THOMAS H. JOHNSTONE. There are few names more prominently associated with the commercial development of Modoc County than that of Mr. Johnstone, who is at the head of various important enterprises in the county and especially has been interested in movements for the commercial growth of Cedarville, his home town. The general store of which he is manager and principal owner and which forms one of the largest concerns of its kind in Surprise Valley was incorporated in April 1905, under the laws of California, with a capital stock of $40,000, business being conducted under the name of the T.H. Johnstone Company. In March of 1905, Mr. Johnstone became the president of the newly organized Surprise Valley State Bank, capitalized at $25,000, and this responsible position he now fills, in addition to conducting his important mercantile enterprise and acting as a notary public and agent for a number of fire insurance companies. Another important undertaking which owes its origin ! to himself and other men equally public-spirited is the Surprise Valley Electric Light and Power Company, which was organized for the purpose of furnishing light and power to the people of the valley, and was incorporated in May 1905, with a capital stock of $25,000. Not only by the investment of money in shares of stock has Mr. Johnstone aided the development of this company, but he has been especially helpful through his services as treasurer and vice-president, which positions he has filled since the organization of the company. Of Canadian birth, Mr. Johnstone was born in Ontario, February 7, 1850, and grew to manhood upon the home farm. After the death of his father he conducted the farm for one year in the interests of his mother and then went to the regions east of Hudson Bay, where he was employed in the lumber business. During the Fenian raid in Canada in 1870 he enlisted as a private in the Ottawa Artillery, and later was promoted to be sergeant, serving as such until the troubles were ended. In recognition of his bravery and gallant services Queen Victoria some years later presented him with a medal, which he now cherishes as one of is most valued possessions. On coming to the States in 1876, Mr. Johnstone became interested in mining near Virginia City, Nev., but soon removed to California and for one year was employed in herding sheep in Modoc County. Next he rented a farm in what is known as the Cottonwood district of Surprise Valley. On coming to Cedarville he secured a position as bookkeeper with M.D. Haynes & Co., and two years later, on the dissolution of this firm, he was chosen business manager for Cressler & Bonner in the same town. Remaining with that firm for three years when a consolidation was effected for their interests with Kistler Brothers, he was admitted as a member of the firm of Kistler, Johnstone & Co. Three years later, when that partnership was dissolved, he bought out a small store owned by L. Waldenberg & Co. With this as a nucleus he has built up a large trade that extends in every direction from Cedarville, throughout the surrounding country, and he also , since May 1904, has operated a! similar store at Eagleville. His attractive home in Cedarville is presided over the lady whom he married June 26, 1878 and who was Miss Anna M. Mills, a native of Canada; they are the parents of two daughters, Cassie M. and Jennie D. The family are identified with the Episcopal denomination, and are contributors to the religious and philanthropic movements. Active in local politics as a leader of the Republic party in Cedarville and vicinity, Mr. Johnstone, though declining official honors for himself, has given his staunch support to friends during their candidacy for official positions and has been a contributor to the upbuilding of the party in the county. Fraternally he is a member and past master of Surprise Valley Lodge No. 235. F.& A.M., having been made a Mason in Canada in 1875. Guinn, J.M. History of the State of California and Biographical Records of the Sierras. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1906 at page 665-666