Johnston, Charles M. He learned the art of daguerreotyping from A. Williams, and opened his own gallery in Lancaster, Pa., in February, 1846. A short time later he was in partnership with John W. Bear. One source indicated he sold his shares of the gallery in 1847 to his brother J.M. Johnston, while another source dated the sale in early 1850. The first source may be confused with Johnston's dissolving the partnership with Bear, which he apparently did in 1847, moving his location to the vacant gallery operated by Van Loan. His original Lancaster gallery was in the Mechanics' Institute, South Queen Street. After leaving Lancaster, he operated as an itinerant for many years. He was injured during the Civil War, and died in 1864.

Embossed on the velvet liner of a daguerreian case, "Johnston, Artist/ Sky Light Daguerreian Rooms/ Lancaster, Pa." Information corrected to November, 1997; 'a9 1996, 1997 John S. Craig

The Art of Photography in Lancaster by M. Luther Heisey

C. M. Johnston and J. W. Bear

During the same year [in February] Charles M. Johnston, the Drumore shoemaker,?who had taken instructions in the art from A. Williams, Market Street, Philadelphia, essayed to take pictures in the Mechanics Institute, South Queen Street, which occupied the site on which Geo. B. Schaum's furniture rooms now stand. Johnston boarded at the Fountain Inn. He had hardly got himself fixed until John W. Bear, the Buckeye blacksmith,?who had also learned the art, came along and set up an opposition gallery nearby.

These men were bitter political opponents, the one a Democrat, the other a Whig; both were stump speakers of some celebrity, and they never let an opportunity slip if villifying each other. But ?A fellow feeling makes us wondrous kind.?

Both our ?artists? got stuck; they couldn't?t take a picture; the chemicals wouldn't?t work;?neither of them knew anything about chemistry or the delicate chemicals they had to manipulate, and whenever anything went wrong, it was because the chemicals wouldn't?t work.? After worrying for some days Bear called on Johnston and proposed to him that they should form a partnership, pool their issues, throw together their combined wisdom, wage a relentless war upon the refractory ?chemicals,? and triumph or fall together, Johnston readily assented; the two orator-artists locked themselves up in the old Institute, read over the formulas, practiced upon each other, and in a day or two the ?chemicals? came to terms; they could take good pictures; they threw open their doors; hung out a little frame of ?specimens,? and waited for customers. Nobody called; the few people who did want pictures went to Van Loan.

Novel Method of Advertising

Something had to be done; another council of war was called; it was resolved to add eloquence to art and force business by stump speeches. Johnston borrowed the Fountain Inn dinner bell and Bear borrowed old Matt. Zahm's auction bell. Thus equipped they sallied forth, and moving opposite directions, they stopped at every intersection of the streets, rang their bells vigorously for a minutes or two and then with a "O, yes! O, yes!" made flaming stump speeches on popular topics, always winding up with glowing descriptions of the wonderful life-like Daguerreotypes taken at Johnston & Bear's famous picture gallery. Crowds of men and boys followed them from corner to corner and back to the Fountain Inn.

"The day following they took several pictures; and the same evening the bell-ringing and speech-making were repeated."

With other, Matthias Zahm was induced to follow the sound of his old auction bell to the photographers, for we read in his diary for July, 1846, this entry: "Thursday 16th. To-day mother and I had our likeness taken in Doguera Type [daguerreotype] by Johnston & Bear at the Mechanic's Institute."

Trade Pours In

The next day and the next, and for some months afterwards, trade poured in upon them; Van Loan capitulated and went back to Philadelphia. Soon afterwards the partnership of Johnston & Bear was dissolved. Each of the partners felt sufficiently strong to stand alone; the "blacksmith" pulled up stakes and left for pastures new; the "shoemaker" resolved to glean Lancaster a little while longer; he removed to the deserted Van Loan gallery, but not liking the little skylight, had it boarded up and took pictures by the light of an ordinary window. He continued business for about a year, when he turned over "on the shares" to his brother, J. M. Johnston, and made a tour of the county and some other parts of the state, continuing his business as an itinerant daguerreotypist for many years. When the war broke out in 1861, though fifty-one years of age, he enlisted as a private soldier in Company F, 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, was hurt badly in a charge in Shelbyville, Kentucky; was discharged for disability November 25, 1862; returned to his home, and died in September, 1864.

