Johnston Family Tree

JOHNSTON - Robert R Johnston died April 9, 1903, aged 76 years. He was born in county Fermanagh, Ireland, in the year 1827, and came to the United States in 1850, landing at New Orleans, La. In 1853 he was married to Mary Jane Johnston of Preemption, Ill, and settled in the town of Bowling where he resided till his death. Nine children were the result of this union which was broken by the death of the wife and mother in the spring of 1881. Of the large family, but four survive him, Robert J and John W, who are prosperous farmers residing on the old homesteads; Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Hicks of Montezuma, Iowa, and Sophia, widow of Joseph Johnston, who resides southwest of Reynolds. After amply providing for his children, Mr Johnston was again married in 1882 to Mrs Margaret Doonan, who also preceded her husband to the land beyond but one short year ago. Robert R Johnston was one of the pioneers of this country and has contributed his full share toward the upbuilding and civilization of the territory which he adopted as his home. Judged by the truest standards, he was a great man and of him it can truthfully be said that "none knew him but to love him." Perhaps the surest way to find out a man's real worth is to learn how he stands with his own family first and with the community second. From this view point, Robert R Johnston towered a giant in stature. It is not given to every man to prove his position so effectually, for not only do his children rise up to call him blessed, but also every one of his five surviving step children. In his own family he was a loving husband and a generous and forgiving father. A volume might be written and it would inadequately convey an idea of the magnanimity and loving kindness displayed by this husband and father toward his large family of children, stepchildren and grandchildren. To his relatives in need, he always extended the right hand of fellowship and there are many such who owe to him in a great measure such modest success as they have achieved in this world. As one of the latter, the writer has been peculiarly well placed to judge, and in penning this last tribute, I am overcome by the recollection of innumerable instances of his thoughtfulness and tenderness. To his neighbors and acquaintances - they are all his friends - he was the soul of honor and integrity. No man ever knew him to defraud anyone out of one cent in this world, nor did he by word or deed ever injure the most unworthy of his kind. Truly a grand old man has been called from this to the other shore. In a lifetime we are no liable to meet many of his like, but a few such sterling characters make life worth the living to the rest of mankind, and altho the sphere of their influence may be circumscribed, it is none the less potential and effective. Mr dear uncle is gone and to me his faults pale into insignificance when I contemplate how his virtues tower above them. J H J

The Reynolds Press, Reynolds, Illinois, April 17, 1903

Card of Thanks: We wish in this manner to extend our most heartfelt thanks to those friends and neighbors who gave us their help and sympathy during the illness and at the death of our beloved father, R. R. Johnson. The Children.