Surname Saturday: The Robertson's


My Great Grandparents



John Edgar Robertson




 Mary Ursula Becker



The top photo Is John Edgar Robertson and below him is his wife Mary Ursula Becker.
The bottom picture is their family picture. I recieved these wonderful photo's from Jennifer Woods, Thank you Jen.

I was working on my Robertson line the other day on Ancestry http://www.ancestry.com
and found a message in my inbox from Jennifer Woods. Seems we are related. Her Great-grandmother Marie Margaret Robertson and my Grandfather George Edgar Robertson were brother and sister. What an amazing gift to be given.

We started sharing family records and pictures and following each other's blogs.
She is amazing with her genealogy and home schools 5 children WOW!!!!! way to go!

So we are both research the same lines, Robertson, Becker, Kuttenkuler, Cavit. Wyant, Cowen and Bestgen. Hopefully between the two of us we can finally add another generation to our line.

John Edgar Robertson born 10 Mar 1804 in Kentucky and died 26 Feb 1879 in Washington, Iowa. Married 20 Jan 1831 in Kentucky to Abigail Cowen born 13 Nov 1812, died 22 Jul 1838 in Kentucky from childbirth.

The following I recieved from Jennifer:

8. John Robertson [220],1 son of Robertson [10248] and Unknown, was born on 10 Mar 1804 in , ,
Kentucky, USA,2 died on 26 Feb 18793 at age 74, and was buried in Washington, Washington, Iowa, USA. 3
Noted events in his life were:
• He appeared on the census on 30 Jul 1850 in Clinton Twp, Knox, Ohio, USA. 4
1) John Robertson, age 46, male, farmer, real estate worth $4000, born in KY
2) Mary S. Robertson, age 50, female, born in KY
3) Mary Robertson, age 18, female, born in KY
4) Rachel Ann Robertson, age 16, female, born in KY
5) Hugh Robertson, age 14, male, born in KY
6) Alexander Robertson, age 12, male, born in KY
7) Robert Robertson, age 59, male, farmer, born in KY
• He appeared on the census on 13 Jul 1860 in Morning Sun Twp, Louisa, Iowa, USA. 5
1) William L Lima, age 33, male, farmer, real estate valued at $3300, personal estate valued at $700,
born in PA
2) Rachael A, age 25, female, born in KY
3) Robinson G, age 5, male, born in OH
4) Mary A, age 3, female, born in IA
5) William E, age 1, male, born in IA
6) John F Lima, age 31, male, born in PA
7) John Robertson, age 56, male, farmer, born in KY
8) Robert Robertson, age 67, male, farmer, born in KY
9) Mary S Robertson, age 59, female, born in KY
10) Hugh M Robertson, age 24, male, teacher, born in KY
11) Alex C Robertson, age 23, male, farmer, born in KY
12) Charles L Davidson, age 14, male, born in OH
13) Mary Glenn, age 28, female, born in KY
14) Zelda A Glenn, age 3, female, born in IA
• He appeared on the census on 2 Sep 1870 in Franklin Twp, Washington, Iowa, USA. 6
1) John Robertson, age 66, male, white, farmer, real estate valued at $7000, personal estate valued at
$1300, born in KY, male citizen
2) Mary Glenn, age 38, female, white, keeping house, born in KY
3) Zeldia Glenn, age 15, female, white, born in IA, attended school
4) Alx C Robertson, age 32, male, white, farmer, personal estate worth $400, born in KY, male citizen
5) Elizabeth, age 27, female, white, keeping house, born in PA
6) Elmer, age 6, male, white, born in IA, attended school
7) John E, age 4, male, white, born in IA
8) Charles, age 1, male, white, born in IA
• He has conflicting death information of 1876 and , Washington, Iowa, USA. 7
John married Abigail Cowen [221] [MRIN: 94] on 20 Jan 1831 in , , Kentucky, USA.7
Children from this marriage were:
i. Mary Frances Robertson [890]
ii. Rachel Ann Robertson [891]
iii. Hugh M. Robertson [892]
4 iv. Alexander Cowen Robertson [218]
John next married Mary S. [889]8 [MRIN: 281].
Noted events in her life were:
• She appeared on the census on 30 Jul 1850 in Clinton Twp, Knox, Ohio, USA. 4
1) John Robertson, age 46, male, farmer, real estate worth $4000, born in KY
2) Mary S. Robertson, age 50, female, born in KY
3) Mary Robertson, age 18, female, born in KY
4) Rachel Ann Robertson, age 16, female, born in KY
5) Hugh Robertson, age 14, male, born in KY
6) Alexander Robertson, age 12, male, born in KY
7) Robert Robertson, age 59, male, farmer, born in KY
• She appeared on the census on 13 Jul 1860 in Morning Sun Twp, Louisa, Iowa, USA. 5
1) William L Lima, age 33, male, farmer, real estate valued at $3300, personal estate valued at $700,
born in PA
2) Rachael A, age 25, female, born in KY
3) Robinson G, age 5, male, born in OH
4) Mary A, age 3, female, born in IA
5) William E, age 1, male, born in IA
6) John F Lima, age 31, male, born in PA
7) John Robertson, age 56, male, farmer, born in KY
8) Robert Robertson, age 67, male, farmer, born in KY
9) Mary S Robertson, age 59, female, born in KY
10) Hugh M Robertson, age 24, male, teacher, born in KY
11) Alex C Robertson, age 23, male, farmer, born in KY
12) Charles L Davidson, age 14, male, born in OH
13) Mary Glenn, age 28, female, born in KY
14) Zelda A Glenn, age 3, female, born in IA
9. Abigail Cowen [221], daughter of Cowen [10376] and Unknown, was born on 13 Nov 18127 and died on 22 Jul 1838 in , , Kentucky, USA7 at age 25. The cause of her death was childbirth. 7
Abigail married John Robertson [220]1 [MRIN: 94] on 20 Jan 1831 in , , Kentucky, USA.7
10. John Cavit [222],9 son of George Cavit [8761] and Nancy Turner [8762], was born on 20 Aug 1809 in
, , Pennsylvania, USA10 and died on 26 Jul 1891 in Burkmere, Faulk, South Dakota, USA 7 at age 81. Another
