Bio:  William A. Johnston, Claiborne Parish, LA
Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana
The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville, 1890
Submitted for the LAGenWeb Archives by: Gwen Moran-Hernandez, Jan. 2000


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William A. Johnston, merchant and jeweler, Homer, La.  In Moore County, N. C.,
in September, 1853, there was born to the union of R. T. And Flora (McFarland)
Johnston, a son, whom we will now take the subject of this sketch.  He was the
eldest of six children-four sons and two daughters-all living with the
exception of one son, and received a liberal education in the schools of
Louisiana.  He began learning the silversmith's trade in 1874 at Vienna,
Lincoln Parish, La., under T. W. Speer, one of the best workmen in this line
in the State.  Mr. Johnston came from Vienna to Homer in 1874, engaged in
business for himself in a small way and was doing unusually well when, in
1877, failing health caused him to sell out.  In July, 1880, he commenced
working here for other parties, continued at this for sixteen months, and then
worked one year for himself.  After this he entered a general store, including
jewelry, and remained with the same up to 1886, when he bought out the jewelry
department and continued the business.  Mr. Johnston now carries a large stock
of watches, clocks and jewelry, and does a good business in his line.  He also
has a large and increasing repair business.  He is a No. 1 workman, and his
repairing receives prompt attention, being executed in the best manner and
guaranteed substantial and durable.  He is a natural mechanic.  He owns his
own business house, and since 1887 has been in his own building.  He is a
charter member of the K. of P., and has held several official positions in the
order.  His parents were born in South Carolina, and there they were united in
marriage.  They moved from their native State to Arkansas in 1857, located in
Hempstead one year, and in 1858 moved to Louisiana.  They located in Union
Parish, engaged in planting and there they reared their family.  The father
died May 26, 1887, and the mother followed him in August, 1890.  They were
worthy and much esteemed citizens.

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