----Source: 1881 HISTORY OF NORTHERN WI, Chicago: The Western Historical Company, A. T. Andreas, Proprietor (grammar as is), Pg. 252

J. F. JOHNSTON, railroad hotel, Abbotsford. Born in Herkermer Co., NY, July 8, 1822. Raised on a farm, where he remained till he came to Jefferson Co., Wis., locating in the town of Lake Mills, where his cousin, A. D. Tavill, is now doing an extensive dairy business. Then going to Neenah, he was romantically wedded under the old council tree, and settled down to farming. He pioneered to Appleton, Outagamie Co., in 1848, living there till the time of the Civil War, when he went into service with the 21st Wis. V. I. Col. G. B. Sweet, getting home in 1864, and opened the Johnston House, and since has been in the hotel business. He kept the Sherman House at Minnesota Junction, Wis. In 1867 the Merchant's Hotel, of Chicago, just before it burned opened Farmer's Hall Dining Rooms, then to his old hotel, called the Lavake House was in the hotel business in Milwaukee, and in Green Lake, on 25th of July, 1880, he opened the Abbott House, where he is doing a good business. In 1846, he married Miss Jeanette M. Finch, (b. June 7, 1829) of (Jay, Essex Co.) New York (the daughter of Isaac and Martha Barber Finch). They have two children, William H. and Emma (now Mrs. D. F. Canfield) of Fond du Lac. Mr. Johnston has served in various official capacities while at Appleton, and was the first Postmaster of that place. He belongs to the Masons, is high Templar in the Fond du Lac commandery. The Methodist Episcopal Church, of Appleton, was organized in his house of this church Mr. Johnston is a member.