Jay W. Johnston 1877-1961

JOHNSTON, CALLWELL, CALDWELL, VAN ANKEN

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 11/9/2013 at 21:52:12

Jay Johnston Dies; Rites To Be Monday
Jay W. Johnston, 83, well-known, retired Estherville druggist, died today at 1:30 a.m. at Holy Family Hospital where he had undergone surgery on May 4.

Mr. Johnston operated a drug store in Estherville from 1903 until 1942 at the site now occupied by the Gift Garden. The drug store was destroyed by fire in 1942 and from that time until his retirement in 1951, Mr. Johnston worked as a pharmacist in the Rexall Drug Store. Prior to establishing his own business here, Mr. Johnston had been employed as a registered pharmacist for two years in the F.H. Richman Drug Store. He purchased the Richman Drug Store in 1903.

Mr. Johnston came to Estherville in 1901 from Terril where he had spent two years as a pharmacist at the George Bender Drug Store. He also had worked as an apprentice in the Glassblack Drug Store in New Hampton.

Born Aug. 25, 1877 in New Hampton, he was the son of Alonzo W. Johnston and Margaret Van Anken Johnston. He received his elementary and high school education in New Hampton, graduating from high school there in 1894. He received his degree in pharmacy from Highland Park College in Des Moines in 1899.

Mr. Johnston was married June 15, 1904 to Annie Eleanor Caldwell [Callwell] of Estherville. They became the parents of one son, Dr. G.B. Johnston of this city. Mrs. Johnston died Dec. 19, 1947 and since that time Mr. Johnston had made his home with his son and family.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church choir at the time of the dedication of the local church. Prior to coming to Estherville, Mr. Johnston had been a member of the Congregational Church at New Hampton.

He was a 50-year member and past master of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery, Knight Templar Commandery, a charter member of the White Shrine and also belonged to the Order of Eastern Star. He was a former member of the Elks lodge and the Knights of Pythias. He was a life member of the Shrine.

In addition to his son, Mr. Johnston is survived by three grandchildren, Jay, Robert and Shelley Johnston, and one brother, John L. Johnston of Hill City, Minn.

Preceding Mr. Johnston in death were his wife, his parents and one brother.

Funeral services are to be Monday at 10 a.m. at Sandin-Fuhrman Funeral Home, the Rev. James K. Lyon officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill cemetery. Masonic rites will be held at the graveside.

Friends may call at Sandin-Fuhrman Funeral Home from this evening until time of services Monday. (Estherville Daily News, Estherville, IA, May 13, 1961)