Person:Johnston Elliott (2)

!ELLIOTT, Johnston Jr. Johnston Elliott (1802-1887) Biographical Record of Linn Co. Iowa, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company 1901 JOHNSTON ELLIOTT, Jr. For over a third of a century this gentleman was prominently identified with the commercial interests of Marion, Iowa and was numbered among its foremost citizens. He was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, on the 21st of February 1842, and came with his parents to Marion, Iowa, April 6, 1856, when fourteen years of age. When a mere boy he engaged in teaming between here and Muscatine, carrying grain and produce to that city and returning with merchandise for the stores in Marion, and later he was employed as clerk in the general store of A. Daniels & Company, acquiring a good knowledge of mercantile business during the few years spent with them. In August 1865, he embarked in the grocery business at Marion in partnership with his brother Milton, and continued to engage in that line of trade until 1884 when he retired from business until June 1889. He then turned his attention to the lumber business, which he carried on in connection with his son-in-law for several years under the firm name of the Elliott-Davis Lumber Company. He was also interested in the Farmers & Merchants State Bank of Marion but during the last six years of his life lived retired from active business. On the 19th of March 1866, 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 Marion, as well as one of its most active and enterprising businessmen, 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 businessman, 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 Page C in business relations, and it was a pleasure to do business with him. Mr. Elliott did not lack in those qualities which command 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 laudable enterprise for the improvement of the town and help of its needy. He was large and open 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 and entertaining, or thoughtful for the comfort and happiness of those about him, and he lacked in none of those qualities which constitute a good husband and father.