Death of H. W. Johns

Death of H. W. Johns.

Henry W. Johns, known to the electrical trade by the insulation and insulating devices made by the company bearing his name, died at his home at Park Hill, Yonkers, N. Y., on February 8th, after an illness of several months. Mr. Johns was born in West Stockbridge, Mass. In 1837, and at an early age came to New York, engaging for a short time in various lines of business before entering upon that which was to be his life work. In 1858, while experimenting with a view to perfecting a fireproof compound, he learned of the existence of asbestos, an indestructible fibrous mineral, at that time but little known outside of laboratories, and mineralogical collections. From this time until his death he worked continuously at the development of its commercial uses, and built up a large business based upon his numerous inventions. Mr. Johns was president of the H. W. Johns Manufacturing company and of the Johns-Pratt company of Hartford. He was also at one time a director in the Western National Bank or New York.