The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1892-07-07
JUDGE JAS. W. ROBERTSON.
Resolutions of Respect frem the Bar AS
ISOLATION.

the Austin Bar association:
To Hon. John Dowell. President of the Austin
Bar Association:
Your committee appointed to pre-
sent suitable resolutions in memory OF
our late friend and associate, Hon. j.
w. Robertson, submit the following
report:
]. w. Robertson died at his home
in the city of Austin, on Thursday
night, June 80, 1892, after long and
painful illness, and was buried on
Friday, July l, from the Presbyterian
church South, the members of the
Austin bar attending his funeral in a
body.
He was born in Washington county,
Tennessee, ON the 18th day OF
October, 1910. After attending the
ordinary schools of the country he at
tended Hiawassie College, where he
graduated early in 1861, when fired
by patriotism and military ardor he
Joined the Forty-third Tennessee reg
in1ent, g. S. A., and was elected a
first lieutenant in that command. He
did not remain long in the army IN
that capacity, but resigned and raised
a company for the Sixty-third len
nessee regiment, of which company
he was elected captain, and subse-
quently for gallant conduct in the
field was promoted to colonel OF the
regiment, in which position he served
until about two months before the
close of the war, when he was cap
tured in front of Petersburg, Va, car
ried to Johnson Island, being released
therefr0m after hostilities were
ceased.
On his release from prison at the
close of the war he moved to Ran
dolph County, Missouri, where he
met, courted and married Miss
Sophronia M. Newman, who survives
him.
Shortly after his marriage he moved
back to his old home in East Tonnes
see; but finding that portion
of the country in q disturbed
condition, resulting from the
war, he determined to become
a citizen of Texas and removed to
Bryan in 1867.
Bef re this, however, he had been
admitted to the bar, and on his be-
coming a citizen of Bryan at once en-
gagged actively in the practice of his
chosen profession. He remained at
Bryan but short time, and some
time in 1869 moved to Calvert, where
he was elected as a representative to
the Twelfth legislature of Texas,
where he was honored by being ap-
pointed chairman of the judiciary
committee, in which position his legal
ability, conservatism and statesman
ship brought him to the notice of the
entire people of the state, and afforded
him the opportunity to prevent the
passage of many hurtful measures
and promote the enactment of much
wholesome and wise Legislation.
At the close of his legislative term
he removed to Austin early in
1871, and became member of
the firm of Chandler, Carleton &
Robertson, which continued to exist
until January, 1875. The firm of
Chandler, Carleton q Robertson en-
joyed very large practice, and af.
forded Col. Robertson splendid oppor-
tunities to display the learning as
lawyer and ability as an advocate for
which he was ever afterward noted.
In January, 1875, the firm of Chand-
Ter, Carleton q Robertson was dis
solved by the retirement of f. w.
Chandler, the remaining members of
the firm, however, continuing to prac-
tice as partners until 1876.
subsequently, in 1879, Col. Robert
son became associated with w. ID.
Williams, Esq, and under the firm
name of Robertson q Williams en-
joyed large and profitable practice,
being regarded as among the best and
most thorough lawyers in this portion
of the state.
Prior to the formation of the last
partnership the judge of the dis trict
court of Travis county, Hon.
e. r. Turner, resigned to as
sumo the position of judge of
the United States district court
and Governor o. NJ Roberts recognize
ing the eminent legal ability of Col.
Robertson appointed him to fill the
vacant judgship, the term of which
though of short duration was filled by
Judge Robertson to the full satisfac-
ton of both bar and people and credit
and honor to the incumbent.
In 1884 he was induced to become a
candidate for mayor of the city of
Austin, and at the sacrifice of his
materinl interests, he served the peo-
pie in that capacity for two terms, be-
ing reelected in 1886. In this posi-
tlOn he was OF most eminent service to
the people of this city, developing adj
ministrative abilities Of nigh order
and retiring from the position, for
which he declined to be a candidate
for third term with the respect and
good wishes of the entire community.
AS his friends and associates for
more than twenty years we desire to
place on record our testimony to his
industry, ability and eloquence
as a lawyer and advocate, his learn
ing and integrity as Judge, and to
his merits as citizen and as friend.
To his sorrowing wife, to his aged
mother, who both survive him, and to
his relatives, we tender our sincere
sympathy in their affliction.
In conclusion we recommend the
adoption by this association of the fol-
lowing resolutions: ,..-,--rr,c-,
l. That the local bar wear the usual
badge of mourning for thirty days.
2. That this report be presented to