Johnston, Robert H.

Robert H. Johnston.—Endowed with that peculiar vein of grit and determination which is essentially American, Robert H. Johnston, a well- known blacksmith of South Sharon, has paddled his own canoe through life, and is without any doubt the architect of his fortune. A son of the late Amos Johnston, he was born, April 14, 1872, in Lucas county, Iowa.

Born and reared in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Amos Johnston served faithfully for three and one-half years as a soldier in the Civil war. Subsequently, in 1866, he moved with his family to Iowa, where he lived and labored for twelve years. His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Selders, died in that state about 1876, and he returned a short time later to his native county, and was there a resident until his death, in 1906. at the age of seventy-three years.

Losing his mother by death when he was a lad of three years, Robert H. Johnston was taken by his father to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and from his early childhood was forced to make his own way in the world, being brought up by strangers. He attended the district schools, and in Ligonier learned the blacksmith's trade. This he subsequently followed in New Derry, Westmoreland county, for a number of years, his mechanical knowledge and ability bringing him success in his chosen occupation. Locating in South Sharon in July, 1901, he became one of the pioneers of the town, which is now, in 1908, scarce seven years old, and has here built up a large and remunerative business, being the leading blacksmith of this locality.

Mr. Johnston married, in 1896, Annie Johnston, who, although bearing the same surname, was not a relative. In politics Mr. Johnston is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and among its most earnest workers.