associated with the life and military career of Edward E. Johnson. The earliest documents in the collection (13 documents, 1844-1852) primarily relate to Johnson's early career, including an accredidation to teach, letters of introduction and attestations to the quality of his work. The bulk of the documents (20 documents, 1861-1866) are associated with Johnson's service during the war, and are highlighted by documents issued in conjunction with his work with the Department of "Negro Affairs," later the Freedmen's Bureau. 

Early war-date letters document Johnson's efforts to secure a military commission at the onset of the war and include 4 letters written to Ohio Governor William Denison on his behalf. It seems Johnson may have had some association in 1862 with "Shield's Division," but by September 1864 Johnson is engaged in work on behalf of freedmen in North Carolina and Virginia. His work there appears to continue through at least August 1865. Documents related to his Civil War service include, in part:

Letter from J.A. Judson, Assistant Adjutant General, Office, Headquarters, District of North Carolina, to "Mr. Johnson." New Berne, N.C. 10 September 1864. 1p, 5 x 8 in. Judson informs Johnson, "The colored men which are in chg of the Pro[vost] Mar[shal] are to go on the Collyer tomorrow at 9 o.c. / General Palmer wishes you to have their rations & rolls onboard at that time without fail." -- A group of 8 passes issued to Johnson for travel primarily in Virginia and North Carolina between 1864-1865, two identifying Johnson's association with the "Contraband Dept." and for the "Supt Negro Affairs" respectively, and two including references to freedmen who are accompanying him. -- Two documents dating to 1866 relating to Johnson's work as a tax collector for the Office of U.S. Direct Tax Commissioners for the State of North Carolina.

Following the war, Johnson returned to northern Ohio. The 1870 US Census identifies his ocupation as a "Farmer," while the 1880 US Census identifies him as a "Manufacturer of Oil CLoth Binding." His war-date service on behalf of freedmen was recognized by the Rev. Horace James, Superintendent of Negro Affairs in North Carolina, in James's "Report of the Superintendent of Negro Affairs in North Carolina. 1864."  James identifies "Mr. Edward E. Johnson, of New Berne [NC]" as one of his three assistants in the state of North Carolina, noting the "diligence and fidelity with which they have discharged their duties."