Robert Johnston

Rev. Robert Johnston was born in Sherman's Valley, Perry County, PA, 7 Aug 1774.  He was a descendent of Oliver Cromwell.  

When Robert was eight years old, his father moved to a farm near Canonsburg, Washington County, PA.  In 1796, he started at the academy at Canonsburg and five years later he commenced the study of Theology.  He was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of Ohio, 22 Apr 1802.  He spent the following year as a missionary in Ohio and Kentucky.  

About 1802, he married Eleanor Wright, daughter of Judge Wright.

Rev. Johnston became the first pastor of the Scrubgrass Presbyterian Church in Crawford's Corners, PA, on 19 Oct 1803.  During his pastorate the first house of worship for the Scrubgrass congregation was erected.  Rev. Johnston served the church until 2 Jan 1811 when he resigned to take charge of Meadville, Sugar Creek and Conneaut Lake Churches.  

Rev. Johnston died at the home of his son, James W. Johnston, Esq., in New Castle, Lawrence County, PA, on 20 May 1861.  

History of the Scrubgrass Presbyterian Church, 1903.

Rev. Johnston was the second pastor at the Presbyterian Church in Meadville "...The second pastor was Rev. Robert Johnston.  He was installed, October 15, 1811, as pastor of Meadville, Little Sugar Creek, and Conneaut (now Evansburg).  This relation was dissolved April 2, 1817..."

[Conneautville Presbyterian Church] was formerly known as Conneaut, or the Outlet of Conneaut.  In 1811 to 1817, it constituted a part of the charge of Rev. Robert Johnston, in connection with Meadville and Little Sugar Creek.

[Cochranton] church was anciently under the care of the Presbytery of Erie, under the name of "Little Sugar Creek."  It was a portion of Mr. Johnson's charge, from 1811 to 1817.

History of the Erie Presbytery, 1868 Click to view the source for this material.

More on Rev. Robert Johnston