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DAVID JOHNSTON is one of the prominent and well-known citizens of Illiopolis where he is engaged as a dealer in hardware and furniture and as an undertaker. He was born in 1850 in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, his parents James and Mary (Rodgerson) Johnston were also natives of Scotland, and came of a sturdy yeomanry and of devout Presbyterian families. The father was a stonemason and after coming to America in 1851 with his family he was engaged as one of the early builders of the old State House at Springfield. He was a man of rugged honesty and of much force of character, and his death in the month of June, 1853 closed a career that was useful to his community. His widow departed this life in 1871, and both are lying side by side in the family cemetery on John Johnston's estate near Barclay.
Our subject was reared as a farmer and laid the foundation of his education in the common schools. He was a diligent student and applied himself to his books and in time became fitted for a teacher. He entered upon his career in that profession in the year 1870 and taught school very successfully in Sangamon and Logan Counties. He finally abandoned teaching and for a time gave his attention to farming at which he was engaged till 1883, when he gave that up and coming to Illiopolis embarked in business as a hardware and furniture dealer and as an undertaker. He has from time to time increased his business and now carries a valuable stock worth between $5,000 and $7,000, and has his rooms well fitted up and neatly arranged. His undertaking establishment is one of the best equipped in this part of the county, and no one in that line excels him in a reputation for promptness and reliability.
Mr. Johnson was married in 1877 to Miss Eva F. Ford, second daughter of A. C. Ford. Her family is one of the best in Sangamon County, and she was carefully trained and educated and understands well the art of making a cheerful, attractive home. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have two children - Ralph and Carl - who inherit the sturdiness of their Scotch ancestry. They have lost two children, their son Freddie and a daughter who died in infancy.
Politically Mr. Johnston is a Democrat of the truest type and occupies a high position among his fellow Democrats. During the Cleveland administration he was appointed Postmaster and the present admirable postal advantages the town enjoys are due to his fidelity and devotion to the interest of his patrons. Mr. Johnston is a member of the Masonic order or which he is clerk, his connection with Illiopolis Lodge, No. 521, having begun three years ago. He is a member of the village board of which he is now Treasurer and is considered one of the most zealous and progressive civic officials. He is one of the pillars of the Christian Church and has been foremost in its advancement. He has been a Deacon five years and is at present Elder, and no one is more faithful to the interests of the church or cause of religion in general than he. It is to such men that Illiopolis owes its high standing and prosperity, as he is a man who has a high sense of honor and integrity his beyond question.