Roberts Robert01

 

Waupaca Republican

January 16, 1903

 

MAJOR R.N. ROBERTS

One of Waupaca’s Most Enterprising Citizens Passes Away

 

            The people of this city were surprised and saddened on Sunday evening, Jan. 11, when it was announced that Robert N. Roberts was dead.  All had known of his long illness of nearly four months, but no doubt nearly all of his friends had hopes that he might recover, and that is why they were shocked at the announcement. Abscess of the throat is the pronounced cause of his death.

            Major Robert Newton Roberts was born in Wales in 1841, and when a small lad emigrated with his parents the late R.R. Roberts and wife, to America, settling in Racine, coming to Waupaca in 1866.  The father embarked in the mercantile business and was one of the leading merchants here for years and built the first brick block which stood where the Waupaca County National bank now stands.  The early educational training of the deceased was had in the Waupaca public school, but his practical business sagacity and training was gained in his father’s mercantile and commercial lines so that when his father died he carried along the work with the same energy as did his worthy sire. Mr. Roberts closed out his merchandise business in 1883, and soon after built the Waupaca roller mills, which were run under the firm name of Roberts & Oborn until sold to J.C. Eilertson in 1900.  He also built the fine brick block of stores south of the Neilson corner to the Gordon market and in one of them established a private bank, the first really important banking institution in the city in the ‘80s.  It was known as the City Bank of R.N. Roberts and later, in September, 1890, the organization was changed to the National Bank of Waupaca with R.N. Roberts as its president, which office he held to the close of his earthly career.  When the Wisconsin Veterans’ Home bill was passed by the legislature in 1887, and the committee chosen to locate the same, then it was the Major was one of the leading spirits, with J.H. Woodnorth and others here to get it located at the Chain o’ Lakes, near Waupaca, and after it was established he was made one of the trustees and treasurer, which office he has also held continuously since its organization, and it is known that during the early stages of the Home, Mr. Roberts sustained it with financial aid when most needed.

            The granite quarry opening was one of the things that received strong backing from Mr. Roberts and he always lived in the hope of seeing it some day develop in an industry enduring as the beautiful granite itself.  He was one of the principal movers in building the first potato starch factory here and was the president of the Waupaca Starch and Potato Company which has done an immense business here.  He was also one of the prime factors in establishing the Grand View summer resort hotel, in fact, his purse was always loosened in the cause of enterprise and charity or the building of churches or schools.  He pinned his faith in the advancement of Waupaca and was proud to see the city develop in every way.  He was its mayor two years, 1886-7, and made a most worthy executive officer.

            He was a soldier, enlisting in the war for the Union in 1863, was commissioned as captain in the 38t Wisconsin volunteer infantry and served with distinction and at the close of the war was major and acting colonel of the regiment.  Although he never boasted of his service or his achievements, his comrades who were with him at Petersburg, Vicksburg, Cold Harbor and the Wilderness, attest to his bravery and good comradeship under all circumstances.

            In the war a good soldier, at home a good citizen, a splendid businessman, careful and reserved, in his home a devoted husband, a kind and indulgent father.

            He had amassed a property wealth estimated all the way from $150,000 to $200,000.

            He leaves to mourn among those immediately near to him, his wife and two daughters, brother, Chas. E. Robets, and family, of this city, and four sisters, Miss Mary A. Roberts of Chicago, Mrs. H.E. Miles of Chicago, and her two sons, Herbert of Racine and Harry of New York, Mrs. Leslie J. Perry and family of Washington, D.C., and Mrs. C.M. Bright and family of Appleton.

            He was a member of the Masonic, Knights of Pythias, G.A.R., and Loyal Legion organizations and held in the highest esteem by all.

            The funeral was held from the residence at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Rev. Geo. W. White, pastor of the M.E. church officiating, delivering a most interesting memorial on the life work of the deceased.  A double quartette, composed of members of the Methodist choir, Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Hocking, J.T. Bristow, Miss Ella Davis, assisted by C.J. Shearer, S.T. Oborn, Mrs. H.M. Lea and Mrs. T.L. Jeffers sang, with Mrs. E.C. Williams accompanist.  Beautiful flowers, silent and loving tributes, adorned the casket and mantles of the room.

