Hugh Kirkwood Johnston (1844-1923)
Civil War Veteran; Superintendent of Alton Water works
Proprietor of the H. K. Johnston Hardware Co.
Hugh
Kirkwood Johnston, President of the H. K. Johnston Hardware Company
of Alton, was born in Dalry, Ayrshire, Scotland, on May 22, 1844.
Both his father and grandfather bore the name of James Johnston. The
father of Hugh Johnston emigrated to the United States in 1853, and
settled in Alton, where he died in 1879. James was in the pork
packing business near Henry Street in Alton, with Mr. John Mellen.
James then took a job as Superintendent of Henry Watson’s quarries.
Hugh’s mother was Mary Kirkwood Johnston, who died in Scotland
before he came to this country.
In the parental family, there were seven children, of whom the
following were still living in 1894: Mary Johnston Graham, wife of
Robson Graham of Chicago; Hugh Kirkwood Johnston of this sketch;
Janet Johnston Watson, wife of Henry Watson of Alton; and James
Johnston, an engineer in Chicago. Two daughters preceded the father
in death.
Hugh K. Johnston received his education in the public schools, and
his first position was in a boiler shop, where he was employed about
two years. For the three years ensuing, he was engaged in gas and
steam fitting. He then learned the trade of a blacksmith, and with
the exception of the time spent in the army, was thus engaged for
twelve years.
When the Water Works was established in Alton in 1875, Mr. Johnston
was chosen Secretary [Superintendent], and retained that position
for about six years. From Alton, he went to Bunker Hill, where he
remained until 1869. He then removed to El Dorado, Kansas, remaining
about six years. Upon his return to Alton, he accepted the position
of Secretary of the Water Works, as stated above. During the time of
his position at the Water Works, he started his hardware store,
opening an establishment on the southeast corner of Broadway and
State Streets. As his business increased, he extended his storerooms
until he occupied four store fronts.
The H. K. Johnston Company was incorporated on December 8, 1884,
with a capital stock of $10,000. On December 23, 1884, H. K.
Johnston was elected Secretary and Treasurer of the business. He
held that position until December 31, 1888, when he was elected
President; Philip Walters becoming Vice-President, and John B.
Rogers Secretary and Treasurer. On January 16, 1893, the company was
re-organized as follows: H. K. Johnston, President; Mary K.
Johnston, Vice-President; and Annie P. Johnston, Secretary and
Treasurer.
The firm carried a general line of hardware, tinware, stoves,
harness and saddlery, carriages, buggies, farm wagons, agricultural
implements, painters’ supplies, etc. The annual sales in 1894
averaged about $75,000, and constantly increased. The trade was not
limited to Madison County, but also extended into adjoining
counties. The success of the enterprise was due almost wholly to the
tireless exertions and skillful management of Mr. Johnston.
At Bunker Hill, Illinois, on November 26, 1873, Mr. Johnston and
Miss Annie Pringle Richards [1849-1929] were united in marriage.
Annie Richards was the only child of Thomas and Ann (Pringle)
Richards, natives of England, who came to the United States in an
early day, and were among the first settlers of Bunker Hill,
Illinois, remaining there until their death.
Hugh and Annie (Richards) Johnston had the following children: Mary
K. Johnston (1874-1969]; Hugh F. Johnston [1882-1883]; Rutherford A.
Johnston [1889-1889]; Mrs. Bessie H. Johnston Duffield, wife of J.
E. Duffield of Chicago; Henry “Harry” Johnston; and Infant Son
Johnston [1893-1893]. They family lived at 315 East Fourth Street in
Alton.
Socially, Mr. Johnston was identified with Lodge No. 117, A.O.U.W.,
at Alton. In politics he was a Republican, and cast his first vote
for Abraham Lincoln. When the country was in danger, he enlisted in
its defense. At Springfield, on July 25, 1862, he was mustered into
Company A, 97th Illinois Infantry, and after remaining in camp for a
time, went to the front as Corporal. His first engagement was at
Chickasaw Bluff, which was followed by the battles at Arkansas Post
and Ft. Gibson; Champion Hills, and Black River Bridge. His company,
under Sherman’s command, took part in the sieges of Vicksburg,
Jackson, and Ft. Blakely. After the surrender of Ft. Blakely, he was
ordered to Texas, where on July 27, 1865, he was mustered out of
service. At Springfield, Illinois, he was paid and honorably
discharged. After the siege of Ft. Blakely, for gallant services,
Mr. Johnston was promoted to Sergeant-Major. Out of the full company
of one hundred, that went out in 1862, only thirty-five returned.
The others were buried on various battlefields. During his long
service, he was wounded only once, and then but slightly, a spent
ball striking him in the chest at Arkansas Post. He was a mere lad
when he took up arms in defense of the country, but he was ever
found at his post of duty, bearing his part in the great struggle
for the Union, and ever holding the respect of his comrades.
Hugh Kirkwood Johnston died in his home on July 8, 1923, at the age
of 79 years. Due to old age, he had been confined to his home for a
year, and was bedfast for ten weeks before his death. His wife,
Annie; daughter, Mary; daughter, Mrs. J. E. Duffield; and son Harry,
took care of him throughout his final years. He was buried in the
Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery. In about 1903, he had turned over his
business to his daughter Mary, who took care of the business until
her brother, Harry, was ready to assume responsibilities after his
return from service overseas in the army.
Mr. Johnston was a first-class salesman with a magnetic personality.
He was a jovial man, and had a wide reputation as an entertainer,
telling stories to his customers. He was a warm, loving husband and
father, and left a legacy for his family and community, who held him
in the highest regards.