Thomas Johnston was the oldest son of Adam and Jane (Jenkins) Johnston of lot 6, concession 6, Marlborough township. Thomas married twice, first to Elizabeth Percival who died in 1861 and was buried in the Burritts Rapids Anglican cemetery and second to Sarah Kerfoot, a daughter of George and Deborah (Smith) Kerfoot of Beckwith township. Thomas occupied the front half of lot 6, concession 6, Marlborough township, his father the rear half. Thomas also operated the Malakoff store and post office on his farm.