News Summary
Rienzi Melville Johnston, a notable journalist and former U.S. senator from Texas, is remembered for his influential role in journalism and politics. Born in Georgia, Johnston’s career began at a young age, significantly impacting the Texas media landscape. His editorials at the Houston Post championed free speech, and he served a brief term in the U.S. Senate. After retiring from the post, he was appointed to lead the Texas Prison Commission. Johnston’s legacy remains influential in Texas journalism, with a building dedicated to him at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts.
Houston – Rienzi Melville Johnston, a prominent Texas journalist and briefly a U.S. senator, has been remembered for his significant contributions to journalism and politics. Born around 1849 or 1850 in eastern Georgia, Johnston was the oldest of four children in a family with a rich history, including a great-grandfather who served in the American Revolution. His father, a printer, introduced Johnston to the world of publishing at a young age, gently guiding him on a path that would define his future.
Johnston’s journey into the newspaper business began early in life. In 1862, at just 12 years old, he ran away from home to join the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Due to the Confederacy’s recruitment age of 18, he served as a drummer instead of a combat soldier. After a year of service and a discharge, he re-enlisted in 1864, gaining further military experience before returning home to pursue his career in journalism.
After the Civil War, Johnston quickly re-entered the newspaper industry, starting his ascent in 1870 when he became the city editor of the Savannah Morning News. He relocated to Texas in 1878, taking up the role of editor for the Crockett Patron, followed by a position at the Corsicana Observer in 1879. Shortly thereafter, he launched his own newspaper, the Independent, and eventually took a role with the Austin Statesman in 1880. His defining moment in journalism came in 1885 when he was hired as the editor of the revived Houston Post.
Johnston’s editorials in the Houston Post gained national recognition for their strong advocacy for freedom of speech and the press. His writing style and political commentary resonated with many, garnering quotes from politicians and business leaders alike. Throughout the years, he actively engaged in local politics, even declining a nomination for lieutenant governor from the Texas Democrats in 1898.
His political career took a notable turn in 1912 when Governor Oscar Colquitt appointed him to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy left by Senator Joe Bailey’s resignation. However, Johnston’s term in the Senate was notably short at only 25 days. Despite its brevity, his time in Washington D.C. contributed to his profile as a public figure, although it was not the absolute shortest when comparing it to Rebecca Latimer Felton’s one-day term in 1922. After his brief Senate career, he continued his public service and was elected to the Texas State Senate in 1916, representing Harris County. He later served as president pro tempore in 1918, a prominent position just behind the lieutenant governor.
In 1919, Johnston stepped down from his position at the Houston Post, marking the end of an era in his journalism career. The following year, Governor William P. Hobby appointed him to lead the Texas Prison Commission, a role he maintained until his death in February 1926. His impact on Texas politics and journalism continued to be honored long after his passing, with the Houston Museum of Fine Arts dedicating a building in his name decades later.
Although the Houston Post eventually closed its doors in 1995 due to competition from the Houston Chronicle, Johnston’s legacy remains ingrained in Texas’ media history. His contributions to the field helped lay the foundation for modern journalism in the state, illustrating the profound influence his editorial work had on both local and national conversations.
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HERE Resources
Houston Commemorates 30 Years Since Houston Post Closure
Additional Resources
- Lubbock Online: Rienzi Johnston’s Impact on Texas Politics
- Archer County News: Texas History Minute
- NTXE News: Historical Articles
- Roll Call: Appointed Senators and Their Fates
- CultureMap Houston: Lovebirds Nest
- Wikipedia: Rienzi Johnston
- Google Search: Rienzi Johnston
- Google Scholar: Rienzi Johnston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rienzi Johnston
- Google News: Rienzi Johnston
