The subject of this sketch was born in Broome County, New York, May 2, 1821. His parents were Esquire S. and Sally (Angel) Pope, who were also natives of that state. Robert received a common school education, and after the death of his father in 1842 he came to Scott County and settled in Pleasant Valley Township on a farm. In 1851 he embarked in the mercantile business in Pleasant Valley, but only remained there about six months. He then moved to Le Claire and opened another store, carrying on a successful business in that city for two years. At the end of that time he moved to Princeton, where he erected a large stone and brink hotel, which was the pride of the village at that time, at a cost of five thousand dollars. The first story, or ground floor, he used for his store, and the two upper stories for a hotel. He continued in the mercantile business until 1862, when he became the owner of a most advantageous landing for boats, which was known as Pinnacle Point. This was the only safe place for boats to land during low water in Princeton. Mr. Pope established two warehouses there, and was appointed steamboat agent for all the lines running on the river. The old original line was the Keokuk & St. Paul Packet Line, then the White Collar Line and then the Diamond Joe Line. For more then forty years he acted as agent for various steamboat companies, though he was not actively engaged in the warehouse business until the year above mentioned. In 1852 he was one of the trustees appointed to lay out the town of Princeton, and from that time to the present he has always taken an active interest in town affairs.
Mr. Pope was united in marriage to Miss Angeline H., daughter of Bishop and Hannah (Comstock) Stebbins, on February 25, 1852. To them were born six children: Alvaretta married Henry Garber, Adelbert died August 27, 1856, Clarence, also deceased, Frank married Miss Fannie James, Fred is single and makes his home with his father, Winfield S. married Miss Ida Beckel. Mrs. Pope died in March of 1885, and the following December Mr. Pope was United in marriage to Miss Mattie G., daughter of Moses N. and Jane R. (Nichols) Griswold, who were natives of New York. They emigrated to Michigan in 1833, where they lived until 1859, when they moved to Hannibal, Missouri. Mr. Griswold was a soldier in the late war, receiving injuries from which he died. Mrs. Griswold is still living and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Pope.
Mr. Pope has served as an alderman in the Princeton City Council; also as township trustee. In political matters he affiliates with the Democratic party. He is one of the old and highly respected citizens of Princeton. He is a man of pleasing manners, his cordiality being one of his marked characteristics. He is liberal and always willing to spend his time, influence and money to promote the interest of his town or the public in general.
BIOGRAPHIES