            The Masons attended in a body.  Geo. W. Ghoca acted as marshal, Past Master Miller had charge of the services, assisted by Rev. H.A. Larson as chaplain of the order.  The first part of the Masonic service was said at the close of the service at the home, the balance at the grave. Masons of prominence were present from Amherst, Weyauwega, Pine River and Oshkosh.

            The pall bearers were members of the bank force and others in Mr. Roberts’ employ Department Commander of the G.A.R.  D.H. James, ex-Governor Upham, Col. Ellis and other officers of the Home, Col. J.H. Woodnorth and members and ex-members of the board of trustees of the Home were the honorary bearers.

            The services were very impressive and expressions of sorrow over the Major’s death were heard on every hand.  The family has the sympathy of the entire community in their great affliction and sorrow.

 

Resolutions of the Board of Trustees on Robert Newton Roberts

 

            With profound and most sincere sorrow we are called upon to chronicle the death of our beloved comrade and colleague Maj. R.N. Roberts whose death occurred Jan. 11th, 1903.  Therefore be it

            RESOLVED:  That in the death of comrade R.N. Roberts, we have lost a true and loyal comrade, friend and co-worker, one who was loved best by those who knew him best, endowed with all the requisites of an honest man, a gentleman at all ties, a kind husband and living father of a generous and sympathetic nature, and with malice towards none.

            Born in Newton, Wales, Oct. 30th 1842, and emigrated with his parents in 1843, first locating in Racine county, Wisconsin, and in 1853 moving to Waupaca with his parents.

            His education was obtained in the common schools of Racine and Waupaca county, and was of a limited character.  Upon leaving school he was employed by his father as a clerk in his store, and continued in this position until he entered the service of his country as a Captain of Co. “B”, 38th Wis. Vols. Ins.  In a few months he was promoted to the rank of Major, and thereafter commanded his regiment until the close of the war.  He was loved and respected by his men, not alone for his indisputable coolness, and courage, but also for his thoughtfulness and kindness to them. His military service was a brilliant one, and one that any one might feel proud of.

            Returning to Waupaca after the close of the war, he re-entered the service of his father and continued business with him until his father’s death. Soon after this he discontinued the mercantile business and organized what was known as the City Bank of Waupaca, and later it became the National Bank of Waupaca.  He was its first president, and continued in this position until his death.

            He was without doubt, the most public spirited man in Waupaca, and to all of its enterprises may be attributed his interest and influence.  He was a man without question, as little understood as any person in the community, possessed of a modest, retiring nature, of few words and undemonstrated, honest and upright in the highest degree, kind, tenderhearted, generous and forgiving, and above all, loyal to his friends.

            He was largely instrumental in instituting the Wisconsin Veterans’ Home at Waupaca, and no man ever connected with the institution, had its interests more at heart than did he.

            As Treasurer of the Board, he was largely instrumental in obtaining finances that has brought the Wisconsin Veterans’ Home to its present condition.

            Of him and his many virtues much might be said but it is needless.  Time in its rapid flight will in no way deface the memory of him, he will live on and on in the thoughts of those who knew him, and if no other monument should be erected in his memory, that of the Wisconsin Veterans’ Home alone would suffice.  We shall meet but we shall miss him, and as we do so, let us live in that hope that when we are called upon by the Great Commander on High, we will be ready to respond in the full belief, that our decreased comrade will there to welcome us. 

            Be it further

            RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be spread upon our records and that a copy be sent ot his wife and family.

            Be it further

            RESOLVED that his chair in the Trustees room be draped in mourning for the space of thirty days.

            The foregoing resolutions were presented and unanimously adopted by the Board of Trustees, at a meeting held Feb. 11th, 1903.

                                                                                                                                    J.H. WOODNORTH,

                                                                                                                                                            Sec.