Sir William Johnson was an English Baronet who was a very colorful and powerful figure in pre-revolutionary America.  Born in Smithtown, County Meath, Ireland, he came to America to manage the holdings of his uncle, Admiral Sir Peter Warren, which were located about 24 miles west of Schenectady.

Johnson soon developed trade with the Indians, treating them justly and fairly, cultivating their friendship and learning their language.  He assumed many of their mannerisms and even their dress.  His influence earned him the title Wariaghejaghe, which is interpreted to mean "he who has charge of affairs," and he was made a sachem of the Mohawk Tribe.

He held the rank of Major General in the British Militia, distinguishing himself in the border warfare with the French.  In February 1748 was placed in command of all New York colonial forces.  On April 14, 1755, he was appointed "Sole Superintendent of the Affairs of the Six United Nations, their Allies and Dependents,"  He held that position until his death on July 11, 1774, at which time his nephew, Guy Johnson, replaced him in that office.

Sir William became interested in Joseph Brant, the Mohawk Indian Chief, when Brant was about 17 years old.  Brant served under Johnson at the Battle of Fort Niagara on July 25, 1759, and Johnson later took Brant's sister, Molly Brant, as his common-law wife.  He was subsequently knighted for his service in the French and Indian War and given 100,000 acres of land in the Mohawk Valley.

Sir William Johnson was raised a Master Mason on April 10, 1766 in Union Lodge No. 1, located in Albany, NY, (which is now Mount Vernon Lodge No. 3).  On May 23, 1766 a Charter was issued to St. Patrick's Lodge No. 8 (now St. Patrick's No. 4) to constitute a regular lodge to be held at Johnson Hall in the County of Albany, Province of New York, in America.  Its first meeting took place on August 23, 1766 with Sir William as Charter Master, his nephew Guy Johnson as Senior Warden, Daniel Claus as Junior Warden and John Butler as Secretary.

Johnson's further Masonic offices include the titles of Provincial Grand Master of New York, and Master of the "Ineffable Lodge" at Albany, NY, which was probably the precursor to the present day Scottish Rite organization.

Sir William Johnson died on July 11, 1774.  There are no traces of a Masonic funeral or any other ritual at the time of his death and funeral.