R. F. JOHNSTON.

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         Among the younger generation of men who are making their mark in the agricultural circles of Louisa county is numbered R. F. Johnston. His entire life has been passed within the borders of Columbus City township, for his birth occurred on the farm upon which he now resides on the 29th of June, 1880. His parents, T. J. and Margaret (McConnell) Johnston, both natives of Pennsylvania, came to Louisa county, Iowa, in the ‘40s, and here cast in their lot with the early settlers of this district. The father passed away in the fall of 1893, but the mother still survives, making her home in this county. In their family were four children, namely: Clara J.; N. M., now deceased; Elizabeth; and R. F., of this review.

         No event of special importance came to vary the routine of life for the last named during the period of his boyhood and youth, which was passed on his father’s farm, and amid the scenes and environment of rural life he was reared to manhood. During the winter seasons he attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education, passing through the consecutive grades until his graduation from high school. The summer months were devoted to work about the farm, for he was early made familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the farm lad. Thus neither his mental nor physical training was neglected, and upon entering the business world he was fully equipped to cope with the duties and responsibilities thereof.

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         On attaining his majority he purchased the old homestead, consisting of two hundred and ten acres located on section 5, Columbus City township, and thereon he has since continued to reside. Under his wise management and progressive methods the place has been well improved, containing substantial and commodious buildings and inclosed within neat and well kept fences. The soil is rich and arable and yields its full quota per acre. In connection with the cultivation of the fields Mr. Johnston engages rather extensively in stock-raising and feeding, and is well known throughout the township in this connection.

         In 1905 Mr. Johnston was married to Miss Daisy S. Wiederrecht, who was born in Louisa county, a daughter of George and Elizabeth Wiederrecht, residents of this county. Unto this union have been born two children: Rexford N., whose birth occurred March 17, 1907; and Robert L., who was born on the 15th of September, 1908. Mrs. Johnston is very well educated, having received the benefit of a course of study at the college at Cedar Falls, and for a number of years prior to her marriage was engaged in teaching school.

         Mr. Johnston gives his political support to the republican party, and, public-spirited in his citizenship, his interests are thoroughly identified with those of the community in which he has passed his entire life. He has gained a large circle of warm friends, which is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance, for he possesses those qualities which win and retain friendship, while in business circles his honorable dealings have commanded the confidence and trust of all with whom he has been brought in contact.