JOHNSTON, JAMES [1]

Dublin city engineer, from 1790 until 1804 or 1805. James Johnston was chosen by the Corporation's Pipe Water Committee from six candidates for the post on 16 July 1790.(1) Like his predecessor WILLIAM MYLNE WILLIAM MYLNE , he appears not to have been a local man; in 1792 he requested the Pipe Water Committee that he might be 'provided with a house in the city, in order that he might be more convenient for the discharge of his duty'.(2) The Committee, though not complying with this request, had already been urging the Corporation to put Johnston on the same footing as Mylne, with a salary of 200 guineas per annum and an additional twenty guineas per annum for the rent of a house or lodging 'being the same as was granted to Mr. Mylne', but it was not until 1794 that this was granted.(3) Johnston's salary was increased again in 1800.(4) Johnston died some time between August 1804(5) and April 8 1805, when ANDREW COFFEY  ANDREW COFFEY was appointed acting engineer of the pipe water works.(6) He left a widow, Maria, who petitioned the Committee for an allowance; the Committee recommended 'that on account of her very distressed situation and embarrassed circumstances, she be allowed the sum of £100, in order to enable her to go to England where her relations reside'.(7)

Johnston was not engaged exclusively on work relating to Dublin's water supply. In 1796 he made a plan of a new kitchen for the Dublin Society's house in Poolbeg Street,(8) and in 1799 the corporation paid him £25.18s. 11½d for erecting a statue of George I at the Mansion House.(9)

Addresses:(10) Pipe Water Office, Barrack Street, 1791-95; Pipe Water Office, 8 Stafford Street, 1796-1805.

(1) CARD XIV, 161.
(2) CARD XIV, 292.
(3) CARD XIV, 269,333,345,356-7,372.
(4) CARD XV, 149.
(5) CARD XV, 367.
(6) CARD XV, 398.
(7) CARD XV, 399,417,418.
(8) Signed & dated drawing (photocopy) in NLI, AD 2131-2170 (it is not clear from catalogue in IAA whether the entire group of drawings, which includes drawings, map and description of Killymoon House, Co. Tyrone, and drawing of a laundry at Reynella, Co. Westmeath, is by Johnston).
(9) CARD XV, 104.
(10) From Wilson's Dublin Directory.

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