Robert R. Rowland

ROWLAND, RUSSELL, THAYER

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/2/2001 at 17:28:09

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties – 1890
ROBERT R. ROWLAND
Robert R. Rowland, senior partner of the firm of Rowland Bros. General merchants, of Milton, is a native of Van Buren County. He was born on December 5, 1843, his parents being Samuel P. and Elizabeth Russell Rowland, and was reared to farm life receiving such educational advantages as was afforded by the common schools of that day. However, not desiring to make farming his life work, he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits and in Milton, in 1864, opened a dry goods store. He has since continued in that line of business and is probably the oldest merchant, in year of service in Milton. During the twenty-six years in which he has given his attention to that pursuit, he has been associated with several partners. The firm of Rowland Bros. Was established in the fall of 1876 and with the exception of about two years has carried on operations continuously since. They carry a general line of merchandise, and have a large and constantly increasing patronage, which results, from the excellent grade of goods, which they carry, and their courteous treatment and prompt attention to the wants of their customers.
On April 2, 1874, in Davis County Iowa, Mr. Rowland was united in marriage with Miss Fannie Thayer, a native of Adams County, Illinois, and a daughter of Oliver Thayer. Unto them were born four children, three sons and a daughter, but they have lost one son. The daughter Nettie, is the eldest, her birth having occurred March 23, 1875; Orin, was born October 26, 1877; Herbert December 30, 1879; and Robert died at the age of eight months.
Mr. and Mrs. Rowland are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are soon to have one of the finest homes in Milton, which is now in process of erection. He is also the owner of a farm of one hundred and five acres in Davis County, which he has leased. In politics, Mr. Rowland is a Democrat and is an enterprising and successful businessman of good standing.
I am not related, and am posting this biography for those who may find this person in their family history.