Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-30
J.R. JOHNSTON
DROPS DEAD IN
ALED0 STREET
Prominent Retired Farmer Living
Near Reynolds Stricken While
Leaving Circus.

James Robert Johnston, aged 81
years, prominent retired farmer OF
near Reynolds, Presumption town
ship, dropped dead yesterday att
ernoon about O'clock while walk
ing with his wife and daughters at
the corner of Seventh and Walnut
streets. this city. Mr.. Johnston
was on the way to get his team for
the return home, following attend
ance at the circus, when stricken,
DR.. II. L. Walker was immedi-
ately summoned but the unfor-
tunate man had breathed his last
when the physician arrived. A an
inquest held at the Morrison un-
dertaking rooms last night at $3.50
a coroner's jury returned a verdict
of death caused by fatty degenera-
ton of the heart. II was this dis
ease that resulted fatally, in the
opinion of DR.. Walker.
The sudden, tragic death OF hus-
band and father changed a day OF
pleasure into one of grief and sad
ness for the Johnston family.
Early yesterday morning the de-
ceased decided to attend the Sells
Floto circus which showed in
Aledo yesterday, and although his
family were not particularly anL-
ious TO come. he insisted that the
day be made one Of enjoyment He
was in time to see the parade and
attended the performance in the
afternoon. With his wife and
three daughters he had Just step
ped out of Newton's grocery with
a few necessary articles and had
proceeded nearly a block when he
sank to the ground Without speak
ing a word he expired, death COM
ing almost instantly.
Mr.. Johnston was a large man.
and although not in the best OF
health for the last year following
an operation for blood poisoning.
complained but little. He had
never, to her knowledge, been both
cred with heart trouble, the widow
testified when questioned by Cor
oner A N. Mackey.
Born in Mercer County Il
James Robert Johnston was born
and reared in Mercer county, being
born almost on the spot where his
home now stands. He was a farm,
er all of his lifetime and was well
known throughout Mercer county. I
Held in high esteem by those who
knew him, Mr.. Johnston will be
sincerely mOurned as a man OF
sterling integrity and great worth
to the community in which he liY-
ed.
Just 20 years ago, following a
two years courtship, he was mar
ried. To the union were born five
children, four of whom, with the
widow. survive.
Passing of Mr.. Johnston marks
the death of the third of the inn
mediate family, one sister and one
brother preceding him in death.
all within the same year. The sis
ter was buried in June. while an
only living brother died suddenly
late last fall.
Surviving Mr.. Johnston is Wild
ow. Tillie, three daughters, Edith.
Anna. WiIhelmina and Lois, and
one son, Stuart. He leaves also one F
sister, Mrs. Laura Mcintyre Of
north of Reynolds.
Deceased was a. faithful member
Of the Reynolds Methodist church
and was an Orangeman. The body
was taken to the late home near
last evening. Pending
word from relatives in Nebraska
and other distant points funeral
arrangements have not been def
niteIy decided upon There is q
that services will be
held at the home tomorrow, how
ever.
Members OF the coroner's Jury
were James r. Spence. foreman
Patrick O'Day, J. J. Stallings, Irwin
II. Z. Rummel and j. fl
Hogan.