Sidney Times, Sidney, IL- Friday, 2 Aug 1918

J. M. Johnston Dies Suddenly

A shadow of gloom was cast over our village last Saturday morning when our citizens learned that James M. Johnston had suffered a stroke of paralysis and there was no hope for his recovery. He had taken ill near midnight and a physician called. Near morning he became unconscious and remained in that condition throughout the day, life becoming extinct about five o'clock in the afternoon.

Mr. Johnston was one of our oldest and most highly respected citizens. He was one of the best known men in this part of the county. Always of a jovial dispostion and always saw the bright side of life. He readily made friends and was respected by everyone who knew him.

He was a man of splendid business qualifications and was one to be always trusted by his fellow men. He was a public spirited citizen and always took an active part in all progressive movements, and was ever ready to take a stand for the right against the wrong. As a member of the Masonic order he was a loyal and true worker.He was a stockholder and director in the State Bank of Sidney and a stockholder in the Sidney Grain Company.

Although the writer had only known Mr. Johnston but a few short years, yet he held his friendship in the highest esteem. The ruling passion of his life seemed to be his intense devotion to Christ and God, and solicitude for the welfare of his children. He will be much missed by the people of Sidney.

The funeral was held at the Christian Church at 2:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon and was in charge of the Masonic Lodge. Rev. George Smith of Urbana, preached the sermon. The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful. Burial was made in Mt. Hope cemetery.

The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved widow and children, and especially to the youngest son, Vern, who lies in a hospital in Paris, France, with one arm shattered by a German bullet.

-Obituary-

James Martin Johnston was born in Owen County, Ky., Oct. 15, 1849 and died at Sidney, Ill., July 27, 1918, age 69 years, 9 months and 12 days. When a small boy, he came with his parents to Illinois and settled on a farm in Homer township. When he was 19 years old he went to Stanton township, where he purchased 80 acres of land and began farming for himself.

On Sept. 5, 1872, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Corry. (*Corray) To this union four children were born, all of whom survive. They are Mrs. Ressie McElwee and Mrs. Daisy Rudicil residing north of Sidney; Mrs. Laura Furst of Ohio and Mrs. Nelle Greenwood of this place. Mrs. Johnston died June 6, 1883.

In the early spring of 1885, Mr. Johnston moved to Sidney and has since resided here. On April 1, 1885, he united in marriage to Mrs. Millie Phillips Stewart. To this union were born three children, Owen W. Johnston of near Homer, Mrs. Fannie Patch of Sioux City, Iowa, and Vern, who is with the U. S. Army in France. There also survive one brother, Robert Johnston of St. Joseph and two sisters, Mrs, James Yates of St. Joseph and Mrs. Andrew VanFleet of Red Rock, Okla.; also sixteen grandchildren.

While residing in Stanton township Mr. Johnston was converted and united with the Christian church and has ever lived a true Christian life.

Submitted by Marguerite Butzow
** correction made by submitter