Johnston Elliott

As printed in 1901

JOHNSTON ELLIOTT, JR.

business until June, 1889. lie then turned his attention U_> the hunter business, which he carried on in connection with his son-inlaw for several years under the lirm name of the Elliott-Davis Lumber Company. He was also interested in the Farmers & Merchants State Bank of Alarion, but during the last six years of his life lived retired from active business.

On the 2 ist of March, 186, Mr. Elliott was united in marriage with Miss Esther Primrose, of West Dryden, New York, who still survives him. Unto them were born three children, but Nellie, now Mrs. T. J. Davis, is the only one now living. Lavernie and George died of scarlet fever in 1878 within a few days of each other, the former at the age of eight, the latter at the age of three years.

Mr. Elliott died in Marion, April 17, 1899. and his death came as a loss to each individual of the community, as well as to his immediate family. He was one of the leading and representative citizens of Clarion, as well as one of its must active and enterprising Inisiness men, ranking among its strongest men financially. He always took a prominent part in advancing any enterprise for the good of the city, and was preeminently public spirited and progressive.

One who knows him well said of ]\Mr. Elliott that he did not lack in many of the virtues and excellencies which go to make up what is popularly termed a good man. He did not lack in any good business qualification. He was strictly and exclusively a business man, and his ambition was to make a success of business, which he did. He prospered in every undertaking and his labors were crowned with success. He disdained mean competition, low tricks in trade, which have ruined many another. He was always fair and upright; was genial, warm and cordial in his greetings in business relations, and it was a pleasure to do business with him. j\lr. Elliott did not lack in those qualities which connnand the respect, confidence and admiration of the people. He drew these as a merchant, citizen and man, from all classes in a marked degree. While he never held any office, he could have had any position in the gift of the people had he consented to their oft-repeated solicitations. He felt that one thing well done, one business well established and successfully built up, was far better for himself and his town than many things partially accomplished and nothing a complete success. He liberally patronized every laudajjle enterprise for the improvement of the town and help* of its needy. He was large and opeit hearted and was especially fond of children.. In turn they loved him for he always had a smile, a word of cheer and a drive for all. No man was more companionable ankl entertaining, or thoughtful for the comfort and happiness of those about him, and lie lacked in none of those qualities which constitute a good husband and father.

As printed in Biographical records of Linn County, Iowa .. (1901). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.