Lancaster Intelligencer Page 2 Column 4

A Joyful Riddance

Our quondam friend, C. M. Johnston, of Drumore, after being an eye-sore to the Democratic party of this county for many years Has formally given in his adhesion to the Black Republicans and is now shrieking loudly for Fremont and Free Niggers. His card appears in the last Woolly Head organ of this city. Charley might as well have saved himself the trouble of writing and publishing his letter of withdrawal, as the Democratic County Committee, well aware of this predilections, had intended expelling him from the body. He, therefore, only made a virtue of necessity, and saved exposure by anticipating their actions.

This man, as we intimated above, has been an eye-sore to the Democratic party, to whose skirts he clung, for many years - sometimes voting the ticket, at other times opposing it-and at all times uncertain and unreliable. - The Democracy of the County have long desired to get rid of him, and now they will rejoice that he has at length found associations more congenial with his habits and inclinations. We shall gain a dozen good and true Constitutional men in his place in his own neighborhood.

Lancaster Intelligencer November 26, 1850 Page 1 Column 1

Preceedings of the Democratic Co'y Convention On motion, the roll of the Wards, boroughs and Townships was called; whereupon the credentials of the following delegates were presented and read: Drumore.- C. M. Johnston, W. R. Ralston, James Malone, Elias Hambleton, P. W. Housekeeper

The Drumore Shoemaker (News Article) August 13, 1856 Patriot The Drumore Shoemaker

The Republican papers are rejoicing over what they term the change of C. M. Johnston, the ``Drumore Shoemaker,´´ for Fremont. Now, the truth of the matter is, that Johnston has for several years been oscillating in his course - as often voting the opposition as, the Democratic ticket. It is notorious that lost fall he voted against the Democratic ticket in Lancaster county, and it is very doubtful whether he voted for Governor Bigler in 1854. The opposition are welcome to him. We predict that before he is with them twelve months, they will be as glad to get rid of him as were the Democrats of Lancaster county.

The Republican Compiler 8/25/1856 Page 2

The Drumore Shoemaker

The Republican papers are rejoicing over what they term the change of the C. M. Johnston, the ``Drumore Shoemaker,´´ for Fremont, -- Now, the truth of the matter is, that Johnston has for several years been vascillating in his course - as often voting the opposition as the Democratic ticket. It is notorious that last fall he voted against the Democratic ticket in Lancaster county, and it is very doubtful whether he voted for Governor Bigler in 1854. The opposition are welcome to him. We predict that before he is with them twelve months, they will be as glad to get rid of him as were the Democrats of Lancaster county.

Millersville January 4th, 1857 (Sallie E. Bolton Papers - Transcripts)

Charlie Johnson of Drumore brought his daughter Jennie to school here the other day. She is a bright little girl. I felt sorry for her, I think Charlie was about half drunk from the way he talked, and he smelled strongly of whiskey. (Millersville is 23 miles from Drumore)

The Columbia Spy August 28, 1858 On Wednesday the delegates to the county nominating convention assembled in Russell´s Hall, Lancaster, and after organizing by the election of John Wise Esq., President, with a number of Vice Presidents and secretaries, proceeded to ballot for a candidate for member of Congress.

On the second ballot Thaddeus Stevens was nominated. We give the ballots. (not listed)

The convention adjourned to meet at 11 o´clock, when the balloting for members of the Legislature commenced. The successful candidates were Nathaniel Ellmaker, Samuel Price, Dr. James Keneagy and Amos S. Green. The balloting were as follows.

On first ballot Charles M. Johnston had 12 votes. On second ballot Charles M. Johnston had 4 votes. On third ballot Charles M. Johnston had 2 votes.

Charles M. Johnston, Sgt. / Pvt, Co. F, 9 Reg?t Pennsylvania Ca. Appears on Returns as follows: Jan 1862 - Absent imprisoned at Louisville Ky Jan 5/62 for mutinous conduct. Sept & Oct 1862 (Pvt.) absent left sick in Louisville, Ky July 16 or Sept 30/62 Nov & Dec 1862 Nov 25/62 Louisville, Ky, discharged Disability

Charles M. Johnston, Pvt, Co. F, 9 Reg't Pennsylvania Ca. Appears on Muster Roll for Jan. & Feb., 1862. Present or absent "Present" Remarks: Under arrest at time of last payment but released and returned to the company after payday. Reduced to the ranks Feb 12 by order of Col. E. O. Williams, Pay due as any.

Battles Fought

Dandridge, TN. Monticello, GA. Mossy Creek, TN. Thompson's Station, TN. Triune, TN. Fought on 01 June 1862 at Bowling Green, KY. Fought on 06 June 1862 at Moore's Hill, KY. Fought on 09 July 1862 at Tompkinsville, KY. Fought on 10 July 1862 at Glasgow, KY. Fought on 28 July 1862 at Lexington, KY. Fought on 01 August 1862 at Lebanon, KY. Fought on 26 August 1862. Fought on 15 September 1862. Fought on 16 September 1862 at Crab Orchard, KY. Fought on 17 September 1862 at Louisville, KY.

