John was born in Watertown, NY, in 1816, and his education was acquired at Sackets Harbor. In 1834 he became a resident of Clayton. He was then eighteen years of age, poor but ambitious, and he scorned no labor that would yield him an honest
living. In the early days he was frequently employed to row a boat for a dollar per day, and he soon demonstrated that he was worthy of the public confidence and public trust, and that he was capable in business life. His industry and economy
at length brought him capital that enabled him to engage in business on his own account about the time he attained his majority, and he established a little store at the foot of James street, in Clayton. In the rear of the building was the
steamship wharf, over which crossed the passenger and freight traffic of the town, thus making the situation a most desirable one for business purposes. In this mercantile enterprise Mr. Johnston was very successful. His worth and ability
were also recognized by his fellow citizens, who called him to public office, and in every public trust he was found faithful and loyal to the best interests of the community. He served as supervisor of his town for many years, and during the
administrations of Presidents Polk, Pierce, and Buchanan he was deputy collector of the port of Clayton. His political allegiance was given the Democracy, and he always had firm faith in its principles as containing the best elements of good
government. In the latter years of his life, after he had put aside business and official cares, he was a familiar and honored figure on the streets of Clayton, and when he passed away the community mourned the loss of a valued citizen.
1 CMNT says she was born 15 Sept. 1817