name for John was John Cavet.11
Noted events in his life were:
• He appeared on the census in 1810 in Fayette Twp, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, USA.12 People living
near them were: Elizabeth Turner, Wm Schollars, Wm Turner, Joseph McElheny, Saml Turner, and
Thomas Turner.
George Cavit household, 2 males under 10 [John & ?], 1 male 16-25 [George], 2 females under 10
[Mary & ?], 1 female 26-44 [Nancy]
• He appeared on the census in 1840 in Fayette Twp, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, USA.13
They were listed on the same page as Adam Potter and William Cavitt.
John Cavitt household, 1 male under 5 [Adam Potter Cavit], 1 male 20 & under 30 [ John Cavit], 1
female under 5 [Nancy Cavit], 1 female 15 & under 20 [Juliette Cavit]
• He appeared on the census on 18 Oct 1850 in Little Beaver Twp, Lawrence, Pennsylvania, USA. 11
1) John Cavet, age 34, male, miller, real estate worth $2000
2) Juluet, age 32, female,
3) Nancy, age 12, female, attended school
4) Potter, age 11, male, attended school
5) George, age 9, male, attended school
6) Elizabeth, age 6, female, attended school
7) John, age 3, male
8) Minford, age 1, male
• He signed a will of his father on 13 Dec 1854 in , Allegheny, Pennsylvania, USA.14
In the name of God Amen. I George Cavit of the Township of North Fayette County of Allegheny
State of Pennsylvania being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of this frail
and transitory life, do therefore make, ordain, publish and declair, this to be my last will and testament
that is to say
First I order that all my personal Estate except such as is hereinafter bequeathed, to be sold, and that
all my just debts which shall be by me owing at my death, together with my funeral expenses and all
charges touching the proving of this my last will and testament be fully paid
Item. I give and bequeath to my son William Cavit eight hundred dollars to be paid one half in one
year and the balance in two years after my decease as is herein after directed.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Arnold three hundred dollars to be paid as hereinafter
directed and one bed and one bedstead and beding of what is on hands at my decease.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Nancy McFadden three hundred dollars to be paid as
hereinafter directed and one bed and bedstead and beading of what is on hands at my decease.
Item. I give and bequeath to my son John Cavit five hundred dollars in addition to what he has
already received the one half in one year, and the balance in two years after my decease, as is
hereinafter directed.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Peggy Purdy three hundred dollars to be paid as hereinafter
directed and one bed and bedstead and beding of what is on hand at my decease.
Item. I give and bequeath to my son George Cavit two hundred dollars in addition to what he has
already received one year after my decease.
Item. I give and bequeath to my son Samuel Cavit the farm on which I now reside and all the grain on
hands and in the ground, subject to payment of two hundred dollars to my daughter Mary one year
after my decease: also two hundred dollars to my daughter Nancy three years after my decease. also
two hundred dollars to my daughter Peggy five years after my decease being a part of the legacies
bequeathed to my said daughters, the third hundred to each one of them to be paid by the Executor out
of the proceeds of Sale one year after my decease.
Item. I order my Executor hereinafter named to sell the farm which I purchased of Piatt and I
authorize him to make deed for the same and apply the proceeds to paying the legacies not otherwise
directed to be paid and if after the legacies herein mentioned are paid there should any money remain
my will is and I order that it be equally divided between my children.
If any of my Children should bring a charge against me or my estate it is to be considered settled in
what is now willed to them.
Lastly, I do hereby nominate, constitute, and appoint Andrew Dickson and William Cavit, Executor of
this my last will and testament hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me maid and
declare this only to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I the said testator George Cavit
have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal, the thirteenth day of December A.D.
1854
George Cavit (seal)
Signed, Sealed, published and declared by the Said testator George Cavit as and for his last will and
testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other
have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto
JA Guy
• He appeared on the census on 28 Jul 1860 in Franklin Twp, Washington, Iowa, USA. 15
1) John Cavit, age 50, male, white, farmer, personal estate worth $1000, born in PA
2) Juliett, age 44, female, white, born in PA
3) Adam P, age 21, male, white, born in PA
4) Geo. T, age 18, male, white, born in PA, attended school
5) Elizabeth J, age 16, female, white, born in PA, attended school
6) John A, age 13, male, white, born in PA, attended school
7) Minford R, age 10, male, white, born in PA, attended school
8)Winfield S, age 8, male, white, born in PA, attended school
9) Olive A, age 5, female, white, born in PA, attended school
10) Dessie J, age 3, female, white, born in PA
• He appeared on the census on 26 Jun 1880 in Dutch Creek Twp, Washington, Iowa, USA. 16
1) John Cavit, male, age 70, married, farmer, born in PA, parents born in PA

