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 H. JOHNSTON. Men who have risen from the humbler walks of life, and by virtue of untiring industry and close application to business have become prominent amongst their fellows, present in their experience examples worthy of imitation. Of such is the subject of this sketch. Isaiah Hugh Johnston was born April 24, 1827, in Russell County, Va. His grandparents on the paternal side were Roderick and Elizabeth (Stewart) Johnston, who were, as the names indicate, originally from Scotland, although it is quite certain they came to this country from England: His grandparents on the maternal side were Stephen and Mary (Gibson) Fuller, who were of German descent. His father, Abner Johnston, a native of Virginia, was born Oct. 10, 1798. His mother, Polly (Fuller) Johnston, also a native of the Old Dominion, was born June 13, 1803. Abner Johnston and Polly Fuller were married Feb. 10, 1820, and in 1830, with their five children, emigrated to Coles County, Ill. They began work in their new field of labor October 10, settling temporarily in the southwestern part of the county, in what was then called Muddy Point. In the early part of 1831 they moved to Charleston, remaining but a year, and then went to the northwestern part of the county, now known as the town of North Okaw. The mother died Oct. 10, 1835, leaving six children, the eldest being fifteen and the youngest two years of age. Abner Johnston, a carpenter by trade, thinking he could could do better for the helpless family, removed to Vandalia, Ill., then the capital of the State, where he held a position in the land-office. After remaining there four years he went again to Muddy Point, remaining there until his death, which occurred Sept. 18, 1848. Abner and Polly Johnston were members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and their house was one of the headquarters of the circuit preachers of that day, among whom were Peter Cartwright, Barton Randel, Hiram Buck and John Adams. In politics he was a Whig, and a stanch supporter of Henry Clay. When the Black Hawk War broke out and troops were about starting from Charleston, a young man, Keithly by name, volunteered to go in Ahner Johnston’s place, provided that a horse and overcoat be furnished him. These he cheerfully gave, for circumstances rendered it necessary that he should remain at home. Of the six children born to Abner and Polly Johnston three are still living. Their record is as follows; Leah, the eldest, was born Nov. 29, 1820, and died Aug. 10, 1839; Matilda Jane, born Nov. 28, 1822; James Franklin, Feb. 10, 1825, died in September, 1856; Isaiah Hugh, born April 24, 1827; Mary Gibson, June 17, 1829, died Feb. 9, 1859; Elizabeth Stewart, born Sept. 29, 1833. Matilda J. was married to James Jeffris, Oct. 6, 1842; residents of Pleasant Grove, near the place where both were reared. Elizabeth S. was married to A. A. Walker; also residents of Pleasant Grove. The subject of this biography passed his boyhood and youth in the pioneer fashion, pursuing his studies in the winter in the log school-house, and working at whatever he could in the spring and summer months. Three years of this time found him engaged in hauling lead to Galena and Milwaukee, with an ox-team, and receiving as a remuneration $10 per month. This he could not follow continuously, the winter months being too severe for traveling to such an extent. Before the attainment of his majority he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Jeffries, daughter of Thomas and Patsey Jeffries, the happy event taking place Feb. 10, 1848. Of this union there were born two children: Felix, born June 17, 1849, and Emily, June 15, 1851. Harriet Johnston, first wife of our subject, passed to her eternal home April 14, 1853. This occasioned a change in his programme, leading him to leave the farm, upon which he had labored so faithfully, and embarked in merchandising in Springville, purchasing his stock of goods on credit. While thus engaged he was appointed Postmaster, under President Pierce’s administration. Here he remained about eighteen months, then removed to Johnstown. Cumberland County, where he also served as Postmaster, this time under President Buchanan’s administration. Here he also had charge of a steam saw and grist mill, which he operated successfully, and he now takes pleasure in looking back upon this page in his life’s history as being a starting point in a prosperous business career. In 1857 Mr. Johnston moved to Mattoon, where he engaged in a similar business, which he pursued three years. In 1858 he served as Alderman, and in 1860 was elected Sheriff of Coles County, necessitating his removal to the county seat (Charleston) during that year. To this office he was nominated by the Democratic party, July 27, 1860, and after serving out his term, owing to some political difficulty, continued in office part of his successor’s term of office. Upon the expiration of his term of service, he re-engaged in merchandising, this time in Charleston. In this he continued but a short time, however, as he, in connection with John B. Hill, and Thomas E. Stoddart, under the firm name of Hill, Stoddart & Johnston, engaged in pork-packing. Unable to compete with heavy concerns in Chicago, the firm went out of business. Jan. 1, 1869, Thomas A. Marshall, John W. True and Mr. Johnston engaged in banking, opening a private bank under the firm name of T. A. Marshall & Co., which they continued until Aug. 1, 1871; at that time the Second National Bank of Charleston was organized, and bought the plant of T. A. Marshall & Co. The first officers of the Second National Bank were John W. True, President; Charles Clary, Cashier, and Felix Johnston, Teller. In 1872 Mr. True tendered his resignation as President of the bank, and George W. Parker was elected to fill the vacancy; he, however, only served about one year, and on July 16, 1873, just before the panic, Mr. Johnston was elected to the office, which he has continuously filled since. The Second National Bank, under the wise administration of its present Executive, has become one of the leading and indispensable institutions of Charleston, and is fully appreciated by the business portion of the community. Felix Johnston, the eldest son of our subject, went into the banking business upon the organization of the firm of T. A. Marshall & Co., serving first as book-keeper, then as teller, and is now cashier. O. E. Wilson, the husband of Mr. Johnston’s eldest daughter, is President of the Mattoon National Bank. July 10, 1855, Mr. Johnston was a second time married, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah A. Gray, the daughter of Richard and Rachel Gray, and by this marriage he had six children, as follows: George D., born Nov. 24, 1856, died Feb. 20, 1864; Flora G., born Nov. 30, 1860, died Dec. 30, 1861; Charles, born July 14, 1862, died July 10, 1864; Martha, born Oct. 4, 1864; Bertha, May 21, 1868. and Isaiah H., Jr., May 3, 1871. Since becoming a resident of Charleston Mr. Johnston has built quite a number of business houses and residences, and in every way possible has exerted his energies to build up the community morally as well as numerically, aiding in the establishment and maintenance of schools and churches. He has also studied to introduce those features which would add to the size and value of its population. He started in life with nothing but his strong will and willing hands, and by pluck and perseverance has become one of the chief factors in business circles of this and adjoining counties. |
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