The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1899-03-16
nR. ROBERT D. JOHNSTON,
A Prominent and Highly Esteemed
Citizen of Winston Passes Away.

A Prominent and Highly Esteemed
Citizen Of Winston Passes Away.
Winston has lost another honored and
valuable citizen in the person Of Mr.. Rob-
ert u. Johnston, who passed peacefully
away at 11:1O O'Clock to-day at his
home in West End
He died without a struggle. The low
ing wife and three daughters-Mesdames
ID. H. King, ]. n. Simpson and Oscar
Griffith were present when the end came.
The deceased had been in declining
health Tor a year or more, caused by
cancer Of the stomach. He had been
confined to his bed nearly all the time
since November Is last.
Mr.. Johnston was 81 years old on Jam
uary 18th. He bad been a resident of
Winston for Fl years. He moved here
from Goldsboro. He was a merchant
tailor by trade and up to the time OF his
first illness conducted quite large and
successful business. He was generally
recognized as one of the best tailors in
the South
years and always found him to be q
to his friends-and he had scores Of them.
stood by them, though he respected
those who differed with him on questions
of public or private nature.
For many years Mr.. Johnston owned
and conducted his business in the build
ing North Of the court house square,
which he sold to the Peoples National
Bank. He then bought the Wilson hotel
building, corner of Liberty and Third
streets, which he occupied in the conduct
of his large and successful business as
long as he was able to look after it.
Winston Sentinel, Saturday. March II.
1t is indeed with sense of pro-
found sorrow that we read the above
But to those who have known what
Mr.. Johnston's physical condition was
during recent months the announce
ment caused no special surprise.
Deceased was an uncle of this
writer and favorite relative. He
was a man to admire and respect, to
love and esteem. He had many
acquaintance throughout Eastern
North Carolina who will be panied at
his passing away.
Mr.. Johnston was man of fine
physique and soldierly bearing-tall,
erect and well proportional, and
until disease fastened upon him he
would have passed for one of much
younger years. He was dignified and
positive in manner, even seeming stern
to those who did not know him WELL
but really he was a man of noble
nature and kindly impulse, and be-
meath his bosom there beat true
and manly heart, easily touched by
those in sorrow or distress. He de-
spised a mean act and abhorred sham
and hypocrisy.
A man of exalted character and
sterling worth by his splendid quail
ties Of manhood, his affable manner
and polished address Mr.. Johnston
made friends of all who came in close
contact with him. But it was in the
home as the kind and affectionate
husband, the loving and indulgent
father, and his relations to his church
and his God, as the high minded, con-
sistent Christian gentleman, that his
virtues shone most resplendently.
From the Winston Journal, of
Monday, we take the following notice
of the funeral service together with a
brief sketch of Mr.. Johnston furnish
ed by his pastor.
The funeral OF the late r. D. Johnston
which occurred yesterday afternoon at
Centenary Methodist chu rch was one OF
the largest ever attended in Winston.
Besides the many friends and relatives
OF the deceased the members of the
Masonic lodge, Knights OF Pythias, Odd
Fellows, Knights of Honor, and Knights
aad Ladies OF Honor attended in body.
The remains were escorted to the church
and thence to the cemetery by the
commandery, Messrs r. f. Dalton, NJ.
ID. Bailey, P. H. Hanes, S. E. Allen, 7.
l.. Farrow, J. K. Norfieet and DR.. w. S.
Greasy. An interesting service was con-
Quoted by Rev. W. S. Greasy, d. D.. as
sisted by Rev. J. A. B Fry. After the
sermon the remains were taken to the
Winston cemetery where they were in
tered with the Masonic ceremonies.
The following is u brief sketch of the
life OF the deceased read by DR.. Greasy:
Robert Daniel Johnston was born in
Halifax county, N. c., January Is, 1882
and quietly fell asleep at his home in
Winston at ITO O'Clock March IL.
1899, age 81 years, 2 months and 25
days. He was converted and Joined the
Methodist church when he was 16 years
old and was a member active and
earnest to the time OF his death, q period
of 81 years.
He was married to Miss Martha A
Baker, of Eegecombe county, n. G., OH
the 18th of December, 1856, who sur
wives him. To them were born chill
dren, all daughters. Three of them pre-
J.l ~ 10 - L.
Irene, at Wilson, aged years; Stella, at
their country home, aged Ok years, and
Mrs. Z. S. Powell, at Winston, aged 81
years. The three Others, Mrs. D. H
King, Mrs. J. T. Simpson and Mrs. o. F.
were at his bedside, with their husbands,
at the time OF his death. There are left
besides these grandchildren to mourn
the loss of an affectionate grandfather.
He lived first for few years after his
marriage in Wilson, N. c., Their in Colds
boro; from there he came to Winston
and has lived here 81 years. He was a
member OF number of the orders in our
city-Masons Che joined when 81 years
Old), Odd Fellows, Knights Of Honor
Knights and Ladies of Honor, knights
OF Pythias-in all of which he proved 6
worthy and faithful member. But his
chief delight was in his church. Her
honor and success were the chief desires
and prayer OF his life. He could anC
did adopt the language of the poet:
Beyond my highest joy
prize her heavenly ways,
Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
Her hymns OF love and praise"
He was ready; he died in faith ant
peace and no doubt rejoices with thu
redeemed to-day.
Go to Thomason's for shoes. He ha
hi,r