OBIT: William JOHNSTON, 1879, Hollidaysburg, Blair County, PA

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SUDDEN DEATH OF WILLIAM JOHNSTON.

  William Johnston, one of our oldest citizens, died very unexpectedly 
at 5 o'clock on Tuesday morning.  Mr. Johnston had been a resident of 
this town for the last fifty years, most of the time engaged in the 
livery business. He was born at Johnston's Hill, Allegheny county, but 
a few miles from Pittsburgh, in the year 1810.  When yet in his "teens" 
he drove a Connestoga [sic] team of six horses over the old Northern 
turnpike between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.  In the year 1836 he 
received his first contract form the State for hauling with horses the 
cars from Gaysport to the foot of Plane No. 10 on the old Portage 
railroad.  One of his particular traits all through life was a love for 
that noble animal the horse.  It has been said that an "honest man is 
the nobles work of God."  This rare virtue Mr. Johnston possessed to 
the fullest degree, as can be attested by all who have had dealings 
with him.  He was always too ready to befriend the needy, whether 
worthy or not, and give both his money and his name.  By reason of his 
generosity he felt want in his closing years.  Always unassuming, 
possessing the utmost integrity, a good citizen, not only his immediate 
family but the whole community will feel his loss and united in saying 
"Peace to his ashes."  His funeral will leave the house of Mr. B. C. 
Eaton to-day at 2:30 P.M. in charge of Portage Lodge, A.Y.M.

Morning Tribune, Altoona, Wednesday, November 19, 1879

FROM HOLLIDAYSBURG.

  Yesterday afternoon all that was mortal of William Johnston was 
deposited in the Presbyterian cemetery with Masonic honors.  The 
religious services at the house were conducted by Rev. H. F. King, of 
the Baptist Church.

Morning Tribune, Altoona, Thursday, November 20, 1879