JOHNSTON, Ruth Anna: 1844-1901

PURVIANCE, JOHNSTON

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri (email)
Date: 4/8/2013 at 08:55:05

**Handwritten at top: Johnston

Ruth Anna Purviance, eldest daughter of A.J. and Sarah Purviance, was born July 2, 1844, near York, Jefferson county, Ohio, and died at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Sept. 25, 1901, her age being 57 years, 2 months and 23 days. When 12 years old her parents came to this county, locating at Mt. Zion, where they kept hotel for several years and where the remainder of her girlhood years were spent. On Nov. 7, 1867, she was married in Keosauqua to Benjamin Johnston, and her home was thereafter in this town. Six children were born to them, viz: Mrs. Margaret Daughrity, Mary, James A., Ella C., Sarah H. and Donald K, all of who were present at the funeral except Mary, who is with her aunt in Ft. Madison, too ill to be moved here. Her husband is far away at his post as U.S. consul on the islande of U_il_ and could not be apprised of her death in time for the funeral because of distance and slowness of communication. Her parents, of Keokuk, and two sisters were attendants at the funeral. Mrs. Johnston was a member of the Congregational church, with which she united some years ago. She was indeed a good woman, a loving wife and mother and was held in great respect by all who knew her. The funeral was held at the residence in Keosauqua, Saturday afternoon last, conducted by Rev. Charles E. Perkins in the presence of many friends and neighbors. The floral offerings were beautiful, bebitting the lovely life of the deceased. The pall bearers were J.C. Strickling, H.E. Duckworth, A. Wilkin, H.H. Disbrow, J.H. Landan and J.W. Rowley, and the remains were escorted to the grave in the Purdom cemetery, by the Eastern Star sisterhood, of which she was a member.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 11, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA