Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-06-10
MR.. THOMAS JOHNSTON.
some Particulars OF the Death Of
this weli-Known Gentleman.

A brief paragraph In this paper yesterday
morning gave 70 the public the trst iuforma-
ton Of The death Of Mr. Thomas Johnston,
which occurred at his home. in Henrico. at
1 A. NJ. d..
The deceased was born 10 Scotland
fifty.lour years ago. and about 1851
entered into business in this city
As salesman In the book-house OF MIR.
George N. West. In 1860 Mr. John NJ.
West and Dir. Johnston succeeded the elder
Mr.. West, and were known as the Appetons
and Harpers OF the South from the large
number Of books they published-it being
estimated that about one half OF the books
published in the South during the war bore
their imprint. After the war the firm was
continued under the name OF West 81 john
ston, and inally the members OF IT were Mr.
Johnston, Mr.. Monty West, and MIR. Joseph
NJ. Skinner, Mr.. John MWest retiring to be-
come the agent OF the Old Dominion Steam
ship Line at Petersburg and City Point.
Mr. Johnston Married a Miss Sinton and
lived at "Tbe Grove" IN Heprico county,
about three miles from the city, on the Broad
Street road. He came into Richmond every
morning and went out every evening, and
bis gongs and comings were as regular as
ciock-work, except when extraordinary
events prevented. He was q very popular
man in bis county, and might have bad almost
any Office in the gift Of those people, but his
disposition was ayerse TO political life, While
he never failed in a citizens duty.
For ABOUT twenty years. except at rare in
tervals, Mr.. Johnston bad been regularly
drawn on the Henrico grand jury and was
nearly always made It's foreman. 1t was
position for which his pleasant temperament.
fine judgment, aud devotion 10 duty particu-
larry fitted him, and one In which he was able
TO render the people and the Court valuable
service.
The deceased was vestryman and trea>
surer OF Emmanuel church, In Henrico, and
attended the late council at Staunton as It's
representative. He had been in poor health
for year or two, and while Mt the council
his troubles took turn which led TO this
last illness. His disease was Of the heart COM
plicated with lung and other troubles. He was
conscious up to the last, and though I'M
doubtedly aware that he was very i'll, proba.
bly, did not expect a fatal issue 50 soon. He
leaves a wife aud two children Joseph A..
who is employed at the bookstore, and
Charles p, who is now a citizen OF st. Paul,
but who reached here yesterday morning.
Mr.. Johnston has brother (RObert who Is
IN the wooden and willow-ware business in
Now lOlhs nc udS ~ sietti diNO, SUE h'So III
Massachusetts, and is married.
Mr.. Johnston deserves TO be kindly re.
membered in this community. He could not
have been truer VIrginian il he bad been
born here. His heart and his ever.open
hand were with us; and hundreds OF
old Confederates will treasure his memory
for personal kindness0s done them. His
name will always stand as synonym for the
upright and conscientious merchant, for the
good and trusty citizen, for the tender and
true friend, and, above all, for the Christian
who loved all Of Gods people and truly
sought TO brighten their paths in this world
and encourage them to aspire to "the better
life"
The funeral OF Mr.. Johnston will take
place at $50 i. NJ. to-day from bis late resi-
dence. on the Broad-Street roa1, in Henrico
county, aud his remains will be inferred in
the family burying-groand on the farm.