| Obit For | Robert Johnston |
|---|---|
| Headline | ROBERT JOHNSTON DIED FRIDAY EVENING MARCH 23 Sold the First Lots in Monett When New Town Was Organized. Was Agent for Scotch Land Company |
| Text | Robert Johnston, who sold the first lots in Monett after its incorporation died at his home, 411 Sixth street, at 7:40 o’clock Friday evening March 23. His death was caused by Pneumonia, Complicated with meningitis. Mr. Johnson became sick with flu last Sunday, but was able to be up on Wednesday. That night pneumonia developed and his condition became critical at once. All of his family except one daughter, Mrs. E.M. Vokoum of Oakland, Cal., were with him when he died. Mrs. Vokoum will probably arrive Monday. Robert Johnston had been identified with the history of Monett and Barry County for nearly fifty years. He was one of the respected and substantial citizens of county. Robert Johnston was the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Johnson and was born in Berwickshire, Lauderdale of Scotland, April 25, 1858. He graduated from Madras College, St. Andrews, Scotland, when quite young. This was the home of golf and Robert Johnston was a lover of the game as a student. In the spring of 1879, with a party of people, he came to the United States and spend one year in Nebraska. He returned to Scotland for a short time, then in the spring of 1881 he came back to this country to take the position of agent for the Missouri Land Company of Scotland which owned 130,000 acres in Barry County. He secured this position thru Wm. Goodlet, a prominent agriculturist of Scotland, who was a promoter of the land company here. Mr. Goodlet was a personal friend of Mr. Johnson’s father L.B. Sidway, father of George T. Sidway was also one of the early promoter of this company and helped get it started and in operation. Robert Johnson had his first office in Exeter and later at Purdy. He was instrumental in selling thousands of acres of the Scotch land to settlers of Barry county. In 1886 he went north for a short time. In October 1887, when the Frisco moved its division from Pierce City, he returned to this county and became general agent for Monett Town Company. This company platted the town and sold lots to the new citizens brought here by the railroad company. Mr. Johnston was instrumental in getting much of Monett settled. Beside his work with the Town Company he conducted a business of his won dealing in real estate and insurance. He retired from business in September 1922 selling out to John F. Groh. It is now in the hands of Monett Abstract and Loan of which his son, George is secretary. Robert Johnston and Miss Sarah A Candon were married at Alton, Ill., April 2, 1883. They were parents of nine children, three of whom died in infancy. Those surviving are Mrs. E.E. Brown of Tulsa, Okla., Mrs. E. M. Vokoum of Oakland, Calif., John H. Johnston St. Louis, James C. Johnston , Sadia Johnston and George Johnston of Monett. Beside his immediate family he is survived by two brothers James Johnston of Monett, Alexandra Johnston of Scotland (who visited here fourteen years ago) and sister, Miss Agnes Johnston also of Scotland. Mr. Johnston had often talked of retuning to his native country for a visit and had made plans to go in 1929. A letter from his sister arrived this week speaking of her pleasure at knowing that he contemplated the visit, which can never be made. Mr. Johnston was a man of sturdy honesty, thoroughly reliable in all his dealings. He was devoted to his family and kindred and was a kind and loving husband and father. Mr. Johnston family were strict Presbyterians and he was baptized in that faith. He did not become affiliated with any faith after coming to this country. Funeral services will be held at the home, 411 Sixth street, at 2:00 o’clock Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Lenox Crockett, pastor of the first Presbyterian church of Monett, Burial will be made in Mt. Calvary Catholic cemetery - Monett Times. Research Note: Missouri Death Cert. # 7685 Name: Robert Johnston Born: April 25, 1858, Scotland Parents: James and Mary Johnston Died: March 23, 1928, at Home 411- 6th Monett, Barry Co., MO Burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Lawrence Co., MO |
| Newspaper or Funeral Home | Cassville Democrat |
| Date | March 31, 1928 |
| Death Cert Link | Death Certificate |
| Resource | - |
| Submitted by | Barbara Erwin |
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