Roy W. Johnston

JOHNSTON, FAIR, GILTNER, WILEY

Posted By: Mary E. Lanigan::VOLUNTEER (email)
Date: 9/11/2002 at 14:09:12

History of Wapello County Iowa

Roy. W. Johnston, who is a representive of important manufacturing interests in Ottumwa, was one of the organizers and promotors of the Johnston & Sharp Manufacturing Company and the Johnston Pressed Gear Company.

He was born in Ottumwa, July 18, 1876, and is a member of one of the old and prominent families here. He is the son of Allen and Elizabeth (WILEY) Johnston of whom extended mention is made in another part of his work.

After attending school in Ottumwa, Roy W. Johnston spent several years in the Chicago Polytechnic school and was subsequently employed by the Johnston Ruffler Company and the Ottumwa Iron Works, serving his apprenticeship with these enterprises. He then engaged in business for himself, his firm developing into the Johnston and Sharp Manufacturing Company. He subsequently also became one of the promotors of the Johnston Pressed Gear Company. In business affairs he has proven himself farsighted and sagacious and has shown an extrodinary amount of executive force in all his transactions. Moreover; he has a great capacity for detail and keeps in touch with all matters which affect his business. In building up two important industries he has became a factor in it's growth. All the articles manufactured by his firms are made under their own patents, and the business has now reached gratifying proportions and its steadily growing.

On the 26th of October 1906, Mr. Johnston was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Mabel Fair,who was born in Agency, Wapello County, a daughter of E.D. and Sarah (Giltner)Fair. Her father was formally connected with the Fair, Williams Company,bridge builders, but is now living retired in Agency. Mrs. Johnston holds membership with the daughters of the American Revolution.

Politically, Mr. Johnston is a Republican where national issues are involved, but casts an independant ballot, taking into consideration only the qualifications of a candidate, and not his party affilications.

Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, of which he is serving as one of the trustees, and of whose choir, Mrs. Johnston is a member. He is popular in the Country and Wapello Clubs, in which he has many friends. His entire life has been spent in Ottumwa, where he gained many warm friendships in recognition of his substantial qualities of character.