Johnston, James H. 1822 - 1911

JOHNSTON, FROST

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/13/2010 at 18:08:06

James H. Johnston, one of Akron's respected pioneers, passed away at his home Tuesday forenoon, January 31, 1911, after a week's illness of pneumonia, aged 79 years and 29
days. Thus another is removed from Akron's small contingent of veterans of the civil war.

Deceased was born in New York state, near Utica, January 2, 1822. As a young man he worked at the blacksmith trade and located at Oregon, Ogle County, Illinois. There he and Philena Frost were united in marriage on September 8, 1863. During the war of the rebellion Mr. Johnson enlisted in Company B. Seventh Illinois cavalry and after serving a year received his discharge on account of rheumatic trouble. Recovering he re-enlisted in the same company and regiment, serving two years more. A part of his time in the service was spent in the important work of nurse in the army hospitals, in which he was very proficient, and he also did some work as an army blacksmith. He proved faithful to duty wherever placed. After receiving his final discharge, he and his wife came to Iowa, locating in Butler County in 1865. In 1871 they came west to Lyon County, this state filing on a homestead near Sheldon. After residing there three years they moved to Le Mars, living there seven years before coming to Akron in 1881, and this has since remained their home.

Upright and honorable in all things, he held the respect of all who knew him. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston had no children of their own, but one adopted son, Louis, of this city, shares with the wife in this bereavement.

They have the sympathy of the community in which they have made their home for nearly a third of a century.

The funeral was conducted at the home this (Thursday) afternoon by Rev. Grant Smith, of the Methodist Church. Interment in Riverside Cemetery.

Akron Register Tribune, pg. 16
Thursday, February 2, 1911
Akron, Iowa