The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-07-15


than public notoriety, it ought net to be con
sidered obtrusye 10 offer short sketch Of his life
to the public.
But few men Of his age in the State have ac-
complished more real good in the quiet walks Of
private life than Mr. johnston. lie never APP
peared to desire the distinctions of public life,
never sought public office, and hence is not so
generally known many other nen in the State
Of far less meritS worth or ability
William Johnston is native Of Lincoln county.
His father Robert Johnston, Esq, resided on the
western baAk of the Catawba river than whom
man of more purity of character integrity Of
purpose or elevation of sentiment, never lived.
Devoted to his agricultural pursuits-for he was
one Of the best of farmers-he led retired life,
revered By a large domestic circle beloved By his
neighbors and respected by all who knew him.
His house was the home of happiness and hosp-
tally. His first care and duty was to educate all
Of his in the honorable pursuit of agriculture
to which occupation the subject of this notice
served apprenticeship of several years, learning
10 handle with cOmmcndabic dexterity all the i'm
plements Of husbandry. With this substantial!
foundation for usefulness, his father graduated
four of'his at the University of North Caro-
lira-among whom William, who graduated
with an honorable distinction in the class of 1910,
the largest class up to that period which had ever
graduated at our University. Upon leaving Col
lege, Mr. Johnston Immediately repaired to the
Law School Of Judge (now Chief JUSTICE Pear
at Mocksvillc, in Davic county, where he
prosecuted his studies with unrenltting assidui.y,
in company with the late lamcnted Governor Iio.
". Ellis, Juo \. Ellington and Jno ". Burton.
lie obtained his license to practice law in 1871,
and, in the fall OF that year. located at Charlotte,
where he has resided since. Here lie found
many able and experienced practitioners to con
tend with. The courts Of old Mecklenlurg were
then attended by as many able lawyers any bar
in the State. with ten resident practitioners at
Charlotte. Close application in his studies and
an inhexiblc punctuaty to all his duties and en-
gagements, in a few years raised Alr Johnston to
a high position at the bar, and secured to him a
leading share in the business Of the Courts He
was well read in the law, possessed sound judy
mcnt, fine discriminating ledge Of human
nature, and indomiable energy Of character;
possessing these qualities in degree that made
few men Of his aye his equals in the Stse.
In this course he continued to practice about
fifteen years, assuming many private trusts and
positions of much responsibility, as guardian,
trustee, executor, administrator, director Of the
banks located at Charlotte, and president Of
various corporations, until his great practical
talents caused him to be invited, under peculiarly
hatteriug circumstances TO take charge. as Prcsi-
dent Of tie Charlotte and South Carolina Rail-
doned successful practice Of the law al devoted
his untrinE attention TO this great work. until, in
the short space Of six years, he has caused the
stock of the company to increase in value to the
enormous sum Of one million Of dollars. In
addition 10 this, during the last two years, he has
nearly completed frty-six miles of railroad, ex-
tending from the town Of Charlotte to Statewide
without cxpendng dollar of money derived
from State aid or from taxes imposed upon the
people; and the stock Of the road is now selling
readily at eighty cents on the dollar. 1t is be-
i;eved that the entire road when finished, will not
exceed cost of four hundred and ten thousand
dollars, aid will be, by far the cheapest railroad
Of its length, which has ever been constructed in
the Southern Confcderacy.
Mr. Johnston has ever been an active and lead
ing spirit In the construction Of every work Of in
ternal Improvement established in thia section of
the State. No man has been more thoroughly
identified with his fellow III their varied pur-
suits. OF enlarged views and comprehensive in
tellect of untiring energy, and unimpeachable
integrity he has discharged the many heavy re
probabilities committed to his care and attention
without ever once mourning the slightest shade of
suspicion to blemish the purity of his good name
In his manners be is amable and gentle, never OBJ
trusive of his acts or opinions whilst at the same
time he Is ever firm, prompt and decided in his
own views and opinions During the spring of
last year he was unanimously chosen by the people
OF Mecklcnburg Of their delegates to the
State Convention which voted North Carolina out
Of the United States, and into the Confederate
States, where for three weeks he discharged the
duties of that important trust to the entire salts
faction of his constituents; when pressed by a
sense of paramount duty to his country. and urged
by the solicitations of many friends, no resigned
his seat III the Convention to accept the post of
ComulissarY General, then pressingly rendered
to him by his late lamented Eycell.ucy Governor
Ellis. This honorable position he seems IT, have
filed without partizan feeling, and with universe!
satisfaction to the soldiers, and to the public.
antil the greater portion of cur State troops were
turned over to the Con fedeTate Government, when
he resigned this office and returned to his varied
private engagements, where his services have been
of great Importance and benefit to the country at
large. Engrossed with the pleasing excitement
inspired by these engagements, he expected to
continue i'll them, until at least thirds Of the
journals of the State irrespective of party spoke
favorably Of him as fit person to ill the Execu
tive Chair of North Carolina. \ testimony OF
his capacity so fattering, however undeserved he
may have thought it, he could not refrain from
approaching; and appeal to his patriotism So
extensive, whatever might be the amount Of
personal sacrifices to himself involved, he could
not refuse, and therefore did not hesitate to be-
come candidate for that distinguished position
Col. Johnston is now before the people OF North
Carolina literally and enphatically their candi
date for the highest Office within their gift; and
who doubts but that he is the choice of at least
two-thirds of the voters of the State, Invested oil
all partiZan FEELING Notwithstanding h. v;Io "a