William Johnston
William Johnston came from Virginia to Ohio in 1814, and located first at Dayton, where they remained a little over a year, when he moved to the present limits of Orange Township, Shelby County, and located on what is now known as the Wirt farm. This was in 1816. About a year later he bought a farm northeast of Sidney, now owned by his son William, where he died.
William Johnston, Jr. was a son of the above. He was born in Clinton Township December 10, 1832. His education was such as could be obtained in the common schools of his day. In 1852 he took a trip to California, where he remained one year. Since his return he has made farming his principal avocation. In 1855 he married Sarah Hathaway. By this marriage they had three children: Charles C., Hugh W., and Sarah R. Mrs. Johnston died February 9, 1862. In February, 1864, he married Anna Hickey. By the last marriage there are five children. In the fall of 1874 he was elected commissioner of Shelby County, which office he filled six years. In August, 1881, he in company with Thomas C. Leapley erected a factory in Anna for the manufacture of spokes and bent wood, which they have kept in continuous operation since that time.
From History of Shelby County, Ohio; R. Sutton & Co, Philadelphia PA, 1883