Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1888-10-31
Mrs. Harriet Lane Johnston.


/ called ct the eaddened home of Mrs
Harriet Lane Johnston, at SIS Pe,k ave
Baltimore. Mrs Johnston me. NE with
the kindliness which comes from thorough
breeding. Death mas robbed her of all these
dear to her, leaving herentirely alone First
her parents died. Then followed in auccss-
siou her sister, her brother, her uncle, jane s
Buchanan, her two sons and only children,
and her husband. Her grief made me feel
that she should not be made the subject OF u
newspaper article at this tins. l think
that every reader of the World who has
ever known sorrow of this kind will agree
with me that under the circumstances /
should not bring her and he. surroundings
into public view. Ali are familiar with The
history Of Harriet Lane, whose life was so
closely identified with tina! OF hsr uncle,
James Buchanan. She came OF PsdnsylTa-
niG ancestry on her motbet'e sido aud OF
aristocratic Virginia blood oil her fathers
side. Her earliest days were spen: in Mer
cerburg, franklin county, Pa. When
twelve years old she was sent 10 Charles
town, Va, 10 be educated. After 3 course
there her education Was completed in the
Georgetown convent Even before her
SCHOOL UaGS Hel5 OtSE btI 0ud COn
manding figure, her deep violet eyes and
heavy golden hair, her exquisite complexion
and perfect profile gave her the reputation
of great beauty. Her wonderful musical
abilities, in addition to her wit, and unus-
ual culture and wonderful conversational
powers, made her brilliant woman. When
James Buchanan went as Minister to Eng
land Harriet Lane accompanied him. Her
entrance into society awakened the utmost
admiration for her beauty, grace and humor.
She became u favorite with the Queen and
was greatly admired By the royal family.
During her stay she was one of the foremost
ladies in the diplomatic corps at the Court
of St. James. When James Buchanan be-
came President. Harriet Lane vas the loved
mistress of the White House. She was in
the White House when the Prince of Wales
visited America and became President
Buchanan's guest for fiys days. In January,
1866, Miss Harriet Lane became the wife of
Henry Elliot Johnston, q wealthy banker of
Baltimore and member of M old and aris-
tocratic family. On their return from
wedding tour in Cuba they went to their
home, No. 51S Park avenue, Baltimore,
which Mr.. Johnston had caused to be furn
ished in an elegant and luxurious manner,
to be fitting nest for his brilliant bride.
Harriet Lane Johnston was the devoted
mother of two OF the noblest of boys. The
eldest, James Buchanan Johnston was re-
markable child from his birth. and the mar.
vel and admiration OF all who saw him. he
died when fourteen years of age, in 1881.
Death has entered the home twice since
then, taking the husband, Henry Elliott
Johnston. and the only remaining child.
Harriet Lane is o.day beautiful woman.
Her deep, violet eyes reflect the sadness of
her heart her heavy golden hair has turned
to silver whlte her perfect mouth has sad,
sensitive lines her figure just as perfect as
when she was the loved mistress Of the
White House. salways clad in somb black;
her luxurious home in Baltimore is as quiet
as the grave. Much of her time is spens In
Washington, where she expects to reside
this winter. "Wheatland," James Buch.
anan's home, is her country home, but she
seldom stays long in one place. Despite
her deep affections, Mrs. Harriet Lane
Johnston is ever thoughtful OF others, and
the hearts of all who have ever known or
heard of ofHarriet Lane beat in sympathy with
har n her snrroWs Letter in ~, Y, World