Obituaries Australia

On Wednesday morning last, after a long illness, Mr. J. B. [James Bligh] Johnston, senr, J.P., died at his late residence, the Crow's Nest, McGrath's Hill. The deceased gentlemen was prominently known in the district considerably over half-a-century, during which period he took an active part in all matters of a political and social character. During the whole of this period he was a subscriber to the Hawkesbury Benevolent Society, and took an active part in its management. For a long term of years he was its president, and only relinquished office last year owing to failing health. He was Coroner for the district for a long number of years and was Returning-officer for the Hawkesbury electorate, and both these posts he resigned during the present year. He was a Justice of the Peace, and in his more active days a regular occupant on the Bench. He was also for many years the president of the local branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and only a month or so ago was re-elected to that position. For some considerable time Mr. Johnston had been in failing health, for the weight of years was telling upon him, and though up to a few short months ago he was able to get about without much difficulty, physical weakness overcome him very suddenly, and he was a week or two ago compelled to take to his bed. He died on Wednesday morning at the age of 82 years, and his remains were laid in the Ebenezer Cemetery on Friday, most of the principal residents of Windsor, Richmond and surrounding district attending the funeral. Mr. R. W. Dunstan was the undertaker. In Mr. Johnston the district loses an old identity and an old native, he having been born at Lower Portland, Hawkesbury River.