Transcribed from "History of North Washington, an illustrated history
of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties", published by Western
Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
ANDREW W. JOHNSTON. Like many
of the now prosperous settlers of Okanogan county, Mr. Johnston came here
with very limited means and has gained his present holdings, which place
him as one of the prosperous men of the county, by taking advantage of
the resources of the country and in a careful and thrifty manner attending
closely to business. He resides three miles south of Oroville, and gives
his attention to raising stock.
Andrew W. Johnston was born in Oshawa, Ontario,
on August 12, 1867, the son of James and Charlotte (Best) Johnston. The
father was a native of Ireland and a skillful cabinet maker. He came to
Canada when young and in that country and in the United States worked at
his trade until the time of his death, which occurred in Canada. The mother,
who is still living, was born in Modoc, Canada. Our subject received his
education in the excellent schools of Ontario and also became proficient
in bookkeeping. After this he was fireman on the Michigan Central railroad,
commencing in 1883. When he had secured sufficient skill to pass the examination,
he operated an engine on a tug boat on Lake Huron. In 1887 he went to Seattle
and thence to Victoria and finally on to the Fraser river country, where
at New Westminster he worked for the Brunette Milling Company. In 1889
Mr. Johnston came to Ellensburg, Washington, and there bought a cayuse,
which he rode to the Okanogan country. His uncle, Arthur Best, and his
brother, James A., lived here then. This was the first horseback ride Mr.
Johnston had ever taken, but it was not his last. He arrived on Sunday
with his cayuse, which was about all he possessed. This was in 1889, and
stores were very scarce in the Okanogan country. Being pleased with the
country, he bought a portion of his present ranch from his uncle on time.
He at once started to work raising stock to gain the money to pay for his
ranch. This done, he bought a quarter section more and has improved the
same in first-class manner. The soil is very rich and produces abundance
of hay. Mr. Johnston has a large band of cattle. On November 28, 1902,
Mr. Johnston married Miss Mary Thompson, a native of Ontario. She came
out west with her brother, Robert Thompson, in 1900. He was formerly a
shipping clerk for a large concern in Detroit, and is now ranching in this
country and also gives attention to organizing Sunday schools. Mr. and
Mrs. Johnston are highly respected people who deserve credit for their
faithful labors.