Howard I. Johnston

Morris County, New Jersey

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

Howard I. JOHNSTON is a leading representative of the real estate interests of Morristown, Morris county, New Jersey, where he has attained prominence among the business men of the city. In many respects his life is worthy of the highest commendations, and enterprise, energy, strong determination and capable management have been the essential factors in his deserved prosperity.

Edward JOHNSTON, his father, died January 10, 1910. He was associated for many years with Lord & Taylor in their furniture department and came to Morristown, New Jersey in September, 1893. He formed a business connection with P.M. HALL, becoming a manager of the latter’s furniture business on South street. He was elected as justice of the peace on the Republican ticket, and was serving his third term when death overtook him. He had established himself independently in the furniture business at No. 40 Washington street, and conducted this himself for some years until failing health obliged him to retire. In 1864 he became a member of the Eight Regiment, Company F, National Guard of New York, and served seven years and participated in quelling the riots in New York during the Civil War period. He married Anna STRIKER, and of their six children,

Josephine married Samuel COX, and resides in Bangall, New York, and
Howard I. JOHNSTON was born in the city of New York, August 30,1888.

He was very young when his parents removed to Morristown, New Jersey, and his preparatory education was acquired in the public schools of that town. He then attended Coleman’s Business College, after which he was employed as a bookkeeper until 1909. In that year, in association with his father, he engaged in the real estate business, and results have demonstrated the wisdom of this procedure. His offices were at No. 4 Washington street. On April 13, 1912, he purchased the real business of B. J. CRANE, which he combined with his own, and later he secured, by purchase, the insurance business of Daniel E. BRENNAN, and consolidated this with what he was already conducting, making his one of the most important real estate and insurance concerns of the city. Through his connection with various building enterprises he has aided largely in the upbuilding and improvement of the city and has enabled many men in moderate circumstances to secure homes when they would otherwise not have been able to do so. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and has served as a member of the election board as a representative of the Republican party. He and his mother make their home together at No. 10 Court street. He is a member of the Topkaow Club, and is very popular socially. He is deserving of much commendation for his success brought about entirely through his unaided efforts. Sticktoitiveness, perseverance, and a determination to succeed have been ever present with him and have placed him where he stands to-day.

This biography was transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003).