Brief in the case of Charles M. Johnston, Company F, 9 Regiment, PA Cavalry. Enlisted October 4, 1861. Discharged November 25, 1862. Post Office Address of Applicant Livery Square, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania.

The Captain of the Co. states that Johnston is much afflicted with rheumatism, that his horse fell with him in a charge through Shelbyville, Ky., by which several of his ribs were broken and his spine injured, that he will probably never be able to do much for himself.

The Surgeon of the Regiment states that Johnston suffers from chronic rheumatism and weakened of the spine caused by the falling of his horse.

Dr. A. J. Carpenter confirms the fact and character of injury and disability resulting therefrom and rates the disability at one half.

Admitted August 12, 1863. To a pension $4, per month, commencing November 25, 1862.

Disability one half, Disabled by injury of spine and rheumatism.

Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania Drumore Township February 26, 1863

Sir,

Enclosed please find my Application for Invalid Pension under the Act 14 of July 1862, and I most respectfully refer you to the statement that my horse fell on the 3rd of September 1862 in a charge through Shelbyville, Kentucky breaking my ribs and injuring my spine and also afflicted with Rheumatism of which said injuries I am still (afflicted) suffering also the Rheumatism.

My address Liberty Square Drumore Township Lancaster Co. Pennsylvania.

I am Sir, yours Respectfully, C. M. Johnston

Hon Jon H. Barrett Commissioner of Pensions Washington City, D.C.

The Columbia Spy June 6, 1863 Page Number 2

Enrolling Officers, -- The following persons have been appointed to me the enrollment of all persons in the district liable to military duty under the recent act of Congress:

Drumore, Charles M. Johnston

Charles M. Johnston Decd., November 7th 1864 appraisement of $300 worth of property claimed by the widow of decedent, appraisement being signed and certified to by the appraisers the court approve of the same and order and direct the same to be filed of record among the records of the orphans court (see original on file)

Lancaster County Inventory Book B Volume 1 Page 432-433

Charles M. Johnston Deceased

A true and perfect inventory and just appraisement of all and singular the goods and chattels, rights and credits which were of Charles M. Johnston, late of Drumore township, in the county of Lancaster and State of Pennsylvania, deceased at the time of his death to mit.

Wearing apparel of the deceased $40 and Feather Bed $25 $65.00 1 chest $5; bed and bedding $35; 1 Bureau $8 48.00 1 Mirror $2; Lot of carpet $7.50; 'bd dozen chairs $4 13.50 1 Cupboard and contents $5; 1 Clock $2; 2 tables $2 9.00 1 Cook stove $10.00; 4 Andirons $1.50; 1 Mirror 50 cts. 12.00 2 Tubs $1; lot of Tallow $4; lot of Bed Clothes $10 15.00 1 Spade 50 cts.; 1 Hog $10; lot of Corn, Potatoes & Tobacco $20 30.50 Widow?s Appraisement $193.00 Lot of Leather, Shoemaker's Tools. Bench and Laste 15.00 1 Stove $3; 1 Book Case and Books $25; 'bd dozen chairs $3 31.00 2 Meat tubs $1; 1 Mattock 50 cts; Lot of bed iron $2 3.50 1 Wheelbarrow $5; Saddle, Bridle and Halter $12 17.00 1 Scythe & ------ & fork 75 cts.; 1 Cutting Box and Tub $3 3.75 Lot of lumber & c. $5; lot of hay $8 13.00 1 Lot Carriage Harness and one horse 75.00 Book Accounts 45.00

Taken and appraised by us September 13, 1864 Joseph Pierson Wm. G. Wentz

Exhibits into the Register?s Office September 13, 1864 Appraisers and Administrators Affirmed and subscribed by James Long Before me John Johns Dep. Reg

Copy 1865 Page 391 Admin. Account Charles M. Johnston des. Sept. 18th 1865 Read and Confirmed Misc. Attest CL Stoner Dep Clk

The account of James B. Long., Administrator credits which were of Charles M. Johnston, late of yeoman, deceased.

1/29/2010 Lancasterhistory.org Collections Johnston, Charles M. born: c. 1811 Died: 7 - Listed as an artist in Drumore Twp. in the 1850 Census - In business with John M. Johnston in Lancaster at Mechanics Hall on South Queen Street and also at the corner of North Queen and Orange Streets - In business with John Bear as Johnston & Bear, 1846 - 1850 - In business at Buck, 1859 - 1860