Johnston Family Tree

Deaths JOHNSTON - Thomas H Johnston, one of the oldest pioneer settlers of this locality past away at his home in Bowling town on Wednesday morning, Dec 21, in his 78th years. Altho he had been in failing health for several months, many of his friends did not suspect that the end was so near. Born on May 12, 1844, in County Fermanaugh, Ireland, he came to America with his parents before he was two years old. The family settled on a farm two and one-half miles east of Reynolds. On this place they built one of the first log cabins erected in the community. On this farm Mr Johnston grew to manhood and the land is still owned by the Johnston family. About 50 years ago he moved to the farm in South Bowling where he lived till his death. In March, 1877, he was married to Elizabeth Paisley and to them were born five children - John now living in Rock Island, Mrs Addie Sederquist of Bowling, Robert of Chicago and Edward and William at home. He is also survived by his wife and two sisters - Mrs James Y Johnston of Preemption and Miss Emma Johnston of Reynolds. Mr Johnston was baptized and in early life was confirmed a member of the Episcopal church in which faith he lived and died. He was of an even disposition, jovial, unselfish and charitable. For 75 years he lived in this community and the high respect in which he was held bears testimony to his many sterling qualities. Few men are privileged to spend such a long period in one community. His life was a connecting link between the days of the Indian and the ox-cart and those of the motor car and the airplane. Funeral services will be held at St John's Church at 11 o'clock this morning and interment will be made at Preemption cemetery.

The Reynolds Press, Friday, December 23, 1921