Daily Republican. [volume] ([Wilmington, Del.]) 1874-1890, 1890-01-21
Al tho Historical Society.

War monthly meeting OF the
Deiaware Historical Society was held last
nish., and the following members were
present; The Hon. l.. Z. Wales, Colonel
". y. a. LaEotic, Willard Hall Porter,
Esq, Henry 4. Bringhnrst, L. o. vande.
grii,, Esq, John II. Dandy. DR.. l.. T.
nush, Colonel Christian Feblger, j. Ii.
Hofitoker Jr., and A. w. Smith.
Judge Wales called Dr. l.. Z. Bush to
the chair aud moved the adoption OF the
following minute Of the death OF DR.. II.
7. johnson:
IL becomes the duty OF this society to
record the death OF most active, useful
ana valued member. DIR. Robert Porter
johnson di d at his residence In this city
ON the 10th day oil January, instant. HIS
con Gtetlon with the society began soon
after its organization, May 81, 1861, ard
from that date, until Ill health confined
h'm to his house, he was seldo n absent
from Que OF It's stated meetings; and up
to the time oil his death no one was more
familiar than he with all it's proceedin ings
and transactions. lie was the Librarian
OF the socie y for many years, and the i'm.
portance oi the sei vices rendered by him
In that capacity can be fully appreciated
by those only who have witnessed his
faithful and intelligent attention to the
ulics VI luht ONCE.
The shelves and cases Of our library
afford ample evidence of his care and
discrimination in the me hodieal arrange
ment and orderly classification of their
various contents. His vigilant and zeal :
GUS guardianship OF our deposits has
preserved them from being lost or scat
tered, aud has also prevented that coniu-
sion, Ia miscellaneous collection,
which would have deprived 1t Of half Its
value. No one was more closely identi-
He'd with or did more to secure the aim
and objects of the society than DIR.
johnson. More frequently than 10 any
otner member he was referred to tor
Information concerning Its affairs, and
on all such occasions his response was
ready md accurate. For one OF his quiet
and undemonstrative disposition, his
interest In the society partook soma aw hat
OF enthusiasm. 1t was his delight to sec
tho gradual growth OF the library, to
welcome every addition to its member
ship and TO dwell on Its increasing pros.
perity. Without making any preleuslon
TO extensive Or varied reading, he WAS
fond OF books, and read them largely
aud with jutlclous selection.
Every accessible source OF informa alton
connected With the history OF our State
auu sity uhu special attfhctlOn IOr I'm,
aud he was always eager to learn all thst
could be known Of the early settlers OF
the three lower counties on Delaware and
of their immediate descendants, their
manners, customs aud traditions. Uu-
obtrusivo In his intercourse with his
fellow members he was always willing to
answer any demand upon his time In
whatever related 10 the welfare OF .hc
society. The same conscientious per-
formance of d@ty which was observable
In him here pcrvaled lis whole life.
Though an unpretending man, hi, char.
acter was not one OF passive or neyativ,
traits. Ho had s,rong convictions AMI
was firm in maintaining them without
being contentious.
His virtues were practical 40 we'll as
excellent. He was good and useful
citizen. saiilful, kind aud devoted
phy,ician, constant In his attachments
and exemplary In his conduct. His sur
siving associates, impressed with sense
OF the great loss they have sustained BY
nis death, unite IN 1lierlng this imperfee
tribute ot affection and respect to the
memory OF their late companion aud
friend, aud In the expression OF their
sorrow that his earthly career has forever
clio ed.
The resolution was unanimously
adopted, and on motion OF DIR. Wales the
society Adjourned out OF respect to Til.
q h.,