Thier son John Edgar Robertson born 17 Aug 1866 in Washington, IA and died 26 Nov 1954 in Sioux City, IA, is buried in Calvary Cemetery. Married 24 Jul 1891 in Council Bluff, IA to Mary Ursula Becker. The parents of my grandfather George Edgar Robertson, and Jennifer's Great-Grandmother Marie Margaret Robertson and other children.

The following from Jennifer:

2. John Edgar Robertson [53],1 son of Alexander Cowen Robertson [218] and Elizabeth Jane Cavit
[219], was born on 17 Aug 1866 in Washington, Washington, Iowa, USA, 1 died on 26 Nov 1954 in Sioux City,
Woodbury, Iowa, USA1 at age 88, and was buried on 29 Nov 1954 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa, USA.2
Another name for John was Jack.3
Burial Notes: He was buried in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Sioux City, IA.
Medical Notes: He had his leg amputated and it was buried March 8, 1954. 4
Noted events in his life were:
• He appeared on the census on 2 Sep 1870 in Franklin Twp, Washington, Iowa, USA. 5
1) John Robertson, age 66, male, white, farmer, real estate valued at $7000, personal estate valued at
$1300, born in KY, male citizen
2) Mary Glenn, age 38, female, white, keeping house, born in KY
3) Zeldia Glenn, age 15, female, white, born in IA, attended school
4) Alx C Robertson, age 32, male, white, farmer, personal estate worth $400, born in KY, male citizen
5) Elizabeth, age 27, female, white, keeping house, born in PA
6) Elmer, age 6, male, white, born in IA, attended school
7) John E, age 4, male, white, born in IA
8) Charles, age 1, male, white, born in IA
• He appeared on the census on 25 Jun 1880 in Franklin Twp, Washington, Iowa, USA. 6
1) Alx Robertson, male, age 40, married, farmer, born in KY, parents born in KY
2) E J Robertson, white, female, age 37, wife, married, K house, born in PA, parents born in PA
3) E E Robertson, white, male, age 16, son, single, at home, attended school, born in IA, father born in
KY, mother born in PA
4) J E Robertson [John Edgar], white, male, age 13, son, single, at home, attending shcool, born in
IA, father born in KY, mother born in PA
5) C W Robertson, white, male, age 10, son, single, at home, attending school, born in IA, father born
in KY, mother born in PA
6) E M Robertson, white, female, age 8, daughter, single, at home, attending school, born in IA, father
born in KY, mother born in PA
7) D A Robertson, white, female, age 6, daughter, single, at home, attending school, born in IA, father
born in KY, mother born in PA
8) G L Robertson, white, male, age 4, son, single, at home, born in IA, father born in KY, mother born
in PA
9) N A Robertson, white, female, age 2, single, at home, born in IA, father born in KY, mother born in
PA
10) Rush Robertson, white, male, age 1 month (born in May), son, single, born in IA, father born in
KY, mother born in PA, listed as a twin
11) Ralf Robertson, white, male, age 1 month (born in May), son, single, born in IA, father born in KY,
mother born in PA. listed as a twin
• He appeared on the census on 2 Jun 1900 in Concord Twp, Woodbury, Iowa, USA. 7
1) John E Robertson, head, white, male, Aug 1866, age 33, married 8 yrs, born in IA, father born in
KY, mother born in PA, farming, can read, write, and speak English, renting a farm, no. 13
2) May, wife, white, female, 1864, age 35, married 8 yrs, 5 of 5 children living, born in MO, parents
born in Germany, can read, write, and speak English
3) Harry C, son, white, male, 1893, age 7, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO,
can read, write, and speak English
4) George E, son, white, male, Jan 1895, age 5, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in
MO, can read and write, can't speak English [I think they reversed these - he probably can't read and
write but can speak English]
5) Ella E, daughter, white, female, Apr 1896, age 4, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in 6) Louise, daughter, white, female, Sep 1898, age 1, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born
in MO, can't read or write, can speak English
7) Mary M, daughter, white, female, Aug 1899, age 9 mos, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother
born in MO
• He appeared on the census on 23 Apr 1910 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa, USA. 8
1) John Robertson, head, male, white, age 43, married 17 yrs, born in IA, parents born in PA, speaks
English, teamster, w worker, not out of work, able to read and write
2) Mary, wife, female, white, age 45, married 17 yrs, 8 of 10 children living, born in MO, parents born
in Germany, speaks English, able to read and write
3) Harry, son, male, white, age 17, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO, speaks
English, teamster, w worker, not out of work, able to read and write
4) George, son, male, white, age 16, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO, speaks
English, can read and write, attending school
