William S. Johnston

JOHNSTON, BIRCHFIELD, VERMILYA

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 3/9/2002 at 23:09:02

Johnston, William S., blacksmith, Section 36 (Auburn township); PO Douglas; born in Scotland in 1841, which country he left when a child, with his father, John Johnston, and came to America, settling in Ohio, where his father died in 1860. In 1864, Mr. Johnston enlisted in the 143rd O. S. V., Co. C, three months' men, but was held in the service five months, being assigned to the Army of the Potomac, under General Grant, before Petersburg and Richmond. Came to this county in 1869, and settled in Dover, and , in 1870, removed to this village, forming a copartnership with David Vermilya in the manufacture of carriages and blacksmithing; owns the residence he now occupies, and farm of ninety acres, valued at $3,000. Married Emma Birchfield in 1863; she was born in Ohio in 1844; have four children --- Earl B., Minnie L., Millie M. and Jennie M. Both members of the Presbyterian Church.

Page 754, "1878 History of Fayette County, Iowa"