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members of the family came. Mr. Johnston
is a son of Robert Johnston, Jr., and
his wife, Ellen Jane (Alcorn) Johnston.
Robert Johnston, Jr., came from Ayr,
Scotland, in 185 1, and settled at Am-
herst, Massachusetts, where he was a
merchant. Later he removed to New
Britain, Connecticut, and there our sub-
ject was born, August 10, 1861.
The education of Frank H. Johnston
was received in the grammar and high
schools of his native city, and at the age
of fifteen years he entered the employ of
the American Hosiery Company in the
capacity of clerk. For five years he con-
tinued associated with this firm, and dur-
ing that time he rose through various po-
sitions and attained the position of pay-
master. Subsequently, he became associated
with the New Britain Lumber &
Coal Company, continuing for five years.
He applied himself to the mastering of.
the details of this business, and being possessed
of natural business acumen and
good judgment, he was able to start in
business on his own account. He incorporated
the City Coal & Wood Company
in 1889, with a capital of $5,500. This
corporation has met with great success,
due to the management of Mr. Johnston.
He has been the moving spirit in the
progress of the business throughout the
years and now serves as its president and
treasurer. The corporation has an in-
vested capital of $75,000, and the sales
annually are approximately $300,000.
As is naturally expected, Mr. Johnston
is identified with several other business
interests, among them being: Director of
the Prentice Manufacturing Company
director of the D. C. Judd Company
member of the executive committee of
the New England Coal Dealers' Asso-
ciation ;
;
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
vice-president for Connecticut of
the New England Builders' Supply Association
; and vice-president for Connecti-
266
cut of the National Builders' Supply Association.
Mr. Johnston also organized
the People's Coal & Wood Company of
New Britain, and the Eastern Coal &
Coke Company of Hartford, wholesale
dealers.
In politics Mr. Johnston is a Republican,
and while desirous of aiding in any
public movement to the best of his abil-
ity, he does not seek political preferment.
He has been a member of various city
commissions, in which he has been of
great service by virtue of his experience
and business ability. He has ever been
foremost in military affairs, and in 1890
enlisted in the Connecticut National
Guard, serving a term of four years. Dur-
ing the World War he was one of the first
to enlist in the Connecticut Home Guard,
and was commissioned captain. From
1914-1916 he was major of the Putnam
Phalanx, of Hartford, the smart military
organization. Fraternally, Mr. Johnston
holds membership in the following clubs
and lodges : Centennial Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons, in which he has attained
the thirty-second degree ; Washington
Commandery, Knights Templar;
Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows ; the Amer-
and is also a member of
ican Mechanics ;
the National Academy of Political Science,
the Hartford Club, the Farmington
Country Club, and the Oasis Club.
Mr. Johnston finds recreation from the
arduous cares of his various business du-
ties in travel, and has spent consider-
able time in study in foreign countries.
Mr. Johnston is also particularly fond
of organization work, and during the
thirty years of his business life he has
given a great deal of time to the promoting
of commercial and civic organiza-
tions. This was first evident when as the
result of his efforts the first organization