William Agnew Johnston

William Agnew Johnston (July 24, 1848 – January 23, 1937

Life and education Johnston was born July 24, 1848, in Pattersons Corners, Ontario, Canada, to Mathew and Jane Agnew Johnston. After the American Civil War in 1865 he moved with his uncle Hugh Agnew to Rockford, Illinois.

He first married Lucy Hoisington, from Kishwaukee, Illinois, in 1871, but she died that same year. Together they had a daughter Margaret and a son John.

He received honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from Baker University, Kansas, in 1901 and Washburn College, Topeka in 1904. He was also a keen walker, believing it to be excellent metal relaxation, he was known to often have John Marshall as a companion. In 1889 he was elected as the president of the Kansas State Bar Association.

Death He died unexpectedly from a heart attack January 23, 1937, at his home in Topeka, Kansas, he had been dressing for the day when he collapsed and died a few minutes later. He was survived by his second wife Lucy Browne Johnston and his two children Mrs Samuel J. Brandeburg and John Johnston, both adopted. After half a century of continuous service he was known as the "Grand old man of Kansas". He was only ill twice during his service and only once did it cause him to miss court sittings.