Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-11-14


Gustavus 4. Robertson was a native
of oxford county, having been born IN
the town of Bethel. IS years ago. He
vas the son of MIR. and Mrs Sylvester
Robertson. his father being a cabinet
maker, and is stilli'living, kerry old
man. In early life. Gustayus worked
on the railroad, alHt asa log driver on
the river. He also learned the cabinet
makers trade. and worked with his
father. He was Il large boy of his age
ana as strong as 4 young giant. and
when driving logs. WIS noted for his
fearlessness and deeds of strength and
daring.
His education was received in the
common schools oi, his native town,
where he afterwards taught, as prin-
cipal of the Grammar school. In those
days the art of teaching school some
times required as much ability in the
way of muscular development as in
that of book learning. and young Rob-
ertson proved himself eminently equal
to every emergency.
After teaching in the Bethel school
for awhile, he took charge of the
Grammar school ut Old Town. and it
was while he was teaching this school
that mis- fame as a teacher reached 1Au-
gusta, and existing conditions in the
Augusta schools at that time. prompted
the directors to secure his services.
He began teaching in this city in a
SchO0lhouse which used to stand on the
site now occupied by the VIM. r. Smith
Grammar school. The schools were
then in a demoralized condition. with
little or no discipline. Teachers who
had essayed to take charge of the
Grammar school on State street. met
with all sorts of acknowledgements, and
when the young farmer from oxford
county. as the boys in school called
him. appeared. they decided to get rid
Of him as they had the others.
But they We're destined to be dis
appointed. for he came there to rule.
and did rule, but the mastery was not
secured without struggle. There
was some complaint at first, regarding
his methods of maintaining discipline.
but they proved to be just what was
needed. and to him is due, to n great
extent. the credit Of helping bring the
Augusta schools up to the high stand
That was in 1868. and for the next
- years he was connected with the
Augusta schools as teacher. being
on account of his ability, given charge
OF the Grammar schools OF the city,
as supervisor. About 10 years ago. he
retired from active association with
the schools. although he retained his
interest while he lived. Soon after
leaving the schools. he was appoint al
a trustee Of the different Normal
schools of the State, which Office he
since held. and always manifested
great pride in the several institutions.
In 1897 ne was chosen overseer of
the poor. in which capacity he served
faithfully for three years. and durinp
ms term of service accomplished much
IN the way OF improvement of condi-
CONS at the city farm. In 1903 h.. was
Illuminated as the Republican candidate
,of mayor Of the city and was elected |
rS handsome majority, and in the
spring or the present year, he was
again honored by being returned to the
mayors chair.
turing MS term Of office as mavor he |
oischarsed his duties conscientiouslv
ana with integrity, and such was the |
coiiiidence of his fellow citizens and |
.ioSe Oh the county. in his ability. good
Ju'siheht and honesty of purpose that |
az 'ie State election. in September.
nc Vas CHOSEN to represent Kennebec |
county IN the Senate, an office. how |
fill. 'eStlheo never -
Nooertson possessed a character |
~, suen as Is not often. found. While per-
maps OF rough and sometimes brusque
exterior, he Possessed an honesty ana !