JOHNSTON, Elva June: 1909-1911

JOHNSTON, WHITAKER

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 12/17/2013 at 12:54:33

Last Sunday morning the sad news flashed over the wires that little June Johnston was very low with little hope of recovery and this partially prepared the many friends for the final intelligence which conveyed the report that the end came at 2:30 that afternoon.

"Elva June daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Willie Johnston was born Jan. 11, 1909 and departed this life Jan. 29, 1911, being 2 years and 18 days of age."

"Just as the golden ringlets had begun to cluster around her head and the sweet childish prattle was heard in the home this beautiful flower was plucked from earth and transplanted to bloom in the Garden of Eden."

Bro. Carroll of the Baptist church of Hillsboro read the above in the Christian church at Stockport Tuesday forenoon and then delivered a very nice and consoling funeral discourse from the Bible record of the death of Lazarus and the text "suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of Heaven."

Little June was one of those sweet little buds that come to earth but are unable to stand the blighting frosts of winter and was therefore soon plucked away to live in that place where sorrow and suffering are no more.

Bro. Carroll quoted Longfellows, Reaper and the Flowers and while he agreed with the poet he did not think the last sentence was correct. It reads.

"And Saints upon their garments white,
These precious blossoms wear."

These little buds are to bloom in Eternity and go on to perfection.

Elva June has gone on to await the coming of the father, mother, grandfather and grandmother C.R. Johnston also grandfather and grandmother M.L. She?man besides numerous uncles, aunts and other relatives and friends.

The floral offering was very beautiful. The little white casket was completely covered and then flowers piled everywhere. The funeral was in charge of G.C. Boley undertaker and the little body was laid to rest in the Winchester cemetery.
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Mrs. Elva Whitaker of Ottumwa came down Monday called by the death of her little niece, June Johnston. She returned to her home Friday morning.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 378, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA