Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-10-05
MAJ. JOHNSON DEAD.
This WelI-KnOWn Citizen Passes Away
After a Long Illness.
WAS on GEN, sruART's STAFF.
President Of the Citizens Bank ana
identified with Other important
Durtnrss Entcrprlscs-IIis Lire,
Family Connections. &c.

Major William J. Johnson died at his
residence. No. Il east Franklin street at
9:25 O'Clock last night. after lingering
and painful Illness. The death OF TINS
weli-known citizen had been expected to
occur daily throughout the last week
and ii had been imminent since his return
from a visit paid to Boston PHYSICIAN
I'm the early part of the year.
Major Johnson had been in critical
condition since last January, as re-
suit of a complicated heart trouble ON
the 2sth day OF April he went to Boston
to consult a friend who has attained
some emnence as a physician III that
city. and on the return journey was UNI
able to proceed further than Washing
ton. and was taken to Providence Hos
initial. where he remained for four months.
His condition improved slightly, ana
on the 10th of August he was able
TO return home; but on September LIST
alarming symptoms were developed. ana
he took 10 his bed, from which he never
rose.
SKETCH OF HIS LIFE.
Major Johnson was born sixty-nine
wears ago. in Louisa county, and re-
manned in that section until the war
broke out, when he enlisted from Char
lotte. in General Stoneman's Cavalry.
He was commissary of General J. T.. i.
Stuart's Brigade. and was. ex-officio. on
the staff Of that officer He was taken
prisoner just after the Charlottesville
fight. and was confined in the Capitol
prison for three weeks. when he was
exchanged and returned to his com
mand.
At The close OF the war he settled in
Richmond. and organized the firm OF
Johnson & Hunt, to carry on the business
of wholesale grocers Upon the death
Of his partner some years later the bust
ness was reorganiZed. and the name OF
the firm changed TO W. j. Johnson q
Co. Under the efficient control OF MAJOR
Johnson this firm has become one OF
the leading wholesale grocery houses oil
the South. In 1852 Major Johnson was
elected president of the Citizens Bank;
he was also vice-president of the United
Banking. Building, and Loan Company.
and vice-president Of the Burton Electric
COMPANY At one time he was a director
Of the Merchants National Bank. ana
al the time of his death was connected
with several Of the leading corporations
of the city in a like capacity.
HIS FAMILY.
Major johnson was married twice. It's
first wife was Mrs FL IN Lane. formerly
a Miss Clark. Of Richmond. HIS second
wife who survives him. was Mrs. Saian
Friend formerly Miss Tihry. Of King
George county. H. leaves son and
daughter: the former j. a PRESBYTERIAN
missionary who is ut the present time
laboring i'm JarIn. and the latter lives
with her parents.
Major JohnSon's death Will leave a gap
I'm the community that will not readily
be filed He was man OF great public
spirit. ever ready To- spend or be sp mt,
if by any means it was possible 10 for
ward the public veal He was iniefati-
gah.e in his discharge of his duties.
man Of great determination. and keen
business qualities He had been prOml-
ncntly identified with almost every move
ment looking to thc advancement and
welfare of tie city since he first began
TO mix in public affairs-more than
quarter Of a century ago. IL was a
pillar OF the Presbyterian Church. anr
never weaTied in Wcll-dOing His domeS-
tic relations were exceedingly happy. and
he was universally loved and esteemed
by all with whom Re came in contact
The funeral arrangements Will be made
to-day.