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Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott
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SOURCE: History of Lapeer County, Michigan
        with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches
        of Some of its Prominent Men and Pioneers
        H.R. Page & Co., Chicago, 1884
        

         Page 41
         
              B. F. JOHNSTON, furniture dealer, was born in Geneseo,
         Livingston County, N.Y., March 28, 1829.  At the age of nineteen
         he came to Almont, and learned the painter's trade with his
         brother.  He worked at his trade summers and taught school
         winters here and in New York and Pennsylvania for eight years.
         In 1858 and 1859 he was in the cabinet business which he sold
         out in the spring of 1860 and worked at painting for two years.
         In 1861 he helped to raise the First Michigan cavalry.  August
         26, 1862, he enlisted in the Fifth Michigan cavalry, which was
         with the Army of the Potomac the most of the war.  Served under
         KILPATRICK and CUSTER.  Was with KILPATRICK in the famous raid
         on Richmond in March, 1864.  Was captured June 11, 1864, at
         Trevilian Station, Va., and a prisoner at Richmond, Charlotte
         and Andersonville nine months.  Was paroled after LEE'S sur-
         render, and on his way North was blown up on the steamer Sultana,
         on the Mississippi River, when of 2,200 men on board, between
         600 and 700 only were saved.  Returned home awaiting orders,
         and was mustered out July 6, 1865.  He then engaged in the 
         furniture business, in which he has continued to the present
         time being the oldest business firm in Almont.  He was married
         March 25, 1851, to BETSEY A. WORSTER of Chautauqua
         
         Page 42
         
         County, N.Y., and has three children.  Mr. JOHNSTON is prominent
         in the Masonic fraternity, being master of the lodge and high
         priest of the Chapter of Almont, and an officer of the Grand
         Lodge of Michigan.
         
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