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W.G. Johnstone M.P.S

CHEMIST and DRUGGIST

Church Place,
 Dumfries

I have recently received the following information regarding Mr W.G Johnstone M.P.S Chemist
Church Place Dumfries. For which I am very grateful hope fully I will be able to update this information
as and when I receive it.

Here is the obituary from the Dumfries Standard of W.G Johnstone who died in Dumfries
dated 19th October 1944. 

W. G. JOHNSTONE, M.P.S.,    DUMFRIES.

19^th October 1944
 

We regret to record the death, which occurred at his residence, Bengairn,
Edinburgh Road, Dumfries, on Thursday of Mr William G.Johnstone, M.P.S.,
of the firm of W. G. Johnstone &, Son, chemists, Church Place, Dumfries. 
Mr Johnstone had been in somewhat failing health for a considerable time,
but up till a few days ago had been able to go about as usual, and his death
came somewhat suddenly.  Mr Johnstone was one of the burgh's oldest
and most respected business men, who had been associated for over sixty years
with a business which has been in existence for about a hundred

and thirty years.

Mr Johnstone, who was 77-years of age, was the son of the late
Mr James Johnstone, Bruce Street, Lochmaben, and was educated at Lochmaben
School and at George Watson's College, Edinburgh.  When fifteen years
of age he commenced his apprenticeship as a chemist with the late Mr Ewing
in the business of which he was ultimately to become proprietor.
After some experience in Perth he qualified as a Member of the Pharmaceutical
Society in Edinburgh in 1889, and following a period in the service of Messrs
Duncan, Flockhart & Co, Edinburgh, he resumed his association with Mr Ewing.
 The business was even then an old-established one, having been founded by
the late Mr Duncan before being taken over by Mr Ewing. So much were
Mr Johnstone's services appreciated that when Mr Ewing died in 1900 he carried
on the business for the executrix for six years and ultimately took it over on his
own account.  Under his management the concern was developed and extended,
and although the business continued to be accommodated in the original
premises they underwent extensive structural alterations to cope with the
increasing trade.  Mr Johnstone also carried on a considerable trade in aerated
waters, and ultimately joined the late Mr Dickson, plumber in founding the
business of W G.Johnstone & Co  Old Brewery. At a later date the late Bailie Hill
was assumed as a partner, and the business was carried on under the name
of Johnstone, Hill & Co., of which Mr Johnstone was the senior partner.

Mr Johnstone was a Gentleman of kindly and courteous disposition who devoted
himself almost entirely to his business interests, so that he took little part in public
affairs. As a devoted churchman he was for many years associated with St George's
congregation of which he was a deacon, and for some years acted as seat letting treasurer.
He was also keenly interested in freemasonry and was many years ago secretary of Lodge
Thistle, No. 62. He was for many years a member of the Dumfries and County Golf Club. 
About ten years ago Mr Johnstone, along with Mrs Johnstone, undertook an extensive tour,
during which they crossed America, visited the islands of the Pacific, and returned by the
Panama Canal.

Associated in the business with Mr Johnstone were his son, Mr James Johnstone, and his
daughter. Mr James Johnstone is also a qualified optician , and this aspect of the business
has assumed increasing proportions in recent years.

Mr Johnstone is survived by his wife and by his son and daughter. The funeral, which will
be of a private nature, takes place on Monday afternoon to Dumfries Cemetery.

Below are very rare photo's Mr W.G Johnstone outside his shop
 in Church Place
(Circa early 190o's.)

Click on the pictures to see the larger view

Some of the bottles produced by W.G Johnstone

Click on the pictures to see the larger view

Some paper labels from W.G Johnstone