The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-10-06
VIRGINIA TO THE FRONT.
The Valuable Invention of Mr.. ;, j. John
sion, of Leesburg.


A young Virginian has come to the
front as an inventor and for some time
past ne has been exhibiting on the
streets of Richmond two Of the clever
est and most convenient labor-saVing ap-
plances ever seen here. His name Is
Samuel j. Johnston, and he was born
and raised I'm Leesburg, Loudoun county.
While Mr.. Johnston has spent the great
er part OF his life IN me city
of Leesburg. yet he Is Wen known 10
many citizens OF Richmond. having Ihsr-
ried a daughter Of Slr Patterson Bayne,
of the firm OF Patterson Bayne q Co.
As an inventor, Mr. Johnston has the
right 10 exhibit and sell his invention by
sample I'm any part Of the United states,
and upon his arrival In Richmond he
at once applied 20 Major Howard, Chief
Of Police for permission 10 show his
goods upOn the streets. Major How
ard promptly gave the desired permits
sion. and MIR. Johnston has been To-
Gated on Tenth street. in front Of The
Times building, where he is daily sur
rounded by large crowds.
A description of Mr.. Johnston's In
VentiOns cannot better be gwen than III
the words Of thu Lecsburg Mirror when
devotes a hree-quarter-coiumn editorial
10 the subject:
ION the 4th OF last December there
were issued from the United States Pat
ent Oaice two certificates of patents TO
Mr.. 5. j. Johnston, OF this town. for
two tools--a combination wrench ana an
adjustable Jack. on Saturday afternoon
we saw the tools, and were given prac-
teal illustration of their working capa-
bilities by their inventor.
First we were shown the jack, which
is designed for use in oiiing buggies,
wagons, carriages sc. 1T is provided
with an adjustable bar, by means OF
which the same tool is adjustoi 20 any
size hub thus overcoming an objection
hitherto possessed by all tools of the
kind-indeed, this invention OF Mr.. john
ston's is the only adjustable jack on the
market. The advantages OF this jack
are that in oiling you never lose on
washer; you can oil d buggy without
soiling your hands: a boy can use II;
YOU can remove the wheel entirely for
fitting on washers. the wheel can be
revolved for washing, and, finally, It's
durability and cheapness."
The Mirror then describes Mr.. john
ston's ombnation-wrench. which 1t
characterizes as being. unlike most COM
bination devices. fully as efficient IN
its various capacities as any one OF the
various individual tools 1t represents.
The tool can be used as a brace and Bit
monkey-wrench, S-wrench. screw-driver.
wagon or carriage wrench. gimiet-iiaker,
rivet-maker. staple-maker plumbers
wrench. and az a wise, working pel-ect-
~ in each and every capacity.
Mr.. Johnston, who Is a bright. energetic
Individual. has testimonials from those
among whom he has spent his life OF
the highest character. there being among
n EN- the names OF bank president, cash
Jar. treasurer of floudoun county. Com
nlonweaith's Attorney, and ministers OF
the various churches Of Leesburg. as
v ell as the Judge OF the County Court.
Mr.. Johnston came TO Richmond for
the purpose of selling county and state
rights FOR the sale OF his invention. and
ae has Just completed n deal with Mr.
w. ID. Sutherland the well-known livery
stable man Of north Eighth street, by
which the latter becomes his representa-
tive in the city OF Richmond and coun-
" OF Henrico. All information on the
subject hereafter can be obtained by
application TO Mr.. Sutherland.
Mr. Johnston Is hustler" in the
widest sense OF the word. and. with the
help of the great intrinsic value Of his
inventions, Will undoubtedly succeed. The
fact that he Is a Virginia inventor-a
rather scarce article-should ana will
insure him the hearty support in his ven
ture Of every native OF the Old Don,in-
tonA :.