WAS born at Cockenzie, in the county of Haddington, Scotland, on the 26th November, 1829. He was educated at Steel's Hospital, parish of Tranent. At the age of 15 he became an apprentice on board the schooner "Mary Donaldson," and served four years in the foreign trade. At the expiration of this time he went to England, and in 1852 came to Australia. His first voyage was with Captain Cadell, in the River Murray Navigation Company's steamer " Lady Augusta." In 1855 he became captain of the "Albury" steamer, newly launched from Glasgow. On arriving at Moama he met with a serious accident, caused by the punt rope not being slackened down at the report of the whistle, consequently he was thrown into the stokehole, breaking his leg and two ribs—this being the third time the same limb was broken. The residents of Albury were overjoyed at seeing Captain Johnston and steamer arrive, gave him a banquet in honor of his great achievement, and also presented him with one hundred sovereigns, which were expended in a magnificent silver cup suitably inscribed. After continuing in this trade for some years, he joined partnership with Mr. Charles Murphy, and purchased the steamers "Moolgewanke" and the "Albury." By their strenuous efforts they prospered and became large steamboat proprietors and merchants on the Murray and its tributaries, and the firm of Johnston and Murphy was favourably known far and wide in connection with the river trade. In 1864 they built the "Maranoa," and in 1866 Captain Johnston went to Scotland to superintend the building of a paddle-wheel steamer named the "Murray." After being loaded there, she sailed under canvas to Port Victor, and thence to Port Adelaide. In 1873, the firm of Johnston & Murphy dissolved partnership, the business being carried on by Captain Johnston alone. ​Desirous as ever of seeing the river traffic carried through the river mouth, he again sailed for Scotland in 1877 for the purpose of superintending in person the construction of a suitable vessel. "The Queen of the South" (on arrival of which Captain Johnston was presented by his fellow-townsmen with a handsome silver epergne) did good service in the trade during the seasons of 1878 and 1879, and many will long remember the pleasant voyages made in her with her brave, skilful, and kind-hearted commander. He built the "Cadell," one of the finest of the river fleet, fitting her up with engines brought out in the "Queen of the South"; and later on constructed at Goolwa the "Monarch," said to have the largest carrying capacity of any barge on the rivers. The business during the last few years has been carried on in partnership with Mr. Kirkpatrick, of Wilcannia, under the style of Geo. Johnston & Co. By his death the river trade lost one of its most successful navigators, and South Australia a loyal, intelligent, and enterprising colonist. Captain Johnston's courage and skill are well known. He saved no less than fourteen persons from drowning, and was a recipient of the Royal Humane Society's medal. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. James Barclay, of Cockenzie, who, with four sons and three daughters, is left to mourn an irreparable loss. A brave, kind spirit has gone from among men, but those who enjoyed his intimate friendship will cherish his memory till life's latest hour. When the fell disease that terminated his earthly career began to show its effects, though persuaded to rest from toil, he struggled manfully against the rising tide, till labour became a weariness, and he sought a change in Victoria, Tasmania, and New Zealand. At the latter place, in Queenstown, Otago, he died, on May 29, 1882, aged 52 years. His remains were brought to Goolwa for interment, where he, who was an attached and liberal supporter of the Wesleyan Church, found his last resting place on the spot he loved so well.