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W. O. JOHNSTON, a representative and leading farmer of Perry township, is a fair specimen of the sturdy agriculturists, who have so largely assisted in the development of Wood county, and who are drawing from the soil the important elements of their future fortune. His homestead, which embraces eighty-eight acres of rich and fertile land, lies in Section 27, where he first saw the light of day January 18, 1849, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Cove) Johnston.
The father, who was of Irish parentage, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1810, and was a member of the large family of John Johnston. When twenty-two years of age he went to Fostoria, Ohio, and entered land in Hancock county, having at that time $300 which had been given him by his father. About 1833, he bought eighty acres of land in Section 27, Perry township, all in its primitive condition. He was a very rugged man and a hard worker, and during pioneer days owned several tracts of land in Hancock county, which he would clear and then sell. At the time of his first marriage he was employed on the farm owned by Charles W. Foster, for whom he worked four years, and later came to Perry township. He lived to be nearly seventy-three years of age, dying at Fostoria, in July, 1883. For many years he was a member of the I. O. O. F., in politics was a Republican, and served as a trustee of Perry township. He was a man of sound judgment and good common sense, and by his well-directed labors secured a comfortable competence.
At Fostoria, Thomas Johnston was united in marriage with Mary Myers, by whom he had seven children, but five died before reaching adult age. Elizabeth is the wife of Peter Faylor, of Montcalm county, Mich. John, who was a member of Company H, 49th O. V. I., was shot in the left temple, and carried the ball for two years, when it dropped through into his throat. His death, in October, 188o, was occasioned by his wound. For his ' second wife Mr. Johnston wedded Miss Mary Cove, a native of Stark county, Ohio, and a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Cove. After her father's death in Stark county, her mother came to western Ohio, and departed this life at Fostoria. Our subject is the eldest of seven children born of the second marriage, the others being Aiden L., who died in 186o; Charles E., of Toledo, Ohio; Hetty A., now Mrs. Frank Culbertson, of Fostoria; Mary E., who is engaged in the insurance business in that city; Thomas L., a glass worker of Fostoria; and George E., a telegraph operator of that place, who died March 4, 1893. . The mother of this family is still living, and makes her home in Fostoria.
In the usual manner of farmer boys, our subject was reared to manhood, remaining at home until his marriage, with the exception of a few months in 1872, spent at Denver, Col., where he witnessed many thrilling scenes. On January 10, 1875, in Perry township, J. R. Phillips performed a wedding ceremony that united the destinies of Mr. Johnston and Miss Emily Brandeberry, who was there born July 29, 1855, and is a daughter of James and Jane (Bates) Brandeberry. To them have been born two children Blanche, now Mrs. A. J. Baird, of Perry township; and Blake, at home.
Mr. Johnston began his domestic life upon a rented farm in Section 23, Perry township, and then for nine years rented another place in the same township. About 1883 he purchased forty acres of land, which form a part of his present valuable farm of eighty-eight acres. He uses his right of franchise in support of the Republican party, has been trustee of his township, and has held several school offices. As a friend, Mr. Johnston is an ardent and consistent one, and, as a neighbor, does all in his power for those around him.
1895 History of Wood County p. 591