Johnstone, James William

(1793-1873)

   Born in Jamaica. Came to Nova Scotia, studied law in Annapolis, and practised in Kentville and Halifax. Appointed solicitor-general and a member of the governor's Council, and became the recognized leader of the Conservative party in Nova Scotia. Resigned his seat in the Council in 1843 to contest Annapolis for the Assembly, and represented the county until 1864, when appointed judge in Equity. On the death of Howe in 1873 made lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia. Died in England the same year.

   Index: H Appointed solicitor-general, 1834, 57; becomes member of Executive and Legislative Councils, 1838, 57; leader of party opposed to responsible government, 58; his birth, ancestry, and character, 58; Sir Colin Campbell's chief adviser, 71; obnoxious to the Liberals, 71; opposes Howe's views as to responsibility of ministers to the Assembly, 75; makes public declaration as to dual responsibility of ministers, to the governor and the Legislature, 76; joins the Baptists, 77-78; defends denominational schools, 83; the election of 1843, 85-86; W. B. Almon called to Executive and Legislative Councils, 86-87; secures majority in new Legislature, 87; contest with Howe, 89-90; makes speech against Howe, 98; carries measure for simultaneous polling, 104; resigns with his government, 1848, 107; member of Railway Convention at Portland, 1850, 121; opposes government railways, 144; moves vote of want of confidence, 165, 167; forms new government, 167; his party defeated in elections of 1859, 168; the chief-justiceship, 168; leader of the opposition, 171; becomes attorney-general in 1863, and judge in Equity, 1864, 172; favours Confederation, 174; introduces bill prohibiting sale of intoxicants to Indians, 247-248. T Advocates Confederation in Nova Scotia Assembly, in 1854, 62.

   Bib.: Saunders, Three Premiers of Nova Scotia; Campbell, History of Nova Scotia; Bourinot, Builders of Nova Scotia; Rattray, The Scot in British North America; Rose, Cyc. Can. Biog.