The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1905-08-23
Wednesday, Aug. %, 1905.


Illness OF COl.J j. T. Robertson.
Col. j. 7. Robertson lies at his home in
this city in a critical condition. He was
paralized sometwenty years ago. and after a
brave fight recovered In a measure his won't
ed health. Several days ago he had another
ATTACK.
AS BUSINESS MAN.
Col Robertson came from his fathers farm
In this County, to AbbeviIle more than fifty
years ago, and in all the time that he had
good health he was a notable factor in the
policies and activities Of the city. When he
first came to Abbevile he was employed as
clerk In one OF the stores. In 1858 he and
John Gray, under the. firm name OF Gray
4 Robertson, opened store on the corner
which Mr., c. w. Kendall has occupied for
several years. After the war be and Col. q.
Med. Miller formed partnership under the
nrm name of Miller & Robertson, which bust.
ness was continued Tor some eighteen years.
AS A SOLDIER.
When the war OF Secession broke out he
was among the first to volunteer, and he was
among the last to return after the surrender
at Appomatto1. His first experience in the
war was on Sulivans Island with Captain
James Nj. Perrin's Company. After service
Of six or eight months the company was mus
tered out OF service. Returning home he
helped to organize q new company that en-
listed for the war. He Was elected Captain.
Because of the vacancies among the higher
officers OF the Regiment, which occurred be-
aNFt tka Nf ha po
NOTED 10 Lieut.. Colonel Of the Regiment.
His career in the army was wonderful one.
He was never sick, and he received but one
wound, although he was with his regiment
in every battle. The wound was in an arm.
He is one Of the few unreconstructed Rebels.
AS A MASON AND KNIGHT.
He Joined the Masonic Lodge at this place
before the war, and for many years he was an
ardent member and regular attendant upon
It's meetings. At different times be filled
every office in the Ledge from the humblest
TO the highest. And he was often dele
gate to the Grand Lodge. He .is a charter
member OF the knights of Honor OF the Alb
beville Lodge, and for many years be has
been Treasurer Of the Grand Lodge, receiv.
ing nominal salary far the care ofthe funds.
It was at one Of the meetings of the Grand
Lodge OF the Knights Of Honor that he was
stricken with paralysis.
:. AS cHURCHMAN.
He has been during all the years OF bis resi-
dence in Abbeville, member Of the Episco-
pal church, ana has been a vestryman for
something like forty years.
AS POLITICIAN.
In 1876 he almost quit business TO work
for the redemption Of the State in the success
full effort 10 elect Wade Hampton as govern
or, and few did more to bring about the de-
sired result.
When the Farmers Alliance was In its
strength he stood high with the members.
While firm believer in the proposed reforms
yet he never Joined with them In any spiteful
acts against the good and honorable people
against whom the Alliance was expending
its energy. He urged the pursuit Of those
wise principles as ANNOUNCED by the Alliance
but counciled moderation and justice toward
those who as honestly held to the rule OF con
duct which bad characterized the people OF
the State in former years. Although OUT
spoken and ing in the arts of the potici-
was elected TO the House of Representatives,
where the same conservative and wise
action was in evidence in the deliberation OF
that bodJ.
= -. HIS MARRIAGE.
4: Some thirty years ago he married Miss
Eugenia Miller. To them were born a fami.
,ly Of sons and daughters, and they in turn
AMI hn l,,tia t,kt.
OF life, and are today prop and stay to the
aged and afflicted father. Their mother
died many years ago.
, HIS HOME.
About the time Of his marriage he bough,
the mansion on Main Street formerly occu.
pied by Hon. ]. Foster Marshall. In a short
time thereafter the property was destroyed
by fire. Upon the cite W as atterward erected
the imposing brick structure, which Is now
his home. Surrounded as 1t is by the
choicest OF the ornamental trees Of the largest
growth. the whole being enclosed by a we'll
kept hedge offfty years standing, marks the
habitation as one Of the handsomest as we'll
as one of the most notable homes in the city.
HIS ASSOCIATES.
Col. Robertson was always q sympathiser
and associate with the higher and better ele-
ment OF the community, and his work and in
huence has always been on the side Of the
best, and the truest citizenship. The MAORI.
ty OF his friends and associates have been Of
the educated and conservative members OIL
the community in which he lived, and his
sincerity Of purpose has always commanded
the respect OF those who knew him best.
ONE OF THE OLDEST CITIZENS.
Except Mr.. Tusten, we believe that Col
Robel tson has been q resident OF the city
longer than any man who was not born with.
In the corporation. In age. his years we be
lieve are only exceeded by Mr.. Tusten, who
Is now IS.