5) Ellen, daughter, female, white, age 14, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO,
speaks English, check girl at dept store, w worker, not out of work, able to read and write
6) Lula, daughter, female, white, age 12, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO,
speaks English, can read and write, attending school
7) Marie, daughter, female, white, age 10, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO,
speaks English, can read and write, attending school
8) Clyde, son, male, white, age 7, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO
9) Lucille, daughter, female, white, age 4, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO
10) Lewis, son, male, white, age 2, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO
• He appeared on the Iowa State census in 1915 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa, USA. 9
Card no. D726, male, white, married
reads and writes, in US 48 yrs, in IA 48 yrs,
J. E. Robertson, age 48
Woodbury, 811 N 3, Sioux City, ward 1
Shipping Clerk, earned $1200 in 1914
Education: 7 yrs, born in IA, no church affiliation
father born in Kentucky, mother born in Penn.
Signed JE Browning
• Consent Given: for the marriage of Marie Robertson and Alonzo Thornton, 23 Nov 1915, Sioux City,
Woodbury, Iowa, USA.10
...I hereby consent to the marriage of my daughter Marie a minor of the age of 16 years. and request that
license issue accordingly.
John E. Robertson [signature]
...
• He appeared on the census on 3 Jan 1920 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa, USA. 11
1) John E Robertson, head, renting, male, white, age 53, married, able to read and write, born in IA,
father born in KY, mother born in PA, able to speak English, clerk, American Express, w worker
2) Mary U Robertson, wife, female, white, age 55, married, able to read and write, born in MO, parents
born in Germany, able to speak English, no occupation
3) Harry C Robertson, son, male, white, age 27, single, able to read and write, born in IA, father born in
IA, mother born in MO, able to speak English, floor finisher, wood floors, oa
4) George E Robertson, son, male, white, age 25, single, able to read and write, born in IA, father born
in IA, mother born in MO, able to speak English, carpet layer, retail dry goods, w
5) Clyde J Robertson, son, male, white, age 17, single, not attending school, able to read and write, born
in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO, able to speak English, helper, boiler shop, w
6) Loucile Robertson, daughter, female, white, age 15, single, attending school, able to read and write,
born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO, no occupation
7) Louis Robertson, son, male, white, age 11, single, attending school, able to read and write, born in
IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO, able to speak English, no occupation • He appeared on the census on 11 Apr 1930 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa, USA. 12
1) John E Robertson, head, renting for $30/mo, owns a radio set, does not live on a farm, male,
white, age 63, married, 24 at first marriage, not attending shcool, able to read and write, born in IA,
father born in KY, mother born in PA, [fireman or foreman], Railway Express, w worker, employed,
not a veteran
2) Mary U Robertson, wife, female, white, age 65, 26 at first marriage, not attending school, able to
read and write, born in MO, parents born in Germany, no occupation
3) Louis Robertson, son, male, white, age 21, married, 21 at first marriage, not attending school, able to
read and write, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO, painter, Frank Co, w worker, not
actually at work, not a veteran
4) Zeona V Robertson, daughter-in-law, female, white, age 23, married, 22 at first marriage, not
attending school, able to read and write, born in IA, parents born in IA, bookkeeper, dept. store, w
worker, at work
• His obituary was published on 27 Nov 1954 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa, USA.13
John E. Robertson
Funeral services for John E. Robertson, 88, a resident of Sioux City for 63 years who died Friday at a
hospital after a long illness, will be at 9 a.m. Monday at St. Boniface Catholic church.
Rev. Phillip Koehler, O.S.M., will officiate and burial will be in Calvary cemtery. Grandsons will be
pallbearers.
The rosary will be recited at 8 o'clock tonight at the Manning - O'Toole funeral home.
John married Mary Ursula Becker [54]14 [MRIN: 38] on 24 Jul 1891 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, Iowa,
USA.15
Marriage Notes: They were married in the St. Patrick Catholic Church rectory. Mary was a Roman
Catholic and John was not.
John And Mary worked for a wealthy engineer before they married. The engineer eraned his living
building bridges over the Missouri River. Mary worked as an upstairs maid in this engineer's household
