History of the Johnstones, 1191-1909, with ... - Electric Scotland

332 JOHNSTONS IN IRELAND
The Johnstons of Drum, Co. Monaghan, come from Hugh of Killevan, who
flourished in 1678. They appear to have died out in the direct male line, but
are represented by female descendants.
The Johnstons of Carrickbreda and Knappagh, Co. Armagh, descend from
James of Tremont, a Presbyterian minister who left two sons, James of
Knappagh and Carrickbreda, who died 1728 ; and Joseph, who lived till 1778,
and married Anne, daughter of Joshua M'Geough of Drumsill. Both brothers
have living male descendants. The elder left two houses he had built in
Armagh to his son James. His great-great-grandsons, James, born 1809, and
Arthur, married respectively Anne, daughter of Charles Hudson, and Sarah
Call, daughter of Thomas Whittier of Exeter. The third brother, John Joseph
of Tremont, married and left two daughters. James Johnston's only son died
at fourteen, but Arthur, who died in 1847, left James, born 1827, married Mary,
eldest daughter of James Daly, of Castle Daly, Galway; and Sarah Maria, who
married Arthur Alexander. Mr Johnston, a J. P. and D.L. for Co. Armagh,
was High Sheriff 1874-75. He was educated at Prior Park College and Edinburgh
University. He died 1879, leaving James, born 1 861, J. P. for Armagh ;
married the daughter of Charles G. Corbett, C.E., of Dublin. Mr Joseph
Atkinson, D.L., of Crow Hill, Co. Armagh, represents the Knappagh branch.
The ancestor of Sir William Johnson (see p. 196), was Christopher
Johnston of Kilternan, Co. Dublin, who died 1683, and whose name points to a
probable relationship to Andro Johnston of Beirholme and his Irving wife.
Christopher's grandson, John, was Governor of Charlemont, Co. Armagh. A
Academy, and their successors for ever. Anxious to record their sense of his liberality, his
Academic brethren have here inscribed these circumstances, and present this mark of their
gratitude to a worthy, munificent, and patriotic benefactor, 1828." In the centre of the blade
are the figures representing Sculpture, Painting, and Poetry ; on the right is an easel with
a design of the front of the Academy ; and in the background a view of the General Post
Office, which was built from the design of Mr Johnston, to which Poetry is calling the
attention of Sculpture and Painting. Sculpture is resting her right hand on the head of a
bust of Mr Johnston, and gazing with rapt attention at the design placed on the easel. The
whole is surrounded by a serpent, tail in mouth, representing Eternity. Underneath is some
handsome scroll work, copied from the cornice over the pillars of the Post Office, and above
a group of objects emblematic of Science, Music, Arts, and the Drama, in the centre of which
is a harp, surrounded with a wreath of laurel and oak leaves. In the same case is a bronze
medal, on one side the head of Francis Johnston, after the bust by Smythe ; on the other,
"Academy House, erected at the expense of Francis Johnston, Esq., 1824" ;
"Royal Hibernian Academy, incorporated by Charter 1824."
round the border,
The medal is by Woodhouse,
after the cast struck by the Royal Irish Art Union to distribute as prizes to their students.
Above the trowel case is the only engraved copy known to exist of the portrait, by Martin
Cregan, of Francis Johnston, which hangs in the Council Chamber of the Royal Hibernian
Academy. Here are several portraits and engravings, among them Webber's picture,
engraved by Bartolozzi, of the death of Captain Cook, wherein is represented Lieutenant-
Colonel Molesworth Phillips, who shot Cook's murderer. On the other side of the window
is the engraving of West's picture of the death of Wolfe, in which is depicted Colonel George
Williamson, father of Lieutenant-General Sir Adam Williamson, a near relative of Lieutenant-
Colonel Phillips. The four busts are Francis Johnston and his wife, nee Anne Barnes, Sir
William Verner, Bart., K.H., Major 7th Hussars—who is stated to have been on the staff
of the Duke of Richmond, and to have issued the invitations for the ball at Brussels, being
wounded at Waterloo—and his wife, Lady Verner. Sir William was a near relative of Francis
Johnston. The (smaller) sarcophagus is a replica of the one in Dublin Castle with the
Johnston Coat of Arms impaling Barnes. The same Arms are displayed (of Francis Johnston
and his wife) on a window in Armagh Cathedral.