Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1867-12-13
DEATH OF EDwAED wILEIAn John.


From the 81. Louis Republican t
Edward William Johnstop died yester-
day morning at half past seven O'clock,
at his house on Dayton street, at the age
4 Of sixty.eiGht years, after q protracted
and painful illness which he bore with
manly foftitude and Christian patience.
He died in foil 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 20 most
honorable mention now that he is dead.
Mr.. Johnston was a native Of the State
Of Virginia. His father was sn officer in
the Light Horse Cavalry, commanded
by Gen. Henry Lee of revolutionary
celebrity. He was a brother of that able
4 Confederate soldier, Gen. Joseph Z.
Johnston, who viii be here to attend the
/ funeral of one between whom and him
I self there existed the tenderest relations
OF fraternal confidence and love.
From his father who was man OF
remarkable culture and taste for letters,
! Mr.. Johnston imbibed, at a very early
! age, those tastes for literary pursuits
which occupied all his years. 4 a very
early period Of his manhood be was
called to I'LL the Chair Of History and
Bslles-lettres in the University OF South
Carolina at Columbia. Ambitious for a
wider field Of Influence he became con-
neeted with the public press, and, during
the greater portion Of his long life, was
counted among the most brilliant and
effective writer's on -stafEs of various
journals. He was first, we believe, asso-
ciated with John Hampden Peasants in
the editorial management Of the Rich |
mond Wig. Afterwards, for ten years, |
he was associated with the National In |
tetijgeRceT as literary editor Of that jour |
nal. He was subsequently connected |
with the editorial staff of the New York |
Tines, aud is remembered for bis bril-. |
liant correspondence with the Philadel- |
phis North American and the Louis /
vile Journal In 1855 he came to |
st. Louis aud was associated with /
Mr.. Mitchell 10 the editorial direction OF /
the LgtelligenceT. When the Leader /
was established Mr.. Johnston was in
yited to take the. place OF associate edi-
tor Of thst Journal He continued IN that /
relation till the paper closed its career,
when be was elected librarian OF the
Mercantile Library, in 1858, we believe,
occupying that post Tor three years In |
that capacity his rare knowledge of books
aud bis familiarity with the whole range
Of literature, his judgment and taste
made him a most Valuable auxiliary ia |
building up that magnificent library,
and establishing its character as one Of
solid and substantial value in the various
departments Of science, philosophy, his
tory and general literature. The present i
catalogue Of the library WIS complied by
him, the principle Of its arrangement
and classification being his own.
We are scarcely able to say for what
line Of literary pursuit or of study Mr..
J Johnston had q preference. He had a
versatility and universality
Of knowledge. He confined himself in
no narrow line. There was scarcely a
topic beyond the range of his informa-
ton. Those who enjoyed compani0n-
ship with him found that there was no
subject that could be named upon which
his conversation would not flow, rich ,
with accurate aud we'll digested knowl-
edge. His memory was surprisingly re-
-eutive and ready, and to many OF his |
friends he was 8 reliable EncyclOuOaiia,
quickly responsive to every inquiry ,
His taste was refined and discerning,
md in most matters unerring,
while his masculine, cultivated judg-
nent made him q safe counsellor IN all
matters Of literature. His knowledge was 4
Tot confined to what may be technically :
alled Literature. His acquaintance with .
,ubliC affairs, public men and national ,
'olitics was extraordinary. As a writer
ie had few equals in brilliant and vigJr- :
us rhetoric, cOpi0usuess Of learning aud ,
obust original thought. He was remark
bly, independent and firm in his Opin-
Ons, courageous in their utterance, aud
sDacious in their defence. Indeed his
Ist moral courage of opinion and action
re remembered as among his striking z
His active intellect
eemed to be sleepless, impelling him to
ldustry that seemed never to weary,
lough his slight frame gave no token of 3
hysieal strength. Personally he was
raceful and genial, with 3 spOtless in {
egrity and purity OF character. AS
OmpsniOn he was distinguished for his >
susvity and courtesy, and Z
5 Il conversatioBist he was brilliant and n
bsolutely inexhaustible. His memory n
ill be cherished in most tender regard
nd with unaffected honor by many in
t. Louis and elsewhere, whose intimate
with him revealed his rare !
ersonal excellence and worth. =
His funeral viii take place upon the ar
val of his brother Gen. Johnston, Of
hich due notice will be given.