The Washington times., 1903-07-05
WILL HOLD FUNERAL
IN BAL TIhORE TO-DAY
Harriet Lane Johnston to
Be Placed at Rest.
MISTRESS OF WHITE HOUSE
Career of Buchanan's Beautiful Niece
Her Entertainment of the Present
English Sovereign.


Johnston, niece of President Buchanan,
and mistress OF the White House during
his Administration. Will be held this
morning from the residence OF her
brother-in-l law, Josiah Lee Johnston, 113
West Frapklin Street. Baltimore. The
interment viii be private.
Mrs. Johnston had been i'll for 1bout
ten months previous to her death Sew
eral weeks ago she was removed to Mar
ragansett Pier in hope that the change
would benefit her strength. Instead of
recovering. however, she slowly became
weaker. and succumbed to the illness
last Friday night.
The death of Mrs. Johnston closes an
eventfui career. She was perhaps more
widely known throughout the United
States and foreign countries than any
other young woman who occupied a
similar position Will presiding over
the Executive Mansion and prior to her
marriage, she was known generally as
charming and beautiful Harriet Lane.
The last notable event In which she
figured was the coronation of King Ed
ward VII, and while in London was the
guest OF the sovereign of the British
Empire Strangely enough, she was also
conspicuous figure at the ceremonies
when Queen Victoria was invested with
the crown. At that time she was of the
household OF her uncle, who was then
minister to the court of st. James.
Entertained Prince of Wales.
Another notable event In the career Of
Harriet Lane was her entertaining Of
Lord Renfrew," the Prince of Wales
and now King, on his visit to this coun-
try. more than forty years ago. AS mis-
tress of the White House she acted as
hostess TO the distinguished visitor.
Mrs. Johnston was born in 1881. and
was the youngest daughter of James
Buchanan's sister. From early child
hood she had been a favorite of her
uncle, and was invited to preside over
the Executive Mansion while still in her
twenties.
When Buchanan was sent to London
as minister 10 the Court of ST. James
his niece accompanied him. and was ac-
cepted as the mistress of the legation.
Her social success was instantaneous
She quickly became reigning belle, aud
was looked upon as one of the most
beautiful women In court circles.
charming personality.
"Lord Renfrew's" Visit.
As mistress of the White House dur
ing Buchanan's administration his
nj ha lF ae
elaborate social functions Chief among
these was the reception TO Lord Rem
frew," an event OF great importance in
the social history of the country.
Lord Renfrew's" visit to the United
States took place In 1860. and although
the clouds of war were hanging over
the country. not the slightest intima-
tion of the threatened outbreak was
given him. Three days he remained as
the guest OF the President
Miss Lane was then twenty-nIne years
old, beautiful. wlnsome, and charming.
She received the visiting prince in the
famous East Room. The same evening
he led his fair hostess to a state dinner
and sat at her right hand. The remain
ing days Of the royal guests visit were
also marked by elaborate affairs.
Married at Wheatland.
At the expiration of Buchanans term
Miss Lane returned TO Wheatland, the
beautiful country seat of the President
TWO years before her uncle's death. IN
1868. she became the bride OF Henry
Elliot Johnston. a lawyer of Baltimore
The wedding took place at WheatIand
one cold morning in January, and was
attended by guests from far and near.
After Buchanan's death. Mrs Johns
ton made Wheatland her summer home
though Baltimore became her principal
place Of residence. The Johnston resi-
dence In Washington. at Eighteenth and
Streets. was at the time OF its erec-
tion one Of the most beautiful dwell
ings in the National Capital The style
OF furniture IS characteristic of the
period Of 1850. while the house is deco
rated with rare mementos gathered
during Buchanan's tenure Of Office
The death OF Mrs Johnston is
mourned by large circle Of friends in
Washington.