James Robinson Johnston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James R. Johnston
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| Born | March 12, 1876 Halifax, Nova Scotia
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| Died | March 3, 1915 (aged 38) Halifax, Nova Scotia
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| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
James Robinson Johnston (born March 12, 1876 – died March 3, 1915) was an important Canadian lawyer and community leader from Nova Scotia. He made a big difference for Black people in his community.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Johnston was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on March 12, 1876. He was the oldest of five sons. His father, William Johnston, was a shoemaker. His mother was Elizabeth Ann Thomas. James's grandparents were Reverend James Thomas and Hannah Saunders. Reverend Thomas led the African Baptist Association.
In the 1880s, Nova Scotia had laws that separated Black and White students. Black children had to go to different schools. These schools often did not get enough money. At age six, James started at the Maynard School, which was for Black students.
In 1884, the laws separating schools were changed. By 1887, James was attending the Albro Street School. This made him the first Black student to go to a school that was mainly for White students. The next year, he moved to the Halifax Academy.
James was a very smart student. He finished high school in 1892 when he was 16. Then he went to Dalhousie College, which is now Dalhousie University. He earned his first degree in 1896. After that, he went to Dalhousie Law School.
In 1898, James Johnston became the first Black Nova Scotian to graduate from university. He then trained to become a lawyer. In 1900, he officially became a lawyer.
Community and Church Work
James Johnston joined the African Baptist Association when he was about ten years old. His family had been members of the Cornwallis Street Baptist Church for a long time. He became an important leader in the church. He was an officer, the President of the Baptists Young People's Union, and the superintendent of the Sunday School. He also helped with the church's money as a member of the finance committee.
In 1899, he became a missionary. This meant he helped support other Black Baptist churches across Nova Scotia. In 1906, he became the secretary of the African Baptist Association.
Political Involvement
The Conservative Party had helped to end the school segregation laws in Nova Scotia. Because of this, James Johnston joined the party. He knew Robert Borden, who later became the Prime Minister of Canada. Borden was a leader in the legal community when Johnston became a lawyer.
Law Practice and Fairness
After law school, James Johnston worked for another lawyer, John Thomas Bulmer. When Bulmer suddenly passed away in 1901, Johnston took over his law practice.
James Johnston did not just take cases for Black people or only small cases. He helped anyone who needed legal help. This was not always expected at the time. He defended his clients whether they were Black or White, rich or poor. He worked in Halifax and traveled to other parts of the province when needed. He argued cases in different courts, including the highest court in Nova Scotia.
Making a Difference in the Community
James Johnston used his background, church connections, and education to help his Black community. He became a member of many important groups. These included the Aetna Club, the African Baptist Association, and the Independent Order of Oddfellows. He also joined the Freemasons' Union Lodge.
In 1908, Johnston suggested creating a special school for young Black people. This school would teach farming and industrial skills, similar to the Tuskegee School. He and other community groups worked hard to make this school happen. In 1914, the idea was presented to the Halifax Board of Trade and the Nova Scotia government. However, World War I started, and the plans for the school were put on hold.
Johnston also pushed for the creation of the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children. This home was for Black children who were orphans or needed care. In 1915, just one month after his passing, the Nova Scotia government passed a law to create the school. James Johnston is remembered as one of the school's co-founders. He also helped start the Colored Hockey League with James A.R. Kinney.
Personal Life
On February 26, 1902, James Johnston married Janie (Jennie) May Allen in Windsor Junction, Nova Scotia. In 1910, they had a son. Sadly, their son passed away in 1911.
Death
James Johnston passed away suddenly on March 3, 1915.
See also
