Career
He represented Cardwell in the Canadian House of Commons from 1900 to 1904 as a Conservative. He was born in Caledon Township, Canada West, the son of Robert Johnston and Margaret J. McFarland, and was educated in Peel County. Johnston served as warden for Peel County.
He was a farmer in Caledon Township.
He died in Brampton at the age of 56.