Robert Wilson Coulter 1844-1902

COULTER, STILLWELL, MUSGRAVE

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 4/20/2013 at 14:11:18

ROBERT WILSON COULTER

Robert Wilson Coulter, the subject of this sketch, was a man among men, one among the many. He was one of the cleanest and most charitably minded men we ever knew. Malice was foreign to his character. He was a big man, a great man, a truly Christian man. There was nothing little about this man. He was a true neighbor and loved his neighbor as himself. We say this, not because he is dead, not because he met a tragic death, not because he was the writer's friend, but because Robert Coulter was all that he appeared to be, because he deserves every word of praise that may be given to him. He was truly great in that happy disposition that made him the admired of every one, he was truly great in that God fearing way that led him, while suffering excruciating pain, to utter a prayer and ask "O, God have mercy on George's soul." Such was the man, Robert Coulter. He was too great to hold malice against the man who had fired at him the fatal shots, he was too great to deny to his murderer the benefits of his prayers. Robert Coulter was merciful. He was charitable to a fault, and seldom uttered a word of condemnation against his fellow man. He was generous in his sympathies. Robert Coulter was a firm believer in the Christian faith and his every day life attested his truly Christian virtues. He was always the same jovial good natured man and the honesty of his purpose was never questioned. He was a man in the full sense of the word, his friends were legion and all of them placed the same high estimate upon his worth. He never posed as one who was, faultless nor deemed himself better than the commonest of his fellow men.

His stories of army life were unique -- there was nothing of the "big I am" about them. His first service was in front of Vicksburg and often did we hear him tell of the first battle in which he was engaged. His description was realistic and while listening to his tale of that first service we could almost hear the whistle of the bullets and the booming of cannons. He followed Sherman in the "March to the Sea" and was wounded in one of the battles around Atlanta. His descriptions of his military service at once impressed you with the strong personality of the man. You could not help knowing and believing that he was among the bravest. He never claimed distinction for bravery but rather said that the first shots of battle caused him to tremble. Robert Coulter was true to every trust and died as became the man, in the line of duty. He could not shirk a task and what was to be, was accepted without complaining. Farmington has lost a citizen that will be sadly missed. Of his home life much might be said. He fairly worshipped his ailing wife and no task for her happiness and comfort was too great. She was frail and delicate, he was big and strong and it was he that alleviated the many discomforts of her life. He cared for her as tenderly as a mother cares for her babe. He was thoughtful of her welfare -- she will miss his daily home coming. He was a fond indulgent father and the two sons have lost their best, strongest and most faithful friend and companion.

Mr. Coulter was born at Findlay, O., Dec. 15, 1844. With his parents, Samuel and Roxanna Coulter he came to Van Buren county, Iowa, in 1849 and here he grew to manhood. At the age of 17 he enlisted in Co. D. 30th. Reg. Iowa Volunteer Infantry and saw service until the end of the Rebellion. An old comrade of his company says of him "Bob was always the same even tempered, conscientious man. Everybody in the company liked him. He was as good a soldier as ever wore the blue." After his discharge he returned to Farmington and in 1870 he went to California but returned the following year. On the 26th of Oct. 1871 he was married to Miss Alice Krenmyre. To them were born three sons, Frank E., Truman and Otto Earl. The latter died at the age of 7 years. He was appointed night watch in 1891 and for eleven years he kept a nightly vigil over our town. Two years ago he was and appointed marshal and served our people to their full satisfaction. Mr. Coulter quietly passed away last Sunday noon. The funeral services were conducted from the M. E. church, his pastor, Rev. J. Herbert Taylor, in charge, assisted by Elder Cooper, of Keosauqua., Rev. J. F. Barnett, under whose preaching he was converted in 1886, G. H. When and Elder Jas. McKiernan. The people of the town and country turned out enmasse and paid their last sad tribute to the man they knew and loved so well.

Source: The Farmington News; 25 Dec 1902

Note: Robert Coulter and Justice of the Peace Alfred E. Musgrave were shot and killed by George J. Stillwell. See other obituaries on this Board as well as articles on Document Message Board.