Gavel
Object number147
Date1848
MediumWood; Ivory
Credit LineGift of George McCandless
DescriptionGavel with white ivory head and black wood handle. Black text on sides and end of head.Dimensions2.5 x 1.25 x 5.25 in. (6.4 x 3.2 x 13.3 cm)InscriptionsSides of head: Wm. F. Johnston Armstrong County/Speaker of Senate 1848
End of head: Pennsylvania
Historical NotesThis gavel belonged to William Freame Johnston. A lawyer by training, Johnston became district attorney of Westmoreland County at the age of 21 in 1829. He was elected to the Pennsylvania state legislature and switched from the Democratic Party to the Whig Party in 1847 to run for the Pennsylvania Senate. He was named Senate Speaker in 1848 and, upon the resignation of Governor Francis Shunk, assumed the position of governor.
Related person
William Freame Johnston
(1808 - 1872)
Related institution
Whig Party
Related institution
Pennsylvania Senate
On View
Not on view
