Peter Johnston, Jr.

Peter Johnston Jr. (January 6, 1763 – December 8, 1831)

Early life and education

His mother, the former Martha Butler, was a widow when she married his Scottish-born father, also named Peter Johnston(d. 1786). Johnston, a merchant, emigrated to Virginia and initially conducted business at Osborne's on the James River before moving to Prince Edward County. He established a plantation known as "Longwood," became one of the burgesses for that county, and also donated the land which ultimately became Hampden–Sydney College. Johnston Jr. attended Hampden-Sydney College, until he volunteered for military service in 1780. In the last census before his death, he owned more than 30 slaves in Washington County, Virginia.

Prince Edward County voters first elected Johnston as one of their representatives in the Virginia House of Delegates in 1792, and re-elected him until 1794. His last term ended in 1811. He succeeded Hugh Holmes, who was elected to become a judge, and served as that body's Speaker from 1805 until 1807. In 1813 Johnston purchased 500 acres of land in Washington County and, with his older sons and slaves purchased in Georgia, proceeded to build a two-story log home called Panicello with oak logs harvested on the property. Johnston eventually owned about 1,300 acres of land in the area.

Death and legacy

On December 8, 1831, Johnston died at his "Panicello" home and was buried at the Johnston family graveyard on an adjoining summit. Descendants include Joseph E. Johnston.