Morning journal and courier., 1892-07-15

Passes Away Yesterday Forenoon
Features of His Career.
The city flag was at half-mast on the
green yesterday in respect to the memory
of ex-Mayor John B. Robertson, who died
at II o'clock yesterday morning.
John Brownlee Robertson was born in
Charleston, S. c., on the 18th of Septem-
Der, 1909. When sixteen years of age he
came north and prepared for Yale at Ber-
lin, Conn, under the Rev. Charles A.
Goodrich. He graduated from Yale in
1899 and studied medicine with his brother
in-law, DR.. S. Henry Dixon, and graduated
from the South Carolina Medical college in
1882. He was awarded the honorary de-
gree of A. NJ. from Yale in 1888 and from
Trinity in 1916. He was twice married,
first in 1880 to Mary Wetmore Denison of
New Haven, who died in 1885. By her he
had two children, Samuel and Mary, both
ried Rev. David K. LaFar of Charleston,
8. G. Both of these daughters have died,
but Mrs. LaFar left five grandchildren to
DR.. Robertson to mourn her loss.
In 1888 he married Mabel Maria Heaton
of this city, only daughter of the late
Abrem Heaton. She survives him. By
her he had six children, five of whom are
living, Phoebe M. Manice of New York,
Elizabeth D. Ward, Susette Robertson,
Abram Heaton Robertson and John B.
Robertson, jr., all of New Haven. He
leaves twelve grandchildren and six great
grandchildren.
In politics he was democrat, and occu-
pied many positions of trust and honor.
Tn 1897 he a1aofo1 nj IN,
1888 he was made aide-de-camp on Gov
ernor Ellsworth's staff, with rank of lieu
tenant-colonel. In 1910 he was elected
with Roger S. Baldwin to represent New
Haven in the general assembly, and was
renominated in 1842,a but declined to
accept.
He was state senator from 1946 to
1S49, and when his term expired he was
made postmaster of this city. He was an
alderman of New Haven in 1857 and '68,
and in 1868 was made assistant Judge of
of the city court. In 1880 he was chosen
mayor by large majority.
De was always active in church circles
and was prominent member of Trinity
church. he was q vestryman of the church
in 1878 and Junior warden in 1874.
Mr.. Robertson was director of the
Naugstuck railroad and of the New Haven
County bank. he was engaged in the man
ufacturs of carpets with Philip Galpin on
East street until 1868. He was secretary
and vice president of the American Mutual
Life Insurance company until 1870, when
he retired from active business,
The deceased died of old age, passing
away without pain and, like shock Of
corn fully ripe, he was gathered to his
father. Only few days ago he was out
on Chapel street taking his accustomed
walk about the center of the city. A kind
~ old man, genial, condescending and af-
fable, has passed away. 1t may bs said
that he had not an enemy. Scores Of our
leading citizens will miss him and kindly
cherish his memory. He was ever ap-
proachable, kindly In spirit, ready to listen
to the tale Of woe of the humblest, consid-
erate Of others, and had word Of cheer
for all whom he addressed. He began to
feel badly about two weeks ago, and only
week ago took to his bed. About four
days ago the case assumed serious aspect
and general breaking up of his system
from old age came. AS q public official he
was conscientious, as mayor he served I
the city well and ably, and in all the many
public positions he held he brought to the
discharge of his duties high sense Of
honor, patriotism and answering recti-
tude.