Aschel Edmund (Johnson) Johnston (1850 - 1917)

Born 25 Jul 1850 in Kings, York, Ontario, Canada

Ancestors

Husband of Ida Mae Blend — married 6 Apr 1875 in Outagamie, Wisconsin, United States

Descendants

Died 28 Feb 1917 at age 66 in Old Mission, Grand Traverse, Michigan, United States

Biography

Aschel was born in 1850. He passed away in 1917.

Aschel Edmond Johnston™ was born on July 15, 1850, the son of Lydia and Jesse. His life journey began near Toronto, Canada, where he lived with his family until the age of 17. (1) The young man then set off to Buffalo, NY to begin sailing with an uncle. It was a long journey from being a farm boy to the Captain of a Large Steamship on the Great Lakes, but the determined Aschel made it. He worked his way up until he was qualified as a Captain, traveling between Chicago and Northern Ports. For Eight Years he was with the Goodrich Line, commanding the "North American."

Aschel was more than a brave sailor; he was a man of great character. He once deliberately ran his ship aground during a horrendous lake storm, prioritizing the lives of his passengers over the steamship. This act, while saving lives, was frowned upon by the company, leading to the termination of his services. Despite such a setback, it was Aschel's conviction and moral courage that made him a hero in the eyes of his family and those whose lives he had saved.

On April 6, 1875, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Johnston married Ida Mae Blend. The couple was blessed with three children: Ethel Lillian Johnson, Herbert Milton "Herb" Johnston Sr., and Jesse Blend Johnston. After his sailing career, Aschel and his wife retired to a Farm known as 'Knoll Crest' in Old Mission, MI, which they purchased in 1915. (2,3,7)

Anecdotes about Aschel paint a vivid picture of a man full of life and energy. He was known for his wild behavior, such as driving the horses extremely fast on Christmas. He would throw Christmas presents out of the carriage, creating an atmosphere of joviality and excitement. One such incident involved a watch for his wife getting lost in the snow, only to be found in Spring, rusty yet reminiscent of Aschel's vibrant spirit. (7)

Johnston was not only a loving father and a devoted husband but also an affectionate grandfather. His grandson, Johnston -Jack- Kerkhoff, spoke of him with great love and warmth. Aschel was reputed to have an artistic nature and a keen interest in music, art, and flowers. His winning personality and charming manner were traits that his grandson inherited or perhaps emulated.

Sadly, Aschel passed away on February 28, 1917, after suffering from a brief illness. His death was a result of five hemorrhages caused by heart leakage and sclerosis of the liver. He was laid to rest in the grove at Knollcrest. At the time of his death, he had two siblings still living; JL Johnston of Richmond, MI, and Mrs. Joseph Edmunds of Flint, MI. (5,6,7)

In conclusion, Aschel Edmond Johnston lived a life filled with adventure, courage, and love. His life story is a testament to the strength of human spirit and the depth of familial bonds. Aschel's legacy continues to inspire and will forever be remembered by his descendants and all those who knew him. (4,5,6,7) (Kerkhoff-McCurdy, Jacqueline. 1999).

Sources

• 1851 Census of Canada East, Canada West, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia [1]
• 1880 United States Federal Census: Year: 1880; Census Place: Armada, Macomb, Michigan; Roll: 592; Page: 279B; Enumeration District: 198. [[2]]
• 1910 United States Federal Census: Year: 1910; Census Place: Oak Park, Cook, Illinois; Roll: T624_239; Page: 15A; Enumeration District: 73; Image: 846. [[3]]
• Michigan, Death Records, 1867-1950: 1700s-Current: Certificates, 1897-1920 239: Genesee-Huron, 1917 [[4]]
• Web: Grand Traverse County, Michigan, Death Index, 1867-2011: Ancestry/Transcription: Name Aschel Edmonds Johnston Death Date 28 Feb 1917 Death Place Grand Traverse, Michigan, USA [[5]]
• Find A Grave, U.S. 1600 to Current. [[6]]
• McCurdy, Jacqueline Kerkhoff. Interview of Mrs. McCurdy of her great grandfather as told to her by her father, Johnston D. Kerkhoff and her great grandmother, Ida Mae Blend Johnston. 1999, San Diego, CA. Interviewer: her daughter, Lynn Robinson. (7)