Johnston, William F., 1808-1872

Pennsylvania state senator.

At the time of Governor Shunk's death William Freame Johnston was presiding officer of the Pennsylvania State Senate. Under the provisions of the constitution he became the chief executive of the state. Waiving this opportunity to step into the office of governor, he at once issued a proclamation for the election of a governor and was himself chosen. He was born in 1808 in Greensburg of Scotch-Irish parentage and was admitted to the bar when twenty-one years of age. He represented Armstrong County in the legislature from 1836 to 1841 and was elected to the state senate in 1847. Upon the expiration of his term as governor he became president of the Allegheny Valley Railroad. He was appointed collector of the port of Philadelphia by President Johnson, but by reason of differences between the president and members of the senate his appointment was not approved. He died at Pittsburg, Oct. 25, 1872.