Alexander Johnston, Jr., b.1818 Pa. (father of Mrs. Elmeretta Fleming)

found in a book on HeritageQuestOnline – not in my line as far as I know

Title: History of Venango County, Pennsylvania: its past and present, including its aboriginal history, the French and British occupation of the country, its early settlement and subsequent growth, a description of its historic and interesting localities, its rich oil deposits and their development, sketches of its cities, boroughs, townships, and villages, neighborhood and family history, portraits and biographies of pioneers and representative citizens, statistics, etc., etc.
Authors: Charles H Heydrick
City of Publication: Chicago, Ill.
Publisher: Brown, Runk & Co.
Date: 1890
Page Count: 1175
Notes: "Illustrated."
Includes index.
"The editorial supervision of the work was intrusted to Mr. [Herbert C.] Bell ..."--Preface.
ill., map, plates, ports.
Reel/Fiche Number: Genealogy and local history; LH6862
Subject Headings: Venango County (Pa.) -- History.
Venango County (Pa.) -- Biography.
Pennsylvania -- Venango County

Alexander Johnston, Jr., was born in Canal township August 4, 1919, and was the eldest son of Anthony and Polly (Ray) Johnston. He early became familiar with the rugged duties of farm life, attended the pioneer schools of the county during his youth, and at the age of twenty-one purchased a tract of woodland on which in due time he cleared and developed a good farm. He subsequently added to his first purchase, and is proud of the fact that he has cleared in all over three hundred acres in Canal township alone. He early displayed good business tact, which he turned to advantage in buying and selling lands, and succeeded in accumulating a handsome competence, including some of the most valuable real estate in Canal township.

In 1876 he located on his present homestead near Hannaville, one of the best improved farms in the county. Originally an Abolitionist, and later a Republican, Mr. Johnston for the past fifteen years has been a strong advocate of political prohibition. Ever an opponent of all secret societies, he has been a member of the Wesleyan Methodist church for over forty years, has filled various official positions in that denomination, and has been liberal in contributing toward the erection of church buildings in various party of the country.

He was married in 1841 to Delia A., daughter of Samuel Hammond of New York, by whom he had a family of eight children, four now living: Franklin H.; Samuel W.; Mrs. Delia A. Brown, and John W. The deceased are Mrs. Elmeretta Fleming; Melvin A., a soldier in the late war; Anthony L., and Lewis S. Mrs. Johnston died October 5, 1885, and he was again married October 7, 1886, to Mrs. Laura L. Spear, widow of the late Reverend James Spear. One child is the fruit of this union: Laura Zella. By her previous marriage Mrs. Johnston had nine children, seven of whom are living.