James Robert Johnston

James Robert Johnston, son of Grace Burgess and John Malcom Johnston, was born April 19, 1878 in Stanton township, St. Croix county. He grew up and lived and farmed on the place where he was born.

On November 27, 1912 he was married to Mabel Hilyar in St. Paul. Three sons came to bless this home: Howard Wilmer, Floyd Malcom, and William Hilyar Johnston. Howard still lives on the old home place, and William farms at Forest.

James came to Deer Park in 1942 and made his home with his sister, Mrs. A. L. Hilyar. He assisted at the Fairway store in Deer Park until two years ago. Then his health became such that he could not carry on with this work.

After the death of his sister, Mrs. Hilyar, Mr. and Mrs. Johnston purchased the Hilyar home and have been living there. Mr. Johnston passed away suddenly at his home in Deer Park, Wednesday afternoon, February 8 at the age of 77 years, 9 months and 20 days.

He is survived by his wife, 3 sons, 10 grandchildren and a great-grandchild, also many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is the last member of his generation of the Johnston family. He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 sisters and 2 brothers.

"Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27.

Funeral services for Mr. Johnston were held Saturday, February 11 at the home at 11 o'clock, and at Trinity Methodist church, Deer Park at 2 o'clock. Rev. Virgil Brown officiated. Mrs. Alex Johnson sang two special numbers, accompanied by Mrs. Anna Anderson. Interment was in the family lot at Calvary cemetery, and pallbearers were Prescott Setter, Vernon Setter, Wallace Setter, Walter Grant, Art Jabusch and Freeman Davies. L. H. and John W. Beebe were in charge of arrangements.

Relatives from Webster City, Ia., Waupun, Rice Lake, Baldwin, New Richmond, Superior, Menomonie and the surrounding community attended the services for Mr. Johnston.


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