JOHNSTON, Mary Wilson (McDonald) 1836-1913

WILSON, MCDONALD, JOHNSTON, CASTOR, RUST, WESP, HEALD, SMITH, PIERCE, WEDEMEYER, ECKENRODE, KRIEGER

Posted By: Carol P. Garitty (email)
Date: 11/15/2004 at 15:06:26

Mrs. Mary Johnston

Mary Wilson was born December 25, 1836 in Londonderry, Ireland and died at her home March 13, 1913, at the age of 76 years, 2 months and 18 days. She became a Christian at an early age being baptized in the Presbyterian Church. At the age of eleven years she came with her parents to this country, landing in New York, where she remained for a time.

From there they came to Kenotia County, Wis., settling on a farm and remaining there till the age of seventeen, when she was united in marriage to Mr. David McDonald in November, 1855. Together they came by ox team to Chickasaw County and settled on a farm seven miles east of Bradford where they endured the hardships of early settlers. To this union five children were born, James McDonald of Wessington Springs, S. Dak. being the only one who survives her. Her husband died July 14, 1861.

On August 17, 1862 she was united in marriage to Mr. George Johnston of North Richland, who preceded her to the better home June 9, 1888. To this union eight children were born, six girls and two boys: Mrs. Perry Castor, Mrs. James Smith, George and Andrew, of this vicinity; Mrs. F.W. Smith, Wenatchee, Wash; Mrs. George Pierce of Webster, S.Dak. and Mrs. F.E. Nelson, of Livingston, Mont., all who survive her, and Mrs. Ed Eckenrod, who died May 27, 1907. She being the mother of 13 children. She also leaves to mourn her death one sister, Mrs. Matilda Kreger of Plainfield, two brothers, Thomas and Andrew Wilson of Oregon, besides twenty-four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The past several years she has been cared for by her daughter, Mrs. James Smith, who was ever ready to administer to her wants with tender devotion. About one year ago she suffered a partial stroke of paralysis which left her void of speech. As "love begets love," the beautiful devotion of her daughters toward her in her sickness and old age is one of the grandest exhibitions of love and self-sacrifice known in this earthly sphere. As her sickness and helplessness increased, it seemed as though the tender solicitude of her loving daughters ever and always increased.

The funeral was held Sunday from the Disciple's Church at Republic by Otis L. Spurgeon of the Baptist Church of Nashua, and the burial was in the Republic Cemetery.

Source: The Nashua Reporter (date unknown)
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CONTRIBUTOR'S NOTES: Mary Wilson came to America in July, 1850 at the age of 13. The date of her marriage to David McDonald in Yorkville, Racine County, Wisconsin, was January 5, 1855. David died in Chickasaw County and is buried in the Republic Cemetery with two of their children. Please contact me for additional information about the McDonald and Johnston families.