RANDOLPH, Robert Hall: Died 1959

RANDOLPH, HIGGS

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 6/6/2016 at 23:23:22

**Handwritten: Rec. Rep. Nov. 26, 1959

Robert Hall Randolph

Robert Hall Randolph, son of John and Anna Higgs Randolph, was born August 31, 1885 in Louisa County, Iowa; and after a steady decline in health passed away at his home in Milton, November 1959, at the age of 74 years.

He came to Milton as a small boy when his father was the Methodist Protestant minister in the south part of town. He moved with his parents from one parsonage to another in many parts of the state, going as far north as Mapleton, Iowa, where they moved from around Ottumwa with a horse and buggy.

In his early manhood, as the family moved about, he taught school and later taught in schools in southern Iowa.

In 1909 he returned to Milton with his parents, where his father built the Randolph home, which still stands in the west part of town. During these years he taught school.

At an early age he united with the Methodist Protestant church, and later transferred his membership to the Grace Methodist Church in Milton on April 18, 1920. He was noted for his scholastic ability, not only as a school teacher but as a Sunday school teacher. He taught a boys class years ago and later became teacher of the men's class.

He started his business life in Milton by chopping wood and selling it by the cord. Later he became a cement contractor and took part in the building of a large share of the sidewalks now in Milton. Still later he owned and operated a Poultry and Produce station near the railroad station, converting the building into a home in later years.

Mr. Randolph was always civic minded and looked forward to the betterment of the community. He was not only a council member, but at one time mayor of Milton.

Preceding him in death were his two brothers and one sister, all of whom died of diphtheria before their return to Milton; and his parents, who died in Milton.

Mr. Randolph is survived only by cousins: Mrs. Maude Thompson and Mrs. Daisy Ament of Morning Sun, Iowa and Aner Laubscher of Pittsburg, Pa.

Bob, as he was known by all, helped and befriended many throughout his life.

Funeral services were held at the Wellborn Funeral Home in Milton on Saturday, Nov. 21, 1959, at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Harold Harryman of Milton officiating. Interment was in Sunnyside Cemetery in Milton.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book G, Page 5, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA