THOMAS JOHNSTON, one of the proprietors of the Johnston Brothers' Boiler

Works of Ferrysburg, is one of Michigan's native sons, his birth having

occurred in Detroit in 1851. The family is of Scotch origin. His

grandfather, Hamilton Johnston, was a native of Scotland, and his father,

J. W. Johnston, was there born in 1814. The latter crossed the briny deep

to America in 1844, and is now a resident of Ferrysburg. He here located in

1864, and established the Johnston Boiler Works, one of the leading

industries of the place. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Ann Bauld, is

a native of Paisley, Scotland. The gentleman whose name heads this record

is the eldest of three children. He spent his boyhood in Detroit and

acquired his education in its common schools. At the age of thirteen he

accompanied his parents to Ferrysburg, and here learned the trade of

boiler-making. He has a practical knowledge of the business in all its

departments and details and is therefore well qualified to superintend the

works. In the fall of 1880, he and his brother succeeded their father in

the control of the concern, which is now run under the name of Johnston

Brothers. In 1884, they established a branch business in Muskegon, which was

carried on under the name of the Muskegon Boiler Works, and which was

conducted until 1891, when they sold their plant at that place. In 1892,

they established the Johnston Brothers Boiler Works of Chicago, and a

brother of our subject, J. B. Johnston has continued in charge of the

Chicago plant, which is located on Mather Street, between Clinton and Canal

Streets. In 1876. Mr. Johnston was joined in marriage with Miss Nora B.

Eames, of Ferryshurg, daughter of B. F. Eames, one of the early settlers of

this place. Their union has been blessed with a family of four children,

three sons and a daughter, namely: J. F., Robert E., Nellie V. and James H.

The parents are people of sterling worth, who hold an enviable position in

social circles. Mr. Johnston is a stalwart Republican in politics, and is a

member of Spring Lake Lodge No. 234, A. F..& A. M.; Corinthian Chapter No.

84, R. A. M.; and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In connection with

his other interests, Mr. Johnston is also a stockholder in the Grand Haven

Leather Company. He assumed full control of the Boiler Works of Ferrysburg,

and later, by purchase, became sole proprietor of the game. The plant is

270x200 feet, and employment is furnished to about fifty men. A very

superior quality of boilers is manufactured, largely for marine and

stationary engines, and the trade extends throughout the United States. Mr.

Johnston has built up a most excellent business, which has constantly

increased from the beginning and is yet growing. He is a man of good

business ability, enterprising and sagacious, and by careful management and

honorable dealing he has won the success which now crowns his efforts. His

works are among the leading concerns of Ferrysburg, and he is recognized as

one of the most prominent business men.

Portrait & Biographical record pgs. 306-307
Submitted by Janet Brosius & Bill Moore
Created: 31 July 2002
URL: http://ottawa.migenweb.net/biographies/1893/johnston.html