WILLIAM J. JOHNSTON. The record of successful business men needs no introductory preface among the citizens of their native county, and this gentleman is undoubtedly a leading member of the class just mentioned. His ancestors were of Irish origin, the first of the family to emigrate being one John Johnston. He and his family sailed to America, locating near the present site of Pittsburgh, in South Fayette township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Of those early days many traditions have been given us, describing the dangers and sufferings endured by our forefathers. The Indians in many instances were hostile, and wreaked bitter vengeance on the presumptuous palefaces who dared to cross their path. Three sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnston, viz.: William, Thomas and John. John Johnston was born in 1802, and his youth was passed amid the scenes and duties of pioneer life. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Roy; she was born in County Down, Ireland, and came to America with her parents when a little girl. Seven children were born to John and Elizabeth Johnston, namely: Rachel (deceased), Margaret (deceased wife of Joseph Campbell, of Allegheny county), infant, Elizabeth (Mrs. William Bowman), James, William J., and Mattie J. (wife of W. P. Morgan, of Canonsburg). The father died in 1853. William J. Johnston was born March 16, 1842, in South Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1866. He and his widowed mother then came to a farm in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he worked until the Civil war opened. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D, under Col. Stone, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regiment, P.V.I., serving three years. He was with the army of the Potomac at the battles of Wilderness, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and many others of equal importance. At the close of the struggle he returned to the farm in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and February 26, 1874, was married to Ella J., daughter of Hugh McDowell. They began wedded life on the farm in Peters township, which is now their home. Five children have been born to them, viz: Eva L., John E., William McDowell, Bessie M., and Warren Blaine. The home place contains 202 acres of fertile, well-cultivated land, and Mr. Johnston is extensively engaged in the dairy business, usually keeping twenty-five cows on the farm. Politically, he advocates the principles embodied in the Republican platform, but has invariable declined to accept office. He is a member and trustee of the United Presbyterian Church of Canonsburg.

Text taken from page 1081 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed February 1997 by Richard Singhaus of Carlsbad, CA as part of the Beers Project. Published February 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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