Hester (McKeown) Johnston (1900)

JOHNSTON

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 6/25/2009 at 07:17:05

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, August 16, 1900
Page 8

Obituary

Mrs. Hester Johnston, wife of J. M. Johnston, of South township, died at her home at 1 o’clock a.m., August 10, and in the evening of that day her remains were tenderly laid to rest in the St. Charles cemetery. It is certainly an easy task to preach a true, eloquent and impressive funeral discourse in the presence of the remains of one whose life had not only been utterly blameless, but had been one of continued usefulness, kind words and good deeds, and Rev. Williams made most excellent use of the opportunity, leaving nothing unsaid, and saying nothing but the appropriate. Services were held in the M. E. church at 4 o’clock p.m. Her beautiful casket was adorned with a profusion of handsome flowers. The choir rendered excellent music. The attendance was large, and the mourning heartfelt. In accord with her expressed wish, her six sons were the pall bearers, which was an impressive feature of the occasion.

Mrs. Johnston was nearing her seventieth birthday; had been the faithful wife and companion of her new bereaved husband almost fifty-two years, and had resided in the township of their home for fifty of these years. Their union was blessed with ten children. One died in infancy, the others are all married and reside in and near St. Charles. There are thirty-two grandchildren, who with their parents and aged grandfather, were present at the last sickness and burial of the one (to them) whose place cannot be filled.

Grandma Johnston had all her life been a true and faithful Christian, as witnessed by her pure life, comforting words and good deeds, and for many years preceding her death, a consistent member of the Church of Christ of St. Charles. Her life of usefulness has been rounded out, and she has gone to receive the reward so richly earned. Of her host of friends, not one but can well remember some kind word or some special favor received from her. No faultfinding, no repeating of evil reports for or criticisms of a fellow being was ever indulged in by her. She met her friends at the gate, welcomed them to her hospitable home, administered to their comforts, and bade adieu to them at the same gate with an earnest “God Bless you.” Always on the alert to add to the comfort and happiness of those who surrounded her. She was happiest when realizing that she had contributed to the welfare of husband, family or friends. She had been a patient and uncomplaining sufferer for many months, but finally passed away as one sinking into a sweet and comforting sleep.
________________________

Coordinator's note: Maiden name taken from gravestone.

Gravesite
 

Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen