attorney, Vevay. Among the leading lawyers of Switzerland County, we mention the name of Hon. W. R. Johnston, who was born in Craig Township, April 16, 1842. His father, William Johnston, was born in Culpepper County, Va.; his mother, Mary (Roberts) Johnston, in Maryland. They moved to Indiana in 1820, and located in Craig Township, where he engaged in farming, and reared his family of eleven children. In July, 1861, Mr. William R. Johnston enlisted in Company A, Third Regiment Indiana Calvary as a private, and served three years under Col. Carter, in the Army of the Potomac. After the close of his army experience, he read law under Robert M. Lamb, and completed his preparation under Judge Carter. He was admitted to the bar November, 1864, and began the practice in 1867 with Judge Scott Carter, with whom he continued until 1869. He then conducted his practice alone till 1873, when he went to Indianapolis, and formed a partnership with Hon. J. D. Works, which connection was servered in September of the same year. He then returned to Vevay, and remained with Judge Carter up to 1880, at which time he formed a partnership with Mr. F. M. Griffith. In March, 1884, he began an independent practice, which he has since continued. Mr. Johnston was married, April 2, 1868, to Miss Zellie N. Hatch, who was born in Vevay, August 17, 1844. They are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Johnston is a quiet, unassuming gentleman, and has a fine practice, which his signal skill and strict attention to his profession have won for him.
Source: History of Switzerland County, Indiana 1885. Chicago, Illinois: Weakley, Harraman & Co., 1885
Transcribed by: Sheila Kell