The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-12-13
OBITUAR Y.
Edward VlllIam JOhnston.

Edward William Johnston died yesterday
morning at half-past O'Clock, at his house on
Dayton street, at the age of sixty-eight years,
alter protracted and painful illness, which he
bore with manly tortitude and Christian
patience. He died in full communion with the
Roman Catholic Church. Widely known and
respected in the republic as one OF the most
brilliant scholars and writers in the United
States, he is entitled to most honorable mention
now that he is dead.
Nj. Johnston was a native of the State OF
Virginia. His father was an officer in the Light
Horse Cavalry, commanded by General Henry
Lee, of revolutionary celebrity. He was
brother OF that able Confederate soldier, Gen
eral Joseph E. Johnston, who will be here to
attend the funeral of one between whom and
himself there existed the tenderest relations of
iraterpal confidence and love.
From his father, who was man of remark
able culture and taste for letters, Mr.. Johnston
imbibed, at very early age, those tastes for
literary pursuits which occupied all his years.
At very early period of his manhood he was
called to fill the Chair Of History and Bellies
lettres IN the University OF South Carolina at
Columbia. Am bilious for wider field of in
fuence, he became connected with the public
press and, during the greater portion of his long
life was counted among the most brilliant and
effective writers the staffs OF various Journals
He was first, we believe, associated with John
Hampden Peasants in the editorial management
of the Richmond Wing. Afterwards, for ten
years, he was associated with the National In
le HgenceT as literary editor ofthat journal. He
was subsequently connected with the editorial
staff OF the New York Times and is remembered
for his brilliant correspondence with the Phlia-
'delphia North american and the Louisville
Journal. In 1855 he came to st. Louis, and was
associated with MIR. Mitchell in the editorial
direction of the IT1teHigencer. When the Leader
was; established MIR. Johnstonwas invited to take
the place of associate editor Of that journal. He
continued in that relation till the paper closed
its career, when he was elected Librarian Oh the
ing that post for three years. In that capacity
his rare knowledge OF books, and his familiarity
with the whole range OF otllteratHre, his Judgment
and taste made him most valuable auxiliary
in building up that magnificent library, and
establishing its character as one OF solid and
su stanial value in tue variods departments ol
science, philosophy, history, and geaeral htera-
ture, The present catalogue OF the library was
compiled by him. the principle of its arrange
ment and classification being his own,
We are scarcely able to say Tor what line oi
literary puIsLi' or OF study Mr.. Johnson had a
preference. He had q marvellous versatility
and universally OF knowledge. He confined
himself in no narrow line. There was scarcely
a topic beyond the range OF his information.
Those who enjoyed companion bip with him
found that there was no subject that could be
named upon which his conversation would not
flow, lich with accurate and we'll -d1gested kno "
ledge. His memory was surprl lngly retehtlVe
and ready, and to many of his friends he was a
reliable Encyclopedias, quickly responsive to
every Inquiry. His taste was refined and dis.
cerning, and in most matters unerring, while
his masculine, cultivated Judgment made him a
safe counsellor in all matters of literature.
His knowledge was not conhnet TO what may be
technically calle1 literature. His acquaintance
with public affairs, public men, and national pol
itics was extraordinary. AS writer be had few
equals in brilliant and vigorous rhetoric copI,
ousness of learning and robust original thought
He was remarkably independent and firm In his
opinions, courageous in their utteraUce, and
tenacious in their defense. Indeed, his just
moral courage of opinion and action are remem
bered as among his striking characteristics. His
active intellect seemed to be sleepless, impellng
him to INDUSTRY that seemed never TO weary,
though his slight frame gave no token of physi.
cal strength. Personally, he was graceful and
genial, with spotless Integrity and purity o.
Character As mpanion he was distinguished
a conversational he was brilliant and abso
Iutely iuexhaustible. His memory will be cher
isbed in most tender regard and with unaffected
honor by many in st. Louis aud elsewhere
whose intimate associations with him revealed
his rare personal excellence and worth.-St
To9,js RpOubicdn, 10Th.