Harry Bruce Johnston (November 5, 1883 – January 20, 1943) was a Canadian politician, who served in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.

Early life

Harry was born on November 5, 1883,^[1] to James Johnston and Mary Victoria Ross in Teeswater, Ontario, where he completed his secondary education.^[2] In 1906, he arrived in Arrowhead, British Columbia, becoming a merchant.^[3] By 1905, Edward McGaghran owned a general store, carrying a wide range of products.^[4] The next year, Jessie Whitbread became an employee,^[5] and Harry Johnston became a partner in the renamed McGaghran & Johnston store, which expanded into men's furnishings,^[6] while retaining a groceries line.^[7] McGaghran, who trained as a millwright, was superintendent of the Arrow Lakes Lumber Co mill at Arrowhead at the time of his death in 1912.^[8] In 1918, Johnston expanded into the lumber business.^[3] He produced and retailed cedar poles and posts. By 1919, he was also secretary of the local school board.^[9] His interest in the general store ceased around 1920.^[10] Prior to entering politics, he managed Columbia River Timbers.^[11]

Political career

Winning the Revelstoke seat for the Liberal Party in 1937 and 1941, he served in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia until his death^[3] on January 20, 1943, at Arrowhead.^[12][13] Premier John Hart and several cabinet members attended the funeral.^[14] This seat, which the Liberals had held since 1916, was lost in the June 1943 byelection.^[3]

Marriage and children

In 1908, he married Jessie Whitbread^[2] (1884–1971).^[15] Their children were John Wallace (1911–1988)^[16] and Effie Lorena Jean (1913–1989).^[17] John unsuccessfully ran in the September 1962 byelection for his father's old seat.^[18]

References