Peter Emanuel Johnston, eldest son of Peter and Mary Johnston, was born in Washington township, Henry county, O., Nov. 11, 1866.

His early life was spent on the family farm, both as a farmer and a school teacher.

Dec. 27, 1894, he was united In marriage with Miss Phoebe Koch and to this union were born four children: Peter, of Washington township; Florence Mowery, Toledo; Lura Travis, and Edna Rigal, both of Liberty Center.

After his marriage he engaged in active farming, while also being in public life as a township trustee and member of the rural school board.

In 1924 Mr. and Mrs. Johnston retired to Liberty Center where later he became manager of the local elevator for many years.

Immediately after the death of Mrs. Johnston in 1942, he went to live with his children and was with them until he passed away on July 27, 1953, at the age of 86 years, 8 months and 16 days.

Surviving, besides his children, are two sisters, Agnes Myles, Toledo, and Kathryn Gerdes, McClure; one brother, R. E. Johnston, Washington township; seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

He was a member of Texas Lodge No. 499, IOOF, for 58 years and subscribed to their principles.

Newspaper article:

Services Wednesday for P. E. Johnston

Services were held wednesday afternoon at 2:30 for P. E. Johnston, retired Liberty Center farmer, who died Monday morning in the home of his son, Peter, a Henry county commissioner, in Washington township.

Mr. Johnston, who was 86, farmed for many years in Washington township before moving to Liberty Center, where he served for a time as manager of the local elevator. He was a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Texas, O.

Surviving besides the son, Peter, are daughters, Mrs. Florence Mowery, Toledo; Mrs. Lura Travis and Mrs. Edna Rigal, both of Liberty Center; seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Services were held in the Walter funeral home, with the Rev. David Eichar, pastor of the Methodist church, officiating.