In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1847
From The history of Nodaway county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens (1882)
AUGUSTUS JOHNSTON,
Quitman. This gentleman is the senior member of the firm of Johnston & Radford, merchants. The general stock, with the building, is invoiced at $18,000. Mr. J. is a native of Ross County, Ohio, and was born on the 4th of February, 1847. He is the eldest son of Ephraim and Rebecca (Jones) Johnston, who were married April 9, 1846. They settled in Ross County, Ohio, and in 1853 moved to Jackson County, Ohio, and in 1859 returned to Ross County, there remaining till 1862. The)' then came to Nodaway County, Missouri, and settled northwest of Quitman, where he now resides. Augustus passed his boyhood days and received a good education in his native county. He accompanied his parents on their various moves, and when he came to Missouri had in his possession some $30. For two years he devoted his time during the summer months in assisting his father on the farm and in winters he taught school. In 1869 he leased 160 acres of uncultivated land and improved it. In 1870 he purchased 160 acres, made excellent improvements upon it, and on the ist of January, 1878, with his partner, he bought the entire stock of merchandise of J. J. Daniels & Co. He has since continued in the mercantile business. Mr. Johnston married, on the 9th of April, 1874, Miss Henrietta Woods, a native of Licking County, Ohio, born May- is, 1854. She is a daughter of Jesse and Martha (Spencer) Woods, who were natives of Licking County, Ohio. Her father was born January 8, 1812, and her mother June 3, 1815. They were married September 3, 1835, and then settled in Licking County, Ohio. In 1855 they moved to LeRoy, McLean County, Illinois, and to Menard County in 1859, coming to Nodaway County, Missouri, in 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are both members of the M. E. Church. Mr. J. is a member of Lodge No. 284 of the I. O. O. F. Their family consists of five children living: Ida M., born January 23, 1875; Flora E., born March 21, 1877; Ed. M., born September 6, 1878; Alma J., born February 26, 1880; and Rebecca, born December 12, 1881.
As printed in The history of Nodaway county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens (1882). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1882. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.