and John was employed as a carriage driver and caretaker of the man's stable of horses, which were
extensive and expensive. Whenever the gentleman desired to go to town for business confrences of
whatever the man and his wife had to attend a social occasion, John would have to get out the team of
four beautiful black horses and hook them up to a beutiful black carriage and drive the man and women
on thier trip. John said that the reason Mary fell in love with him was because whenever he had to drive
the gentleman and his wife he was required to dress up in a swallowtail red caot, white trousers, black
shiney boots and a shiney black top hat. In this outfit Mary simply couln't resist him, so to take her out
of her misery he married her.16
Noted events in their marriage were:
• Anniversary: 1944.3 They celebrated their Golden Anniversary. All of their children were present.
Children from this marriage were:
i. Harry Charles Robertson [253]
ii. George Edgar Robertson [254]
iii. Helen Alta Robertson [255]
iv. Louise Cecelia Robertson [256]
1 v. Marie Margaret Robertson [36]
vi. John Edgar Robertson [257]
vii. Frederick John Robertson [258]
viii. Clyde Joseph Robertson [259]
ix. Lucille Blanche Robertson [260]
x. Louis Anthony Robertson [261]
3. Mary Ursula Becker [54],14 daughter of John Henry Becker [216] and Margaret Helen Kuttenkuler
[217], was born on 5 Dec 1864 in Tipton, Moniteau, Missouri, USA, 17 died on 19 Sep 1943 in Sioux City,
Woodbury, Iowa, USA18 at age 78, and was buried on 22 Sep 1943 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa, USA.
Burial Notes: She is buried in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Sioux City, IA.
Noted events in her life were:
• She appeared on the census on 15 Aug 1870 in Willow Fork Twp, Moniteau, Missouri, USA. 19
1) Henry Becker, age 39, male, white, house carpenter, real estate worth $3500, personal estate worth
$1200, born in Prussia, parents foreign born, male citizen
2) Margerette, age 31, female, white, keeping house, born in Prussia, parents foreign born
3) Caroline, age 12, female, white, born in MO, parents foreign born
4) Julia, age 9, female, white, born in MO, parents foreign born, attended school
5) Charles, age 7, male, white, born in MO, parents foreign born, attended school
6) Mary, age 5, female, white, born in MO, parents foreign born, attended school
7) John, age 3, male, white, born in MO, parents foreign born
8) Anna, age 1, female, white, born in MO, parents foreign born
9) Peter Thiel, age 30, male, white, laborer, personal estate worth $100, born in Prussia, parents foreign
born
10) Wm Vogel, age 28, male, white, laborer, born in Prussia, parents foreign born
11) Mary Nieles, age 18, female, white, housekeeper, born in WI, parents foreign born
• She appeared on the census on 2 Jun 1880 in Tipton, Moniteau, Missouri, USA. 20
1) Henry Becker, white, male, age 49, married, carpenter, bron in Prussia, parents born in Prussia
2) Margaret, white, female, age 41, wife, married, keeping house, born in Prussia, parents born in
Prussia
3) Julia, white, female, age 19, daughter, single, at home, born in MO, parents born in Prussia
4) Charles, white, male, age 17, son, single, carpenter, attended school, born in MO, parents born in
Prussia
5) Mary, white, female, age 15, daughter, single, at home, born in MO, parents born in Prussia
6) Annie, white, female, age 11, daughter, single, at school, attended school, born in MO, parents born
in Prussia
7) Henry, white, male, age 9, son, single, attended school, born in MO, parents born in Prussia
8) Louisa, white, female, age 6, daughter, single, born in MO, parents born in Prussia
9) Ella, white, female, age 4, daughter, single, born in MO, parents born in Prussia
10) Rosa, white, female, age 1, daughter, single, born in MO, parents born in Prussia
11) Judson McBoyd, white, male, age 27, boarder, married, merchant, born in IN, parents born in OH
• She appeared on the census on 2 Jun 1900 in Concord Twp, Woodbury, Iowa, USA. 21
1) John E Robertson, head, white, male, Aug 1866, age 33, married 8 yrs, born in IA, father born in
KY, mother born in PA, farming, can read, write, and speak English, renting a farm, no. 13
2) May, wife, white, female, 1864, age 35, married 8 yrs, 5 of 5 children living, born in MO,
parents born in Germany, can read, write, and speak English
3) Harry C, son, white, male, 1893, age 7, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO,
can read, write, and speak English
4) George E, son, white, male, Jan 1895, age 5, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in
MO, can read and write, can't speak English [I think they reversed these - he probably can't read and
write but can speak English]
5) Ella E, daughter, white, female, Apr 1896, age 4, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in
MO, can't read or write, can speak English
6) Louise, daughter, white, female, Sep 1898, age 1, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born
