Adam "Magnus" Ernest Johnston

Last Rites Held On Sunday for Adam E. Johnston Of This City

Lusk friends learned with regret of the death of A. E. Johnston, 74, who passed away at the Lusk hospital on Saturday, August 10, after being in poor health for a number of years.

Mr. Johnston came to Lusk twenty years ago where he engaged in the grocery business for nine years, failing health prompted him to discontinue his business.

He served one term as County Assessor of Niobrara county and always had taken an active interest in the politics and welfare of the community in which he lived.

Although in poor health for many years he was able to be up and around until last week when his condition became serious and his family was called to his bedside.

Most of his early life was spent in and around Shelby, Ohio. In the spring of 1890 he came west and settled near Atchison, Kansas. There he was united in marriage to Ida Marie Neerman on November 29, 1892. To this union four children were born, all of whom survive. His wife passed away in Lusk on April 22, 1922.

He moved to Havensville, Kansas, in 1898 where he operated a general store for a number of years, in 1909 Mr. Johnston filed on a homestead near Bingham, where the family lived until 1918 when they moved to Cherry county, Nebraska.

While living at Shelby, Ohio, he united with the Presbyterian church and remained a faithful member until his death.

During the years he resided at Havensville, Kansas he joined the Masonic order and held a membership in that lodge all the years of his life.

His four children who survive him are Mrs. Mary Gugelman, of Orafino, Nebr., Frank and George Johnston of Lusk and Nellie Johnston of Mullen, Nebr. He also leaves thirteen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, five brothers and two sisters, besides many friends who mourn his passing.

Adam Ernest Johnston was the eldest son of George W. and Mary Johnston and was born in Crawford County, Ohio, October 16, 1865, and departed this life August 10, 1940, at the age of 74 years, 9 months and 24 days.

Funeral services were held at the Peet Mortuary on Monday afternoon at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. M. H. Marshall of the Congregational church officiating.

The songs, "Will The Circle Be Unbroken," and "No Night There," were rendered by Mrs. Ab DeCastro, Mrs. H. J. Templeton, O.P. Harnagel and L. M. Hungate with Mrs. C. E. Marvin pianist.

Mr. Johnston was laid to rest beside his wife in the Lusk cemetery. The pallbearers were D. A. Shoopman, Al Guibault, Ray Wilson, Joe Kuhn, Frank Reed and Dick Pfister.

Thon Book 9
A.E. Johnston, Former Assessor of Niobrara, Succumbs to Heart Ailment at Hospital Aug. 9; Funeral Monday

One of Niobrara county's most prominent and respected citizens, Adam Ernest Johnston, a former county assessor and Lusk business man, passed away at the Lusk hospital last Friday, August 10th, his death attributed to a heart ailment from which he had suffered for several years. Mr. Johnston, who to many of his closer friends was known by the nickname "Magnus," had reached the age of 74 years, 9 months and 24 days. He was admitted to the hospital for treatment only a few days prior to his passing.

Funeral services were conducted from the chapel of the Peet mortuary at 2:00 o'clock, Monday afternoon, August 12th. Rev. Millard H. Marshall, pastor of the Congregational church officiated. A large number of friends - those with whom the deceased had become acquainted during his long residence here, attested to the high esteem in which they held Mr. Johnston, by their attendance at the final rites.

The mixed quartet, composed of Mrs. Abdon DeCastro, Mrs. H.J. Templeton, O.P. Harnagel and J.M. Hungate, rendered two numbers, "No Night There" and "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" Mrs. C.E. Marvin accompanied at the piano.

The remains of Mr. Johnston were laid at rest in the Lusk cemetery, alongside of those of his wife, who preceded him in death in 1922. Pallbearers were D.A. Shoopman, Ray Wilson, Al Guibault, Joe Kuhn, F.W. Reed and R. V. Pfister. A brief service was conducted by Reverend Marshall at the graveside.

Mr. Johnston was a native of Ohio, born October 16, 1865 in Crawford county, that state. Most of his early years were spent around Shelby, O., where he affiliated with the Presbyterian church, continuing his letters with that church until his death.

In 1890 he moved westward to Atchison, Kans., and was there united in marriage to Ida Marie Neerman on November 29, 1892. Four children were born to this union, all of whom survive. They are Mrs. Mary Gugelman of Orafino, Nebr.; Frank and George Johnston of this county, and Miss Nellie Johnston, formerly of this city, and now of Mullen, Nebr.

The family moved to Lusk in 1920, and Mr. Johnston opened a grocery business which he operated until 1929, when poor health forced him to discontinue strenuous activity. Two years later he began a term as county assessor, giving the county one of the most commendable administrations it has ever known. At the end of this term his health was such that he had to abandon his public service, and since that time his health had gradually failed until death claimed him.

Aside from his children, Mr. Johnston leaves thirteen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, five brothers and two sisters and a vast circle of admiring and respecting friends. Complete obituary will be found in another column of this issue.

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records