James Johnston

Throughout an active, commercial career James Johnston was engaged in importing and dealing in English and foreign dry goods, in which connection he built up an enterprise of extensive and gratifying proportions, his becoming one of the leading commercial houses of Montreal. He was born March 20, 1849, a son of James and Mary (Burns) Johnston, both of whom were natives of Scotland, who, coming to the new world in early life, were married in Montreal. The father, who was born in 1819, passed away in this city on the 27th of May, 1882.

Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, James Johnston pursued his education in the schools of Montreal and Quebec and, entering business circles, he became connected with the firm of James Johnston & Company, importers of and dealers in dry goods of English and foreign manufacture, of which his father was the head. After the death of his father he became head of the business, devoting his entire attention to the development of a trade which grew to large and gratifying proportions, making his one of the leading dry-goods establishments in the city. Since his demise the store has been sold and is now conducted under the firm style of W. R. Brock Company, Ltd.

Mr. Johnston was married in Montreal, in 1876, to Miss Agnes Grant Robertson, a daughter of Andrew Robertson, who was a prominent resident of this city. By this marriage there were eight children of whom seven are living. The family circle was broken by the hand of death when on the 14th of July, 1899, James Johnston was called to his final rest. His interests and activities, aside from business, are indicated by the fact that he held membership in the St. James Club, the Metropolitan Club, the Hunt Club, the Forest and Stream Club, and St. Paul’s Presbyterian church. He was always actuated by high and manly principles and worthy motives, and he left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name as well as the substantial reward of his business enterprise and sagacity.