in MO, can't read or write, can speak English
7) Mary M, daughter, white, female, Aug 1899, age 9 mos, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother
born in MO
• She appeared on the census on 23 Apr 1910 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa, USA. 22
1) John Robertson, head, male, white, age 43, married 17 yrs, born in IA, parents born in PA, speaks
English, teamster, w worker, not out of work, able to read and write
2) Mary, wife, female, white, age 45, married 17 yrs, 8 of 10 children living, born in MO, parents
born in Germany, speaks English, able to read and write
3) Harry, son, male, white, age 17, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO, speaks English, teamster, w worker, not out of work, able to read and write
4) George, son, male, white, age 16, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO, speaks
English, can read and write, attending school
5) Ellen, daughter, female, white, age 14, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO,
speaks English, check girl at dept store, w worker, not out of work, able to read and write
6) Lula, daughter, female, white, age 12, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO,
speaks English, can read and write, attending school
7) Marie, daughter, female, white, age 10, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO,
speaks English, can read and write, attending school
8) Clyde, son, male, white, age 7, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO
9) Lucille, daughter, female, white, age 4, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO
10) Lewis, son, male, white, age 2, single, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO
• She appeared on the Iowa State census in 1915 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa, USA. 23
Card no. D726, female, white, married, reads and writes,
in US 50 yrs, in IA 22 yrs
Mary Robertson, age 50
Woodbury Co., 811 N 3rd, Sioux City, Ward 1,
H wife, Education: 6 yrs, born in MO
Catholic, parents born in Germany
• She appeared on the census on 3 Jan 1920 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa, USA. 11
1) John E Robertson, head, renting, male, white, age 53, married, able to read and write, born in IA,
father born in KY, mother born in PA, able to speak English, clerk, American Express, w worker
2) Mary U Robertson, wife, female, white, age 55, married, able to read and write, born in MO,
parents born in Germany, able to speak English, no occupation
3) Harry C Robertson, son, male, white, age 27, single, able to read and write, born in IA, father born in
IA, mother born in MO, able to speak English, floor finisher, wood floors, oa
4) George E Robertson, son, male, white, age 25, single, able to read and write, born in IA, father born
in IA, mother born in MO, able to speak English, carpet layer, retail dry goods, w
5) Clyde J Robertson, son, male, white, age 17, single, not attending school, able to read and write, born
in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO, able to speak English, helper, boiler shop, w
6) Loucile Robertson, daughter, female, white, age 15, single, attending school, able to read and write,
born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO, no occupation
7) Louis Robertson, son, male, white, age 11, single, attending school, able to read and write, born in
IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO, able to speak English, no occupation
• She appeared on the census on 11 Apr 1930 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa, USA. 12
1) John E Robertson, head, renting for $30/mo, owns a radio set, does not live on a farm, male, white,
age 63, married, 24 at first marriage, not attending shcool, able to read and write, born in IA, father
born in KY, mother born in PA, [fireman or foreman], Railway Express, w worker, employed, not a
veteran
2) Mary U Robertson, wife, female, white, age 65, 26 at first marriage, not attending school, able to
read and write, born in MO, parents born in Germany, no occupation
3) Louis Robertson, son, male, white, age 21, married, 21 at first marriage, not attending school, able to
read and write, born in IA, father born in IA, mother born in MO, painter, Frank Co, w worker, not
actually at work, not a veteran
4) Zeona V Robertson, daughter-in-law, female, white, age 23, married, 22 at first marriage, not
attending school, able to read and write, born in IA, parents born in IA, bookkeeper, dept. store,
worker, at work
• Her obituary was published in the Sioux City Journal on 20 Sep 1943 in Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa,
USA.24
Mrs. Mary U. Robertson
Mrs. Mary U. Robertson for 52 years a resident of Sioux City died at the home of a daughter, Mrs. R.
H. Springer, 415 Cook street, Sunday.
She was born December 5, 1864, at Tipton, Mo. She was a member of St. Boniface Catholic churchand the Altar society there.

