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         JOHN N. JOHNSTON, deceased, was a native of Tennessee, born Nov. 29, 1829, and a son of Francis H. and Jane (Ferguson) Johnston, who were also natives of Tennessee. Their marriage was celebrated in Madisonville, March 9, 1829, and in 1855 they came to Louisa County, settling near Columbus City, where they passed the remainder of their lives. The mother was a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

Our subject was reared to farm life, grew to manhood in his native State, and in 1854 came to this county and bought a farm in Columbus City Township. On the 17th of March, 1858, he led to the marriage altar Miss Margaret A. Orr, a native of Tennessee, in which State her parents, Samuel F. and Jane P. (Henderson) Orr, were also born. They came to this county in 1843, locating near Columbus City, Mr. Orr purchasing a farm, upon which he made his home until his death, which occurred in October, 1864, at the age of fifty-four years. He was a wagon-maker by trade, but engaged in farming after his emigration to this county. Mrs. Orr still survives her husband, and resides in Washington, Iowa. They were members of the Seceder Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnston were the parents of nine children, all of whom are yet living: Francis H., a resident farmer of Columbus City Township; Charles N., who has the management of the home farm; Armina, James R., Carrie M., Jennie A., . . .

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. . . Chester L., Thomas A. and Blanche. On the 14th of November, 1886, the death of Mr. Johnston occurred, when fifty-seven years of age. Public-spirited, and a man of influence and kindliness of heart, his death was severely felt, not only by the family, but by a large circle of friends. At the time of his death he was the owner of 230 acres of land, which he had gained by his own efforts. He was a devoted member of the United Presbyterian Church, took an active interest in the church work, and was ever ready to aid in the advancement of the cause of education. He was always well informed on all questions of the day, both State and National; also took great interest in local affairs. Politically, he was a Republican.