Robert R. Rowland

ROWLAND, PRICE, DOWNS, SMART, RUSSELL, WALLIS, THAYER, MILLER

Posted By: Fran Hunt Volunteer
Date: 10/9/2001 at 07:44:36

R.R. ROWLAND, PIONEER MILTON MERCHANT DIES
“Uncle Bob”, 91, Ill Only Two Weeks, Taken Sunday

R.R. Rowland, universally known as “Uncle Bob” in Milton where he had been an integral part of the civic and business life of the community for the greater part of the civic and business life of the community for the greater part of a century, died at his home at 12:35 a. m. last Sunday, June 23, 1935. He was 91 years old and had been ill only two weeks prior to his death.
The venerable Milton pioneer was born in 1843, within two miles of town on the old Rowland homestead, southwest of Milton. His entire life was spent in Milton or vicinity. He was the oldest native-born resident of Milton, at the time of his death.
Entering business in Milton for himself in 1876, as one of the founders of the Rowland Brothers store, “Uncle Bob” continued an active interest in the store until his last illness, rounding out a business career of nearly 70 years. It is believed that Mr. Rowland was probably the oldest active merchant, from the standpoint of continuous service, in the state. In May 1934, he acquired the interest in the store held by the heirs of his late brother and co-founder, J.D. Rowland. The growth and development of the business career of Mr. Rowland closely paralleled the growth and development of Milton. His life and activity forms an important chapter in the history of Milton.
The funeral service was held at the Methodist Church in Milton, Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock. The Rev. M.D. Wyatt delivered the funeral address. Interment in charge of Burnett Funeral Directors, was made in Sunnyside cemetery. Two selections, “Face to Face,” and “Sometime We’ll Understand,” were sung during the funeral service by John R. Holland; Mrs. Charles F. Brady played the piano accompaniment.
Pallbearers, all Milton businessmen were: D.A. Miller, A.R. Norman, Charles F. Brady, W.D. Sherwood, Frank Hoskins and J.R. Jolley.
Following is the obituary and tribute read at the funeral service.
Beginning with a new born day, Sunday, June 23, at 12:35, the “Death Angel” in passing summoned one of our oldest and most respected and beloved citizens, “Uncle Bob” Rowland as he was familiarly known to most of us.
Robert Russell Rowland, son of Samuel P. and Elizabeth Rowland, pioneer citizens of this town and state, was born on the old Rowland homestead one and one-half miles southwest of Milton, Iowa on December 5, 1843. Father, mother, three sisters, Deborah Ann Price, Mary E. and Hannah J. Rowland, and two brothers, J.W. and Jonathan D. Rowland have all preceded him in passing. He spent his boyhood days on the farm until nineteen years of age, when he went to clerk in a general store owned by his uncle Jack Downs, and remained in this capacity until the year 1865, when he formed a partnership with one Jack Smart, and later was connected in the same business with both W.D. Russell and Dodge Wallis. In 1876, he and his brother Jonathan D. Rowland, formed a partnership and began a general merchandise business at the location where the Rowland Bros. Store still is in operation, with “Uncle Bob” as the owner. Rowland Bros. “old Reliable” store has been one of the successful ventures of the past, and has been in active operation for nearly sixth years, and will long be remembered after its activities shall cease and the names of those who were so actively engaged in the past will have become history.
In April 1873, he was given I marriage with Frances Ellen Thayer, and to this union were born four children, Mrs. Nettie R. Miller of Santa Monica California, Oren E. Rowland and Herbert J. Rowland, of Milton Iowa and Robert J. who died in infancy. His three children were with him during the last days of his sickness. Robert R. Rowland has been a lifelong resident of Milton and vicinity and will be missed in his home, his church and the town in general, for he was one of those who could always be found here, as he never cared for anyplace like his own home and town. During his younger days, he was very active in all the things that go to keep a good town intact, having been a member of the school board, town council, and interested in everything and all the people of his immediate village and vicinity.
Besides being respected and mourned by hosts of friends and acquaintances he leaves his three children, ten grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many other relatives.
His membership has been with the M.E. church at this place for a period of 52 years, and as long as health and age permitted he was found in his place of worship and ready to show to the world, that his was a worship, in Spirit and Truth. This is only a brief life sketch of one who has been among us and has experienced many changes, both for good and ill that have come and gone during his stay of years, and which has never changed his good, wholesome example, left as a legacy to all who knew him, and which will live in the memory and deeds of many of those who are left. There can be no greater and better life history to emulate than that of Uncle Robert Rowland, who has been among us for 91 years, 6 months and 18 days. I am not related and am posting this obituary for those who might find this person in their family history.