Robberts, Cornelius L. 1840-1917

ROBBERTS, WILSON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/6/2011 at 08:28:50

The Grinnell Herald; Nov. 2, 1917

CORNELIUS L. ROBBERTS

Cornelius L. Robberts, who has been identified almost continuously with Grinnell interests since 1858, was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, Dec. 16, 1840. He passed away Tuesday, Oct. 30,1917, lacking but a month and a half of being 77 years of age.

In 1856 he came west with his father's family, locating in Jasper county. In 1858 he was united in marriage with Hester Jane Wilson, and about the same time located on a farm in Washington township, Poweshiek county. They occupied the farm until about 1875, when Mr. Robberts moved to Grinnell and formed a partnership in the meat business with W.J. Harris.

In 1880 Mr. Robberts, Mr. harris and C.E. Myers formed a partnership in the grain business, locating at Lewis, Iowa. Here he lived several years but when the company bought a similar business at Oakland he moved to that place to take charge of it. In the latter eighties he returned to Grinnell with his family and was in the same business here until 1898.

In 1862 he enlisted in Company K, 28th Iowa regiment, and served three years, until the close of the war. He was in thirteen battles, including those included in the campaign around Vicksburg, and later in the Shenandoah Valley with Gen. Phil Sheridan.

Mr. Robberts was appointed postmaster by President McKinley in 1898, and entered upon the duties of the office Aug. 9. He was reappointed by President Roosevelt and served in the office until Jan. 19, 1907, almost eight and one-half years and ranking second in length of service in the Grinnell office.

April 12, 1908, Mr. Robberts suffered a stroke of paralysis, which affected his right side, and Nov. 8, 1916, he received a second stroke, weakening him further.

Oct. 24, 1917, he contracted pneumonia, which terminated in his death Oct. 30.

Besides his wife, two sons survive him, Harry E. of Blandinsville, Ill., and L.G. of Davenport, Iowa, who were called here by his illness and who with their wives, are still in Grinnell. There are also eight grandchildren.

The funeral was held at the home Thursday at 2:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Charles Noble. Music was by Mr. Wheelock, Dr. Harris, Miss Bartlett and Mrs. Snook. Bearers were H.I. Davis, S.J. Pooley, I.S. Bailey, A.A. Foster, N.M. Harris and W.G. Ray. Interment was in the family lot in Hazelwood.

Mr. Robberts has been nearly all his life, until his first stroke nearly ten years ago, actively identified with Grinnell. A young, enthusiastic, successful farmer, he made friends everywhere.

In business and the church he was recognized as a leader, and served on the board of trustees of the Congregational church. Commanding in appearance, strong in his views, energetic in action, he was known far and wide, and his friends were numbered by his acquainances. A Republican by party preference, he was a working Republican, because he believed the principles of the party were right. Always cheerful in business and at home, safe, reliable and trusted, he combined the elements of true manhood with a broad intelligence and culture which made him welcome in all circles. Few men have stood higher in Grinnell, and there have been few men whose loss is more regretted.