Edson W. Johnston
Edson W. Johnston was the son of William & Mary Rovella (Shaver) Johnston. He was born on February 7, 1896 in Michigan, USA.
Per the 1900 U.S. Census (dated June 15, 1900), Edson was 4 and living with his mother in the household of his maternal grandparents (Joseph & Agnes Shaver) located in Chester Township, Eaton County, Michigan, USA.
Per the 1910 U.S. Census (dated April 15, 1910), he was 14 and listed in the household and occupied as "working out" as a farm laborer for John H. Ploof in Chester Township.
He married Ruth A. Wells, daughter of Charles Hubert & Francis (Dunn) Wells on July 1, 1916 in Eaton Rapids, Eaton County, Michigan.
On June 5, 1917, Edson and his brothers (George W. & Clyde William Johnston) registered in the WWI Draft. Edson, 21 at the time, was married and lived in Eaton Rapids, Eaton County, Michigan. His physical appearance was noted as being "medium height; medium weight; dark blue eyes; light brown hair"
On January 1, 1920, per the U.S. Census for that year, Edson was living in Eaton Rapids, Eaton County. Ruth and his son Charles were residing with him at 121 1/2 Brook Street. He was occupied as a Spinner at Woolen Mills.
Ruth died on June 17, 1921 in Eaton Rapids at the age of 24.
After her death, he married Gladys Louise (Leach) Evans, daughter of Charles Watson & Mina (Fenner) Leach, on July 3, 1922 in Leslie, Ingham County, Michigan. She was the widow of a Mr. Evans, with whom she had one known child: Marjorie M. Evans. Both Edson and his second wife, Gladys, worked at Woolen Mills as Spinners, per the 1930 U.S. Census.
As of 1951, 1954, 1956, and 1959 (per the Lansing City Directories), Edson & Gladys were living in Lansing, Ingham County at 4321 Wildwood Avenue. Edson was employed as a "packer Reo" (1951-1956) and a "fitter man Reo" (1959).
Edson passed away in Lansing on January 25, 1990.
Edson & Ruth had one known child:
Charles Edson Johnston [1918 - 1951]
Edson & Gladys had two known children:
Shirley N. Johnston [1925 - ?]
Deane W. Johnston [1927 - ?]