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James Henry Johnston (1841–1928)

James Henry Johnston, one of the oldest farmers of the Hawkesbury, was found drowned in the river at Pitt Town, near the old wharf, on Monday morning last.

The deceased, who resided with his daughter, retired to bed as usual on Sunday night following his usual custom he arose early on Monday morning, and his daughter heard him coughing in his bedroom, but when she went to look for him at about 7 o'clock he was missing.

Relatives made a search of the place, and at about 8 o'clock they came across the deceased's coat hanging on the fence on the river bank and footprints leading to the water's edge.

The Windsor police were immediately informed, and Sergeant Loomes and Constable Hitchcock proceeded to Pitt Town. The only boat they could procure was about two miles further down the river, and as they were rowing up the stream at about eleven o'clock they came across the deceased's body floating on the surface of the water about 150 yards from the spot where the coat was found. The body was fully clothed, with the exception of boots, coat and hat.

The late Mr. Johnston had reached the great age of 87 years, and was a son of the late William Johnston, of "Mulgrave Place," Pitt Town. He was a native of the Hawkesbury, and his grandfather, Andrew Johnston was one of the first settlers at Portland Head. The remains were interred interred in the family vault at the historic Presbyterian Church at Ebenezer on Tuesday.

The inquest will be held next Thursday.

Original publication

Additional Resources

  • probate, Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW), 11 May 1928, p 1
  • inquest, Advertiser (Adelaide), 27 February 1928, p 7

Citation details

'Johnston, James Henry (1841–1928)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/johnston-james-henry-15287/text26496, accessed 19 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

18 December, 1841
Pitt Town, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Death

6 February, 1928 (aged 86)
Pitt Town, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

suicide

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Occupation