William Johnston
William Johnston, farmer, P.O. Range, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1812, and lived with his father until he was twenty years of age, attending the public school when opportunity offered. He married Felicity Hummels, and, for a time after marrying, he continued on the farm of his father, after which he rented land. His first purchase was 236 acres, which he bought in 1848, at $10 per acre. He has continued purchasing from time to time, until he now owns 1,400 acres, having, since 1848, paid over $60,000 for land alone. He has had ten children, of whom six survive, viz., Ebner, born January 11, 1836; Isaac, born March 12, 1838; Arthur Taylor, born Febraury 11, 1843; Bryant Kimball, born December 18, 1850; W. D., born August 15, 1853; and Clarence Lee, born March 16, 1856. The deceased are Rebecca Jane, died April, 1865; Martin Van Buren, died April 10, 1842; Henry D., died January 29, 1865, and Luther D., died December 18, 1850. Clarence married Ella Manning and has two children — Harvey Clarence, born November 3, 1878, adn William Floyd, born December 29, 1881.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]