Harold Whetstone Johnston

Harold Whetstone Johnston (March 18, 1859 in Rushville, Illinois – June 17, 1912) was a classical historian and Professor of Latin at Indiana University, best known for writing The Private Life of the Romans.

Personal life

Johnston was the son of DeWitt Clinton Johnston and Margretta Hay (Bower). In 1882, he married Eugenia Hinrichsen.

Death

Johnston died of cyanide poisoning on June 17, 1912 while on a train from Monon, Indiana to Indianapolis. The coroner determined that he had ingested potassium cyanide intentionally, and his friends indicated he had been upset due to financial difficulties.