Johnston Cornish

Johnston Cornish (June 13, 1858 – June 26, 1920) was an American businessman and Democratic Party politician from New Jersey. He represented the northwestern portion of the state (Hunterdon, Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties) in the U.S. House of Representatives for one term from 1893 to 1895. He also served three terms representing Warren in the New Jersey Senate between 1891 and 1911.

Early life and business career Johnston Cornish was born on June 13, 1858, in Bethlehem Township, New Jersey. His father, Joseph B. Cornish, was a leading Democratic Party politician who represented Warren County in the New Jersey Senate from 1873 through 1875.

Cornish attended the common schools. He moved with his parents to Washington in Warren County in 1870. He graduated from the Easton (Pennsylvania) Business College. Upon graduating, he entered his father's business, which was reincorporated as the Cornish Company, with Johnston as secretary and treasurer. The company manufactured pianos and organs.

Return to New Jersey Senate In 1899, Cornish returned to the New Jersey Senate, representing Warren County for another three year term from 1900 to 1902. He was succeeded by Isaac Barber in 1902, but he was elected again in 1905, carrying twenty of the twenty-eight election districts in the counties. He served his final term from 1906 to 1908.

Personal life and death He died in Washington, New Jersey on June 26, 1920. He was interred in the Cornish family plot in Washington Cemetery.