Robertson - William - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

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Robertson - William

Source: Crawfordsville Journal, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County Indiana Aug 26, 1892

Since 2 o'clock on yesterday afternoon William Robertson has been in an unconscious condition at his home on W. Main St. He ate his dinner and seemed to be feeling about as well as usual and at the hour spoken of above he put on his hat and started to return to his duties at the coffin factory. His daughter, Mrs. Moreland Binford, was present and noticed a strange look come over his face and saw that he was about to fall. He had previously been attacked by a mild paralytic stroke and she realized his condition. As best she could she kept him from falling and got him into his easy chair. Mr. Binford was at home and hearing his wife's voice came to her aid and together they got Mr. Robinson to a couch and doing all that they could, dispatched someone for a physician. Mr. Robinson was still apparently unconscious at noon today and recognized no one about him. His left side is paralyzed and helpless an dhe is not able to converse. His condition is critical indeed. For some time he has realized his physical condition as being bad and was expecting to retire from the superintendency of the coffin factory. Death of William Robertson - close of an interesting and busy life Without a struggle and as a child going to sleep, William Robertson passed into eternity this morning. His death occurred at 8:30 o'clock. William Robertson was born in Cooper Angus, Scotland 71 years ago and when at the age of 9 he came to America with his parent. For many years, the family resided at Cincinnati and it was in that city that he thoroughly mastered what was known as the cabinet maker's trade. Arriving at manhood he drifted westward and worked at his trade in Iowa and perhaps other states. He came to Crawfordsville in 1850 and took up his trade, for several years conducting an establishment on the stie of the present Robbins house. After that he was associated in the futniture and undertaking business with the late Thomas Ross and a gentleman named Thomas White. During the war he was associated with the late Frank Cox and PH Burns in the coffin and furniture business at the corner of Wabash Ave and Walnut St. They were burned out and in 1868 a new firm was formed on a larger scale, Capt. RE Bryant being taken in the firm. In 1872 a stock company was formed and Mr. Burns went out, the others staying by the new organization since grown to a magnificent business. Through all these years up to July 1892, a period of 20 years, Mr. Robertson was actively engaged as superintent of the great factory. Since an attack of paralysis in 1890 he has been trying to get out of business. His was a busy life, an honorable, conscientious career. Of a large family who came to America 60 years ago, all with his death have passed away. It was in March of this year that his beloved wife, Sue Ramey Robertson died and since that sad event his decline has been rapid. After the stroke of Tuesday afternoon he rallied sufficiently to partially recognize his daughter, Mrs. Binford and she caught the words, "This will not be for long." William Robertson was for years a member of Center Presbyterian Church and an elder in it. He was twice married but no children were born as the result of either union. He was a strict business manager and yet all the employees of the big factory had for him the deepest regard and respect, for he was a fair and kindly and his plain Scotch fidelity to thoroughness was appreciated for its sterling honesty. In early life, he was a Mason but of recent years he did not keep up his lodge attendance. (No date) William Robertson died at his home on W. Main St yesterday morning the result of a stroke of paralysis. The deceased was born in Cooper Augus, Scotland in 1821. He came to this city in 1851 and learned the trade of cabinet maker. In 1868, William Robertson & Co. began making coffins at which business he continued until the time of his death. He was married twice, his last wife being Miss Susan Ramey who preceded him over the dark river just six months to the day. Mr. Robertson leaves an adopted daughter, Mrs. Moreland Binford of this city. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon from the residence, Rev. EB Thompson officiating.


Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Friday, 26 August 1892

Wm. Robertson died this morning shortly before 9 o’clock, having never regained consciousness since being struck with paralysis on last Wednesday afternoon. The funeral will be held next Sunday afternoon form the family residence. The services will be conducted by Rev. E. B. Thomson of Center Church, of which the deceased was a member.  Wm. Robertson was born at Cooper Angus, Scotland, in 1821, and came to this country at the age of nine years with his parents, who settled near Cincinnati. Here he resided until after learning the trade of a cabinet maker, when he went west and lived for awhile, finally settling in Lafayette. He came to this city in 1851, and about the year 1865 was a partner in the company composed of Cox, Burns & Robertson in the cabinet business. Their factor stood on a lot west of Center Church, and was consumed by fire. In 1868 Wm. Robertson & Co. commenced making coffins and the present coffin company was formed in 1872. Mr. Robertson was superintendent of the coffin company until only a few weeks ago, when he resigned on account of his health. He was married twice, his last wife being Miss Susan P. Ramey, to whom he married Jan. 11, 1853. Mrs. Robertson died on Feb. 24, 1892, just six months to the day of his death. Mr. Robertson leaves an adopted daughter, Mrs. Moreland Binford, of this city.


Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Saturday, 27 August 1892

The funeral services of the late Wm Robertson will be held tomorrow at 3 o’clock at the family residence on West Main Street. Rev. E. B. Thompson will conduct the services.

Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Monday, 29 August 1892

The funeral of Wm. Robertson occurred yesterday afternoon from the residence on West Main Street. A large concourse of friends attended the last sad rites which were rendered very impressive. Rev. E. P. Thomson officiated and delivered a very beautiful address. The floral offerings were both numerous and elegant and made a fine display. The pall bearers were employees of the coffin factory whose long and pleasant association in the employ of Mr. Robertson had greatly endeared him to them. The following persons from a distance were present: Mrs. Boyd and Mrs. Stahl, of Thorntown; Chas. Stewart, Miss Mary Stewart and Miss Mary Herron, of Cincinnati; George Whitten, of Marshalltown, Iowa; Charles Milford, of Attica; Wm. Ramey and wife, of Chicago; and Mrs. Sallie Wilson, of Indianapolis.


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