Johnston, Henry Hutchinson 1861-1928

JOHNSTON, SWINDELL

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/11/2018 at 18:45:06

March 5, 1861 --- December 31, 1928

HENRY HUTCHINSON JOHNSTON
Henry Johnston Called By Death

Henry Hutchinson Johnston was born March 5, 1861, at Preemption, Ill. He was the youngest of a family of thirteen children, born to John and Jane Johnston, all of whom have preceded him in death except two brothers. At the age of four he moved with the family to Montezuma, Iowa, were he grew to manhood.

On January 1, 1890, he was married to Margaret Swindell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Swindell, pioneer residents of the Silver Creek community in Delaware county, Iowa. To this marriage was born one son, Forrest. This wife and mother lived but a few years.

On October 6, 1897, Mr. Johnston was united in marriage to Elizabeth Swindell, sister of Margaret. To this marriage were born five children, a son, Harlan, who died in early infancy; Margaret Ann; Charles, who died in childhood; Fay and Marian. All four of his children were with him and his beloved wife during the last days of his illness. His death occurred at twelve-thirty, Monday, December 31, 1928, just on the threshold of the New Year.

Besides his faithful wife and four children, the members of his immediate family who survive him are only two brothers: Thomas R. of Montezuma, Ia., and Robert R., of Broadland, S.D. There is a large circle of nieces and nephews who live in Iowa and neighboring states.

Mr. Johnston joined the Methodist Episcopal church in his early manhood, and remained a faithful and devout member of the church throughout his life. For many, many years he has served as an official in the church dispatching the duties that fell upon him in a most efficient and kindly manner.

He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Of late years he has served his community as a member of the Board of Education. In all his relations with his friends and neighbors, in the many interests with which he was concerned his life was marked by kindliness and sincerity. His opinion was esteemed always.

Although he was interested in all measures for public good, Mr. Johnston was first a home man. He loved his home and was justly proud of his wife and family, who deeply mourn the passing of a beloved husband and father.

The general feeling of all who knew him is best expressed in the simple but beautiful tribute of one his neighbors: "He was the best of neighbors and friends."

Funeral services were conducted from the Methodist church and burial was made in the Silver Creek cemetery.