Hugh Johnston

London merchant, awardee with his partner John Laforey Butler (q.v.) for part of the compensation for the enslaved people on Palmers estate in Barbados, probably as trustees. H & J Johnston was among the firms listed as bankers in London from 1831 onwards, but not previously.

1. The partnership of John Johnston, Hugh Johnston and J.L. Butler of 15 Bush Lane, trading as H & J Johnston & Co., was dissolved as of 30/06/1830 as far as John Johnston was concerned.

2. Will of Hugh Johnston, formerly of Danson Park and of Bush Lane but late of Iridge place Hurst Green, proved 17/10/1872, effects under £45,000 in England.

F.G. Hilton Price, A Handbook of Bankers (1876) p. 226 'List of Bankers' 1833. In the 1890-1891 edition, the entry for Johnston, Hugh & John and Co. (p. 94) says: 'First appeared in the Directory in the list of bankers in the year 1831, at 15, Bush Lane, as Johnston and Co. In 1838 the style was Hugh and John Johnstone and Co.; in 1846 the partners were John Laforey Butler, Felix Prior, and Charles Butler, but the style remained the same; and in 1849 Paul Butler took the place of Mr. J. L. Butler. In 1854 they were at 62, Great Bush Lane, and 27, Cannon Street; and from 1855 to 1864 they were at 28, Cannon Street. In 1865 the Merchant Banking Co. of London occupied their premises.'

1. PROB 11/2068/354; London Gazette18705 16/07/1830 p. 1472.

2. National Probate Calendar 1872.