JOHNSTON, George C. 1864-1937

WILSON, RUST, HANNAN, CHESTER, OBERHEU, CASTOR, PIERCE, SMITH, HEALD, WESP, NELSON, ECKENRODE

Posted By: Carol P. Garitty (email)
Date: 11/8/2004 at 15:40:09

OBITUARY OF GEORGE C. JOHNSTON

Died September 25, 1937

HORTON FARMER DIES AT WAVERLY HOSPITAL
George JOHNSTON, 72, was Native of Chickasaw County; Funeral was Held Monday

Funeral services were held Monday at Horton for George JOHNSTON, 72, who died early Saturday morning at the Waverly Hospital. A brief service at 1:30 at the home was followed by services at 2 o’clock in the Baptist Church in Horton. Rev. W. C. (can’t read name), pastor of the Waverly Methodist Church, officiated, assisted by Rev. McClure, pastor of the Horton church. Burial was in the Horton cemetery.

George Crawford JOHNSTON, son of George and Mary WILSON JOHNSTON, was born December 15, 1864 in Chickasaw County, Iowa, and died at Mercy hospital in Waverly, at 1:45 o’clock Saturday morning, September 25, 1937. Death was caused by an embolism.

Mr. Johnston grew up on a Chickasaw County farm and as a boy attended school in that locality. At the age of thirty-four he moved from Chickasaw county to Bremer County and located on a farm northeast of Horton. So long as he was able to lead an active life, he was engaged in agricultural pursuits and his entire life was spent in this section of Iowa.

His health began to fail some years ago and for the past two years or more he has been confined to a wheel chair. Prior to these years he was always a strong, active man. In spite of the fact that he was in poor health, it never changed his sunny disposition, nor his willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. It was this trait that made him a loving husband and father and won for him a host of worthy friends. Baptised in Christian faith, he was ever ready to encourage deeds of truth and justice. This was his aim in life and his peaceful death was because of his trust in the Saviour who had given him endurance to bear the grief of his illness. Though the best medical attention was given, with the careful assistance of those who cared for him, it seemed that a higher life beyond was more commendable. His death will be deeply mourned by his loved ones.

On March 20, 1895, he was united in marriage to Illa RUST, who survives him. He also leaves seven children, four sons and three daughters: Burness of Parkersburg; Clare, Kenneth and Richard, all of Horton; Mrs. Gladys HANNAN, Waterloo; Mrs. Marie CHESTER, Plainfield; and Mrs. Blanche OBERHEU, Waverly. Other survivors are one brother, Andrew, of near Horton, and four sisters: Mrs. Perry CASTOR and Mrs. George PIERCE, Nashua; Mrs. Jim SMITH and Mrs. Clyde HEALD, of Ionia. Also eleven grandchildren.

“Though he suffered much pain,
Through this life as he trod,
We hope for a peaceful rest
In his home with God”

(Newspaper Source Unknown. Possibly the Nashua Reporter.)
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Contributor’s Notes: George had 7 siblings: Matilda Johnston CASTOR, Almira Johnston WESP-HEALD (no children except for Wesp marriage), Elizabeth Johnston PIERCE, Andrew JOHNSTON, Fannie Johnston SMITH, Marie Johnston NELSON, Mary Jane Johnston ECKENROD(E) (no children).