Cudgegong Valley History Project

DEATHS: JOHNSTON.-September 1, 1925 at the residence of her son, Mr. J. T. Johnston, 10 Rayner-street, Leichhardt., Anna Marla Johnston, late of Rylstone, dearly beloved mother of William, George, Edward and John, aged 81 years. Funeral Rylstone this day, Wednesday. September 2, 1925 (Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 2 September 1925, page 14).

WORTHY CITIZEN PASSES AS briefly chronicled in this journal on Thursday, Mr George Henry Johnston, of "Calderwood," Rylstone, passed away about 9 p.m. on Tuesday at his home, aged 69. Deceased was born in this district, and had resided in town for practically the whole period of his life, with the exception of the few years when he was serving his time as an apprentice to the wheel-wrighting trade in the city. Upon completing his indentures Mr Johnston became associated with the late Mr Thos. Taylor, a blacksmith, and the pair carried on a partnership in the old stone building which still stands at the intersection of Piper and Louee streets. After the departure of Mr Taylor George removed to new and more commodious premises at the lower end of Louee street, and for many years, up till he retired about 1918, continued to carry on the business of blacksmith, wheelwright and coach painter, employing such well known tradesmen at different periods as the late Geo. Taylor, W. Kirk, D. Merrett and J. Cassell, all of whom, strange to say, pre-deceased their old employer. Mr George Honeysett served his apprenticeship to the painting trade with Mr Johnston also, and various other employees are still in existence. The deceased was one of the finest tradesmen ever seen outside the city, and it seems strange that none of the boys followed in their dad's footsteps. Deceased had been ailing for about a fortnight, but appeared to have considerably improved in health, and at tea time on Tuesday he ate a hearty meal, arose from his chair and walked to the door, where he fell, dying about an hour later. Deceased had been married three times, his first wife being a Miss Nash, who died shortly after the marriage. Mr Johnston then wed Miss Matilda Honeysett, daughter of Mr and Mrs Jas. Honeysett, sen., of Cox street, and to this union five children were born, comprising Messrs Colin, Alan, Maurice and Noel and daughter Hazel. After the death of his second wife deceased married Mrs Dale, and to this union daughter Marie was born, and deceased is therefore survived by his widow and the six children. All members of the family, together with deceased's two surviving bers, Messrs Ted and Jack Johnston, were present at the funeral, which took place in the family allotment in the south-western portion of the C. of E. allotment of the Rylstone cemetery at 3 p.m. on Thursday, 22nd inst. The remains were followed to their last resting place by a moderate concourse, the majority of business houses being represented, and the inclemency of the weather prevented many more from attending to pay their last tributes to one who was respected throughout the town and district. To the sorrowing family we extend our sincere sympathy in their great loss. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. G. R. Mathers, and Mr J. B. Simpkins had charge of the arrangements in connection with the interment (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 1 March 1934, page 9).