Sarah (Johnstone) Johnston, 1856-?

Sarah was from Crysler, Finch Township, Stormont County, Ontario, Canada, daughter of Archibald Johnstone and Jane Reynolds said to be of Ederney, Co. Fermanagh, Ireland. She was tiny, almost 30 years old, unmarried, no prospects, and very intimidating because of her intelligence. Men tended to give her a wide berth. She was scheduled to go to work for her Uncle Frank in Winona, Minnesota, when she met our William Johnston. It was said to have been love at first sight. Sadly, William was to die of pneumonia unexpectedly young and shortly after the birth of their son, Dewey.

Sarah Johnstone married William Johnston on July 23, 1885. They are thought to have been third cousins. A search found no connection going back 2 generations according to one family source who was unable to go back the much needed additional generation. She is seen here in her wedding dress, the traditional blue of that time. Sarah was a small woman, a size 7 with a 17" waist. William was 6'-4" tall.

This image comes from a 3rd generation photograph courtesy of cousin Evangeline "Vange" Johnston Lincoln, an attorney and a descendant of William and Sarah. Some of the details in the shadows have been lost, but it is a lovely photograph, and I am grateful to have it. Vange was married to Edward Lincoln, a descendant of a cousin of President Abraham Lincoln. She met Edward at law school at the University of Michigan. Edward became a prominent attorney and later a judge.

Two of Sarah's sisters married Ritchies, one of whom was from Scotland and with the RCMP. I have not been able to follow up on this piece of oral family history.