Robert Zenas Johnston was born in 1834 in Rowan County, NC. He was graduated from Davidson College in 1858. He continued his education at Columbia Seminary and was ordained by the Concord Presbytery in 1861. He served as the minister of Sharon and Providence Churches in Mecklenburg County (1861-1871) and at Lincolnton Presbyterian Church as well as neighboring churches (1872-1907). Among his descendents are Joseph Boudinot Johnston (Davidson College Class of 1901), who married Annie Lee Davidson, daughter of William Lee Davidson (Davidson College class of 1842) and was superintendent of the Barium Springs Orphan Home. The two had seven children, including Robert Zena Johnston (Davidson College class of 1932), Joseph Boudinot Johnston (Davidson College class of 1936) and James Davidson Johnston (Davidson College class of 1937), who died in action during World War II.
From the description of Collection, 1854-1963. (American Museum of Natural History). WorldCat record id: 722095508
