JOHNSTON, George W.: Died 1936

JOHNSTON, HIGHLAND, WALKER, SPENCER, NEWMAN, VANSTEINBERG, FICKLE, HARLAN, TULL, MCAFEE, FORDYCE

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 8/9/2014 at 17:20:01

**Handwritten: KEO REP 5 MAR 1936

George W. Johnston

George Washington Johnston, third oldest child of Philip R. and Ann M. Highland Johnston, was born October 8, 1856, and passed away February 25, 1936.

His father and mother were citizens of Cincinnati, Ohio, and came to Iowa in 1850 and settled on a farm west of Utica, where their oldest born. After five years they moved to what is known as the John Schultz farm just west of Stockport. Here their remaining nine children were born: the two youngest passed away in childhood. The others, save one, have been premitted to reach the allotted span of men. Two brothers, Smith and Richard, recently preceded him in death.

He was united in marriage to Elnora Walker July 25, 1881. She passed from this life to the life beyond April 10, 1931. To this union four children were born: Mrs. Helen Spencer, Mrs. Bessie Newman, and Walker Johnston, of Stockport; and Fred L. Johnston, of Libertyville, Iowa.

Besides the children there are four sisters: Mrs. Louisa Van Steinberg, of Cantril, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Jane Fickel and Mrs. Eda Harlan, of Stockport; Mrs. Jessie Tull, of Waterloo, Iowa; one brother, Ed Johnston, of Plainview, Arkansas. Also twelve grandchildren: Wilma Spencer McAfee, of Brighton, Iowa; Hugh and Thelma Newman, Marjorie and Shirley Johnston, and Elnora Johnston Fordyce, of Stockport; Walter Johnston, of Des Moines; Howard Johnston, of Lansing, Michigan; Frank and Bette Jean, Martha, Dixey, Ruth, of Libertyville.

On September 10, 1925, one grandson, Aubrey Spencer, aged 15 years, preceded his grandparents in death.

Since his wife's death, he made his home, with his daughter, Mrs. Bessie Newman. His children and grandchildren helped him celebrates his 79th birthday October 8, 1935. The next day he had a severe heart attack, and was a patient sufferer until death relieved.

On Feb. 3rd, he was removed to the home of his sister, Mrs. Eda Harlan, in Stockport where he could receive better medical attention. His four children were with him when the final summons came. He passed quietly and without a struggle, to his eternal reward.

Rev. L.E. McCargar sang, "The Lily of the Valley", and "Saved by Grace", with Mrs. Bert Morrison playing the piano accompaniment.

Pallbearers were: W.H. Spencer, Tom Newman, Hugh Newman, Frank Johnston, Laurence McAfee, and Kenneth Fordyce.

Funeral services were from the Methodist church Thursday, Feb. 27th at 1 o'clock. The sermon was by the pastor, Rev. J.D. Stevens and interment was made in the Spencer cemetery.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book D, Page 83, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA