Ambrose Thomas Johnston (1851-1930)

JOHNSTON, BRIERLEY, COMFORT, PRUITT

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:12

From Nevada Evening Journal, March 29, 1930 (page 1)

Headline on front page:
FARMER SUICIDES BY HANGING

AMBROSE JOHNSTON SHOCKED FAMILY BY TAKING OWN LIFE

Sixth Suicide In County Within Past Month Or So

Special to the Journal.
Zearing, March 29--Ambrose Johnston, 77-year-old prominent pioneer farmer of two miles east of Zearing suicided early today by hanging himself, in a corn crib, in the yard at the farm where he was found by his son John, about six o'clock this morning, when he went out to look after the chores.

The suicide, the second one near here within a month, came as a shock to the community. While Mr. Johnston had bee brooding somewhat over his declining health, his mind had been clear and there was not inkling of any such thought as self destruction in his mind.

He had been restless of nights and had been cared for by members of the household. Miss Lizzie Johnston, a niece, who kept house for him, had been up until one o'clock this morning, when the uncle appeared to calm down and go to sleep.

He was not missed from the house when he arose earlier and went out. When the son went out he found the lifeless body suspended from a rafter in the driveway of the crib.

A doctor was called out from Zearing and he was pronounced dead. No coroner's inquest was held, as it was a clear case of suicide.

Mr. Johnston had lived on the same place for over 45 years and was one of the best known men of the community. Mrs. Johnston had been dead for a number of years and since that time his niece had cared for the home, which was shared by John, the eldest of the three sons.

Blaney and Ambrose Johnston Jr., the other sons, are nearby farmers; while two of the daughters, Mrs. Johns Brieley and Mrs. Robert Comfort live in the neighborhood also. The other daughter, Mrs. Edward Pruitt lives in Idaho.

Arrangements for the funeral have not been made, pending word from the daughter but it is probable that the services will be held Monday.