Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1922-05-13
WALTON MOORE
ON JOHNSTON
Address Given as Fairfax
County Receives Por-
trait of Patriot

The Gazette takes pleasure in pub
fishing the very interesting remarks
of Hon. r. Walton Moore on the oc-
casion of the acceptance by Fairfax
County of the portrait of George
Johnston, one of her most distinguish
ed sons. The address is replete with
fascinating historic information. and
this copy of the Gazette is well worthy
of preservation on that account.
Alexandria, besides being his some
time home, was the scene of many of
Johnston's activities, and may justly
claim her share in his renOwn.
The address is as follows:
The County of Fairfax, hOnoring
George Johnston, one of her foremost
sons welcomes the opportunity of
placing his portrait on the walls Of
this Court room. in company with
the portraits of Washington and
Mason, to whom he was bound by
many strong ties.
Such uecords Of the County as are
still preserved afford evidence of his
prominence and activity.
As q LAWYER he was IN the front
rank of the bar Of this section. His
name constantly occurs in the min
ute books Of the County Court which
detail its proceedings. while the Coun-
ty seat was maintained M what is
now called the Old Court House Hill.
and, afterwards. following it's remov-
nj from there 10 Alexandria. near the
middle Of the 18th century. The town
of Alexandria, and what is now Ar)-
ingtOn County. were of course. until
the end of that century a part of Fair
fay. As Johnston was horn in 100.
il is interesting to note the evolution
Of the counties ae he himself witness
ed it. Prince William was detached
from Stafford in 1870. Fairfax was
detached from Prince William in
1742. and T.oudOun was not detached
from Fairfax until 1857.
IN the deed books are c0nyeY?n"eS
If land with which he was connected.
The will books contain his Inst viii
and testament. written m lG6G within
q few months Of his death which IS
brief and simple COMPARED with tho
prolix Wills customary in those DAYS.
The will books also contain the IN
ventory of his estate from which
it seems that no was man Of con-
siderable wealth. He owned resi-
dence in Alexandria. Across Hunting
Greek from the Town. and lying
along the Potomac River. was his
very extensive farm. well stocked with
cattle and horses. equipped with OIL
the agricultural indictments then in
use, and cultivated by his numerous
slaves.
The inventory indicates that he
was studious and widely read. The
catalogue of his library includes an
excellent collection Of low books
that had been then published. IL
Includes also large number of
other hooks among chem the works
of Addison, Steele. Goldsmith, Swift
end Poue. who We're his contemDora-
ries and who as all know. contributed
10 maxine theirs one Of the golden
periods of the literature of our Ian (
guaVe
While capable Of engaging in tho ,
largest affairs. Johnston was concern .
ed about everything that affected the
general welfare. He was an ardent ;
and untiring public servant. exert !
ing himself to advance the interests !
~ the colony and his own community. ,
For several wears. he represented the !
County in the House of Bur0esses. /
At homo. he found time from the lab /
ORE of his profession 70 look after To- |
cal matters. For instance. he assist