Nevada
Frustrated by his tenure in the California governorship and anxious for a new political start, Johnson moved to the Utah Territory shortly after his departure. Following Utah's split and the creation of the Nevada Territory, as well as the beginning of the American Civil War in 1861, discussion began in territorial political circles to draft documents suitable for the federal government to admit Nevada as a U.S. state. In 1863, Johnson was elected to the Nevada Constitutional Convention in Carson City. The following year, the former governor was elected as Convention President.
Due in part to Johnson's efforts, Nevada was admitted as a U.S. state on October 31, 1864.
In 1867, Nevada governor Henry G. Blasdel appointed Johnson to the Nevada Supreme Court. A justice until 1871, Johnson would serve in this post longer than any other in his life.
After leaving the high court in 1871, Johnson's health declined. He died in Salt Lake City on August 31, 1872 at the age of 47.
Read more about this topic: J. Neely Johnson