Benjamin "Ben" M. Johnston 1877-1911

JOHNSTON, RANDOLPH, MERRILL, NEWBERRY

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 10/11/2010 at 21:47:19

Ben M. Johnston Dead
Died at Webster City Early Thursday Morning
Long Time Resident Here
Victim of Tuberculosis – Son of Peter Johnston Once Editor of the Democrat – Buried Here

This community was shocked Thursday morning by the receipt of a telegram conveying the sad and startling news of the death of Ben M. Johnston at Webster City. The Freeman-Tribune gives the following account of his death:

“Ben M. Johnston, one of the best known young business men in Webster City, passed away this morning at 7:30 o’clock at the family home on Division street, following an illness of many months, his death being the result of tuberculosis.

“Mr. Johnston has been taking treatment during the past four or five months from a specialist in Davenport. At first he seemed to make some improvement and the family and friends were considerably encouraged over the prospect for his recovery. However, it later became evident that these hopes were in vain, as his physical decline has been gradual for some time. Mr. Johnston returned home from Davenport about two weeks ago, and the end has not been unexpected.

“Mr. Johnston was a young man of the highest intelligence. He was well educated, thoroughly versed in his profession as a pharmacist, and was very popular among his friends. That he should be taken away in the prime of his young manhood makes his death inexpressibly sad, indeed.

“B. M. Johnston was born on March 30th, 1877, upon a farm northwest of Webster City, and was therefore 34 years of age at his last birthday. From the farm his parents removed to this city and resided here for many years. Later the family went to Estherville, where they made their home. The deceased returned to his boyhood home here four or five years ago to accept the position of manager of the F. C. Ruegnitz drug store. He has been associated with Mr. Ruegnitz during the past eight years, having managed a drug store for the latter in Roland, Story county, before removing to Webster City.

“Mr. Johnston was united in marriage with Miss Frances Newbery, of Belleville, Canada, eleven years ago. To this union two children have been born, one son, now five years of age, and a daughter, ten years old. These and the wife are left to mourn the irreparable loss of a loving husband and father. The deceased is also survived by his father, Peter Johnston, one brother, Geo. Johnston, of Bermidgi, Minnesota, and a sister, Mrs. J. W. Randolph, of Estherville, Iowa. The mother died many years ago. Mr. Geo. Merrill of this city is an uncle of the deceased. In their great sorrow the family will be the recipients of much sincere sympathy from all within the circle of their acquaintance.”

Funeral services were held at Webster City Saturday morning and his remains brought here for burial on the afternoon train. The Elks at Webster City had charge of the funeral services and when the funeral party arrived here they were met by members of the local lodge and escorted to Oak Hill Cemetery where burial services were held in charge of the officers of the Elks. The remains were interred in the Johnston family lot.

Deceased had many friends here who sympathize with the aged father, wife, brother and sister and other relatives in their time of sorrow. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, October 25, 1911)

Ben M. Johnston
Ben M. Johnston, son of Mr. Peter Johnston and brother of Mrs. John Randolph, died at his home in Webster City of tuberculosis. He had been ill but a short time. Episcopal service was held from the home in Webster City, Dr. Drake of Fort Dodge officiating, and the remains brought here Saturday for burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. Elk Lodge conducted the service at the grave.

Ben M. Johnston was born on a farm near Webster City March 31, 1877. His parents moved to Webster City when he was three years of age. A year later they came to Estherville. Mr. Johnston spent his boyhood days in this city, and in fact, lived here until about ten years ago. The past few years he was engaged in the drug business. Lately he has managed a drug store in Webster City where he has lived for five years. He was married to Miss Frances Rosetta Newberry at this place June 4, 1900. Two children were born to this union: Grace, 10 years old; and Robert, 4 years old. Mr. Johnston was a very popular and energetic young man. Here where he spent his boyhood days he was liked by all who knew him. He was held in high esteem in Webster City. This was evidenced by the large floral tributes of admiring friends. Mr. Johnston was an exemplary family man. He was a member of the Elk, Masonic and Woodman lodges.

The Enterprise joins the hosts of friends in extending sympathy to those in sorrow. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, October 25, 1911)