New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-07-22
OBITUARY.
PROFESSOR ALEXANDER JOHNSTON.

Princeton, N. j., July 21.-Alexander Johnston,
LID, age forty professor OF Jurisprudence ana
political economy in Princeton College, died yesterday
at his home here. Professor Johnston has been In
poor health for the last few years, and during this
college year he has becn obliged to give up his
classroom duties and most OF the active literary
work in which he has for many years been engaged.
Part Of his work in the college has dcvolved upon
President Patton, and the rest intrused tn Pro
fessor Scott, OF Rutgers College. Professor Johnston
was great favorte with the students and members
OF the faculty, and his early death will be great
loss to Princeton, whose departments OF political
economy and Jurisprudence have been brought 10
high standard Of efficiency by his efforts and learn
Ing. Professor Johnston leaves wife aud one child
Professor Alexander Johnston, whose career Is tins
cut of in its prime. was Of the leading writers
the constitutional and political history OF the
United States in this country. lie was a native OF
Brooklyn having been born there April 90. 15f0
lie received his collegiate education at Rutgers Col
lege. whore he graduated In 1870. After study
ing law at New brunswick, n. j., he was admitted 10
the in 1876 Instead however OF go ng actively into
the practice Of his profession he became teacher IN
the Rutgers College Grammar School, which place ne
held until 1870, when he gave 1t up to become
principal of the Latin school at NOrwalk, Conn All
this time he continued the study OF law politcai
economy and the history Of the United STATES ana
in 1870 published his History OF American Politics.
which has become standard work the subject. ana
is used as textbook in many Of the leading colleges
and universities Of this country.
In recognition Of his profound and broad knowledge
Of the political history OF this country, and IN the
of the political history Of this country, and the
clear insight into the principles of the Constitution
displayed In this work, Professor Johnston was IN
1883. called to the chair Of Jurisprudence
and political economy at Princeton College which
place he occupied tho time Of his death. In add
ton to his work at Princeton Professor Johnston
wrote number OF books and articles on United states
history. Tho rapldty with which his puDlica'iohs
followed each other, their thorOughness OF research
and ccaness and conciscness of style, stamped him as
fatgable and thorough worker. In 1854 was
printed his article The Genesis Of New England
STATE" Connec ticut IN the Johns Hopkins University
Series and in the following year appeared nj. KEEP
resentatIve American OratOns, with an Outlne OF
American Political History" Another year had hardy
elapsed before he had published HIS History of the
United States" for Schools and in 1887 he contributor
a History of Connecticut" for the American Common
wealth Series. Besides these books, Professor john
son wrote many articles for various encyclopedias; IN
Guiding those on the United States In supplement TO
political history Of the United States in Lalor's Cy
copedia of Political Science Political Economy and
United States History He a member of the
Feowcraft Club OF this city, and belonged 10 various
learned and literary societies.
Professor Johnston was exceedingly popular az
Princeton, where his unassuming manners and ready
interest IN all that pertained 10 the best development
pshy and Admiration Of the students and the cordial
regard OF the faculty. He was an ardent admrer or
college athletics and conspicuous In all efforts 70
raise them to tho dignity Of manly sport.