Having been elected for the first time many years ago as town clerk of Lincoln, Providence County, Mr. Johnston proved himself such a faithful and able public official that his fellow-citizens have reelected him from then on with the greatest regularity. During the quarter of a century which he has served his community as its town clerk, he has gained for himself to a remarkable degree the liking and respect of everybody. This, however, is easily explained by the fact that Mr. Johnston’s personality is very likable. He is a member of several fraternal organizations and in many other ways, too, takes an active part in various phases of the community’s life.
David D. Johnston, town clerk of Lincoln, was born in Scotland, April 15, 1876, a son of John and Marcella (Walker) Johnston. Both his parents were natives of Scotland, from which place the family came to this country when Mr. Johnston was only five years old. From then on he has always been a resident of Lincoln Township, where his father was for many years manager of the Lonsdale Bleaching & Dye Works.
Mr. Johnston was educated in the public schools of Lincoln and in private schools in Providence. After leaving school he started to work in the mills in Lonsdale, continuing with this type of work until November, 1904, when he was elected for the first time to his present office as town clerk of Lincoln. Since then he has been reelected at every election, and today he has to his credit a continuous service in one and the same public office covering a period of twenty-five years, Naturally, he is one of the most popular and most widely known public officials in his part of the county. He is a member of several Masonic bodies, including the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council, and Commandery. He is also a member of the local Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, and of the Spanish-American War Veterans. His religious affiliations are with the Baptist Church, while in politics he is independent.
Mr. Johnston married Nellie G. Corry, a native of New Hampshire, and a daughter of Kirk and Henrietta (Chase) Corry. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are the parents of one daughter:
- Henrietta Johnston, who was educated in the public schools and, after having graduated from Pawtucket High School, attended Brown University, Providence, and the Missionary Training School in Chicago, Illinois, where she is now engaged in missionary work.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnston make their home at Lonsdale.
Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 3 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.