Progressive Men of Iowa
1899

JOHNSTON, Rufus Sherman, of Columbus City, has had a varied and successful career as farmer, merchant, banker and stock raiser. He was born in Louisa county, Iowa, October 4, 1864. His father, James Harvey Johnston, was a farmer and stock dealer of wide reputation, and at the time of his death, in 1890, owned hundreds of Louisa county's richest acres. He was one of the original stockholders in the Louisa County National bank, and held the office of director for many years previous to his death. He devoted himself to farming and stock raising almost exclusively, caring little for political preferment. He was born in Tennessee, as was his wife, Esther Orr Johnston. Both were of Scotch - Irish descent, and their ancestors were among the best families of that grand, old state. Although living in a slave state, the Johnstons and Orrs never owned a black man, for they were opposed to human slavery. James Harvey Johnston came to Iowa first in 1851, but was not favorably impressed with the country, and shortly returned to his native state. He resided in Washington county during his stay, and, on his return to Tennessee, drove the entire distance with a team. In 1856 his mind turned again to the beautiful prairies of the Hawkeye state, and, returning, he purchased land one mile west of Columbus City, which, with additions, still remains the property of the family.

R. S. Johnston attended the Columbus City public schools until the courses of study there were completed, then entered the Eastern Iowa Normal school, finishing the normal course in 1886. His time, when not in school, until 1891, was spent on the farm, and it was there his first money was earned. Although having been fortunate by birth, he was not reared in idleness, but was early taught the importance of self-reliance and industry. He was elected a director of the Louisa County National bank in 1890, and has filled that responsible position to the present time. On the organization of the Louisa County Savings bank, he was elected director and vice-president, and so largely did his wise counsel contribute to the prosperity of these concerns that, in 1896, he was made president of the first named institution. His time was not wholly devoted to banking, however. In 1890 he engaged in the hardware, furniture and farm implement business, under the style of Amwyl & Johnston, and the same was continued with success for five years. But the many enterprises with which he was connected drew so heavily upon his time that he was compelled to dispose of some of them, so decided to quit the store and spend more time on his stock farms.

He affiliates with the republican party, takes a lively interest in county and state politics, and is frequently chosen a delegate to county and state conventions. He represented the First district in the republican state convention of 1896, which sent delegates to the national convention at St Louis, and was one of the committee on permanent organization. He was married March 6, 1890, to Miss Loui Colton. They have two daughters: Helen, born February 6, 1891, and Edith, born June 13, 1894.

LACEY, Edwin Ruthyen, of Columbus Junction, rose from all-around errand boy to be the cashier of two of the leading banks of Louisa county, an achievement uncommon, even in this land of great possibilities. He was born at Grandview, in the county where he now resides, October 18, 1858, and has spent most of his time in that county, except one year spent in Sioux Falls, S. D. His early youth did not greatly differ from that of other boys whose parents do not possess the means with which to give their children the best school advantages. He went to common school until he was 12 years old, and picked up small change, with which to satisfy his boyish wants, by blacking boots and running errands. At the age of 15 he secured a position with the Louisa County National bank of Columbus Junction as errand boy and all-around helper.  That humble start led to the position of cashier of the institution, which he now fills. That he evinced an aptitude for the exacting work incident to the banking business and fortified himself in the minds of his employers by close attention to duty, exemplary habits and strictest integrity, goes without saying. Once in a responsible position he had an opportunity to show his ability in handling the affairs of the bank coming under his supervision, and so valuable did he prove in the place, that he was found among the promoters of the Louisa County Savings bank at its organization in 1891. Such confidence in his ability and integrity did the gentlemen have who founded this last named financial institution that he was elected to the position of cashier, so that he now has the distinction of holding responsible positions in two large financial concerns of that section of the state.

His first vote was cast with the republicans and he has ever remained loyal to that party. He is a Blue Lodge Mason, a Chapter Mason, Knight Templar and a Shriner; also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He has held prominent official positions in these orders. He was married to Miss Etta E. Thompson, April 7, 1880.  They have two children: Clarence A., born January 3, 1881: Mabel came to rule the household July 23, 1885.

E. B. Lacey, father of Edwin R. Lacey, is now living and is in his 79th year.  He was born at Louisville, Ky., October 1, 1820. He came west in 1856 and located at Burlington, but soon thereafter removed to Louisa county, where he has since resided.  The war record shows that E. B. Lacey enlisted as a private in Company F, Thirty-fifth Iowa infantry, and was discharged September 3, 1863, on account of ill health and disabilities contracted in the service.  He served as sheriff of Louisa county for two terms The mother's maiden name was Sarah C. Wilcox, a woman of most exalted character and many virtues.  Mr. Lacey was elected as one of the alternates from the First congressional district in Iowa to the convention at St.  Louis, Mo., at which William McKinley was nominated for president. He is now, and has been for the last five years, a member of the school board at Columbus Junction.

The information on Trails to the Past © Copyright may be used in personal family history research, with source citation. The pages in entirety may not be duplicated for publication in any fashion without the permission of the owner. Commercial use of any material on this site is not permitted.  Please respect the wishes of those who have contributed their time and efforts to make this free site possible.~Thank you!