Husband John Johnston 1
Born: Abt 1765 - ? Ireland
Christened:
Died: 1827 1
Buried:
Father: Dr. Robert Johnston ( - ) 2
Mother:
Marriage: 1787 - Chambersburg, Franklin Co, PA 1
Wife Mary Reed 1
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1839 1
Buried:
Children
1 F Rebecca Johnston 1
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: William Eichbaum ( - ) 1
2 M Samuel R. Johnston 2
Born: 26 Jul 1797 - Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co, PA 2
Christened:
Died: 17 Sep 1854 3
Buried:
Spouse: Mary Nelson ( -1889) 1
Marr: 1824 1
General Notes: Husband - John Johnston
He was in his fourth year when, with his father's family, he came to America. Upon the death of his father the family removed to Chambersburg, where the children could secure proper education. Here he learned the business of watch- and clock-making. His employer, a Mr. Scott, was a superior mechanic, and his apprentices were taught by him other branches of mechanics. While yet a journeyman, John and his skillful employer erected a paper-mill; they also built machinery for making wire.
In 1787 he married and in the same year they removed to and established their home in Pittsburgh. In his new home, he participated in all matters of public interest. The records of the First Presbyterian Church mention him as among its earliest trustees. The oldest minutes preserved bear date "Meeting-house, April 27, 1801," and the trustees are thus mentioned: "Isaac Craig, John Johnston, John Wilkins, Ebenezer Denny, James B. Clow, Alexander Addison, George Stevenson, Andrew McIntyre and John Reed." It was during his trusteeship that the old brick church which succeeded the log house was built; and when the legislature authorized the congregation to establish a lottery to pay the debts of the church he was associated with John Wilkins in the commission to control the drawing. With Ebenezer Denny's cooperation he established in 1809 a Sabbath-school in the court-house on Market street. It was solely for the benefit of the poor, particularly for the children of Roman Catholic families who were found running at large on the streets. In 1813 he was among the promoters of a "humane society," established to relieve the necessities of the poor. These were war times, and much distress prevailed. For eighteen years he was postmaster, having been appointed by Jefferson in 1804, and serving also through the administration of Madison and Monroe.
General Notes: Wife - Mary Reed
A number of her near relatives participated in the Revolutionary War; one was an officer of distinction.