Johnston Family Tree

OBITUARY MRS MARY ANN JOHNSTON,

Wife of Thomas L Johnston, died on Sunday morning, November 29th, very suddenly. She had been in her usual health until Saturday night about six o'clock, when she was suddenly taken with a sickness which ended her earthly career in a few hours.

Mrs Johnston was about 63 years of age. She was born in the county of Fermanaugh, Ireland, and was baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal church of Adram See in Ireland. Forty-eight years ago she married Mr Thos. L Johnston, and six months after came to Mercer county Illinois, where she resided until her death. Eleven children were born to this union, five are living and six dead.

Mrs Johnston was an earnest Christian woman, devoted to her family and friends. In her home she exemplified in her life what a Christian woman should, and all who knew her felt that indeed she was a "mother in Israel." Her devotion to the church of her youth knew no bounds, for daily she carried it in her heart, and by work, prayers and gifts aided its advancement.

We shall miss her, but we have the sweet assurance that she is at rest and we shall see her again in a better world.

The funeral services were held at the residence Monday afternoon and were largely attended by the friends and relatives, after which the remains were interred in the Reynolds cemetery. PASTOR.

The Reynolds Press, December 3, 1896

THOMAS L JOHNSTON

Thomas L Johnston, an aged and respected citizen of Reynolds, died at his home last Friday, February 14, 1902. Mr Johnston was born in Ireland in 1827, and emigrated to this country in 1848, and settled in Mercer county, where he had ever since remained a citizen. In the same year that he came to this country and before his departure from his native land, he was married to Miss Mary Johnston to which union were born eight children, three of whom are now dead, viz: William, Eliza and Thomas. The other five, Frank, of Barnes, Iowa, Maggie Hicks, of Pre- Emption, Mary who remains at home, Carrie Gauley, of Reynolds, and Sadie Hicks, of Pre- Emption, are left to mourn his loss. Besides his children eight grandchildren survive him. His wife had preceded him to the great beyond, having departed this life in November 1896, since which time he had lived with his daughter, Mary, at their late home in Reynolds. the cause of death was heart disease from which he had been a sufferer fro many years, and gradually failed during the past few months until death came as a relief.

Mr Johnston was well known and had a wide circle of friends. He was a kind father and grandfather and was highly respected by all who knew him.

Funeral services were held Sunday forenoon at 11 o'clock from his late residence, conducted by Rev Sweet, of the First Episcopal church of Rock Island and were very largely attended. Interment was in Reynolds cemetery.

The Aledo Democrat, February 18, 1902

JOHNSTON - Thomas L Johnston was born in county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1827. He was married to Miss Mary Ann Johnston and the young couple soon after removed to America, settling in Mercer county, Illinois, in 1848. For fifty years the family lived on the old homestead west of Reynolds where eight children were born and reared to useful and honorable lives. William, Thomas and Mrs Eliza Damp are dead. Those living are Frank L, of Barnes City, Iowa, Mrs Samuel Hicks and Mrs Jas H Hicks of Preemption, Mrs Joseph Gauley of Reynolds and Miss Mary who still remains at home. The beloved wife and mother died in the fall of 1896. In February, 1898, the family removed to Reynolds to occupy a new home, one of the finest and largest residences in the village. Two months ago Mr Johnston was attacked by heart trouble which culminated in a sudden and painless death at 1 o'clock, Friday afternoon, Feb 14. In early life he had joined the Episcopal church and his burial was in accordance with the ritual of that faith. Rev R F Sweet of Rock Island delivered a most eloquent, thoughtful and practical sermon at the funeral which was held at the residence on Sunday at 11 am. There was a profusion of beautiful flowers and the singing was furnished by a quartet under direction of Thad Ash. The body was buried in the village cemetery beside the grave of the wife who had gone before. Thos L Johnston was an honest and upright man, gentle in manner, jovial in disposition and a kind and indulgent father.

The Reynolds Press, February 21, 1902, DEATHS