John T. Johnston 1855-1937

JOHNSTON

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 10/12/2010 at 20:00:11

Death Calls Many Long-Time Residents During Past Week

J. T. Johnston
J. T. Johnston, a pioneer merchant and business man of the city for the last 43 years, passed away at the Coleman Hospital in the early evening Saturday [March 6, 1937].

Mr. Johnston had been in excellent health for a man eighty-one years of age until about ten days ago. He had a very sudden attack of appendicitis and the first night had intense pain. He was taken to the hospital where it was found an operation was necessary. His appendix was ruptured and his chances of recovery were slight.

Being a man of excellent habits and never having been ill, he seemed to be recovering for a time. After a day or two, pneumonia set in and he had a sinking spell. It was in one of these he passed away.

Mr. Johnston was born in Ireland. He came to this country when a boy and for a time, resided in New York. He moved to Estherville forty-three years ago and engaged in the mercantile business. He acquired property here and has always been a very active business man and a great booster for the city. His latest project of great interest to him was the erection of a dam on the river large enough to give Estherville a lake above the Rock Island Railway bridge.

Mr. Johnston has always been an active worker in the Methodist church. He was a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge and the local order of Elks.

He was extremely active for his age and to the last was on duty at his place of business on the corner of Lincoln and Eighth each day looking after his business interests in person.

The funeral services were held on Monday at 1:30 P.M. at the residence and at 2:00 P.M. at the Methodist church, the Rev. F. W. Ortmeyer officiating.

Mr. Johnston is survived by his widow and one son, Attorney Wm. S. Johnston of this city. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, March 11, 1937)