ALBERTSON, ROBERT W.

ALBERTSON CAMPBELL ARCHIBALD GORDON

Posted By: mjv (email)
Date: 3/25/2020 at 14:26:08

ROBERT W. ALBERTSON, Washington, is one of the early settlers of the county, having resided here principally since 1855. He is a native of Harrison County, Ohio, born July 28, 1831. His parents, Thomas and Fannie (Campbell) Albertson, emigrated to Ohio at an early day and were among the first to locate in Harrison County. They were the parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters, one daughter and three sons yet living: Mary, residing in Ashland County, Ohio; William and James, also of that county and State, and Robert W. of this county. Thomas Albertson in his religious views, affiliated with the Presbyterians, and for many years, and until his death was a Deacon in that body. He died June 17, 1876; Mrs. Albertson died Nov. 7, 1879. She was also a member of the Presbyterian Church. Both were earnest in the faith and highly respected wherever known.

Robert Albertson was reared upon his father’s farm and educated in the common schools. When eighteen years of age he engaged with a plasterer to learn that trade, at a salary of $5 per month, with board and washing, working two years for those wages. In 1855, believing that he could do better in a newer country, he came to Washington County, worked at his trade, became acquainted with, and in 1857 married Miss Elizabeth Gordon, daughter of David, Sr., and Siblie (Archibald) Gordon. The former was one of the pioneers of the county. Five children were born unto them – John, William, Fanny, Frank and Vida B. Soon after his marriage he returned to Ohio with his bride, and was there in 1862, when the call was made by President Lincoln for 300,000 more men and, in response to the call he enlisted in Co. K, mustered into the service at Mansfield, Ohio, from which place they were sent into Tennessee, and in the battle of Murfreesboro, which soon afterward occurred, the regiment lost heavily. It was next sent to Clarksville, Tenn., where it did guard duty. While there Mr. Albertson was taken sick, and sent to the hospital, where he lay one month, and was then discharged for physical disability. His sickness was caused from exposure, the regiment being for three weeks without blankets, the men having to lie upon the bare ground. From the effects of this exposure Mr. Albertson never recovered, and for some years has been drawing a pension of $12 per month, which in the spring of 1887, was increased to $24 per month. The increase was merited, and, though tardy, is duly appreciated. On receiving his discharge Mr. Albertson returned to Ohio, remaining a short time, and then came back to Washington, where he has since continued to reside, following his occupation of plasterer whenever his health would permit.

In politics, Mr. Albertson is a Democrat. He is a member of the G. A. R., of Washington. For upward of thirty years, Mr. Albertson has been identified with the county, and in that time has witnessed many changes. The principles of the Golden Rule he endeavors to apply to his daily life.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa (1887). Excerpt from Biographical Sketch of R.W. Albertson, page 553.