Survivors are the widower, John; three daughters, Mrs. R. H. Springer; Mrs. Lulu Thornton and Mrs.
Marie Thornton, all of Sioux City; four sons, Harry and Clyde, Sioux City; George, Sioux Falls, S.D.,
and Private Louis at Trinidad, Colo.; three brothers, Charles Becker, Kansas City, and Henry and Joe
Becker, both of St. Louis, and three sisters, Miss Lucy Becker, Mrs. Rose Imhoff and Mrs. Ella
Kochner, all of Tipton, Mo.
The body was taken to the O'Toole-Gunn funeral home.
Mary married John Edgar Robertson [53]1 [MRIN: 38] on 24 Jul 1891 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie,
Iowa, USA.
Source Citations
1. Darwin Edward Thornton, Thornton/Robertson Report (A copy was given to Jennifer Woods from Colleen Thornton. I am not
sure what year this was written in.), pg. 50. .... Hope Gregg, Letter from Hope Gregg (14 Sep 2001. Hope Gregg, 725 Summit Ave,
New Ulm, Minnesota, 56073, phone - 507-359-2330). .... Carolyn Thornton, John Edgar Robertson Descendant Report (Prepared 11
Feb 2000. A copy is in the possession of JenniferW oods.)
2. Hope Gregg, Letter from Hope Gregg (14 Sep 2001. Hope Gregg, 725 Summit Ave, New Ulm, Minnesota, 56073, phone - 507-
359-2330). .... OneWorldTree (Compiled by Ancestry.com).
3. Carolyn Thornton, John Edgar Robertson Descendant Report (Prepared 11 Feb 2000. A copy is in the possession of JenniferW
oods.)
4. OneWorldTree (Compiled by Ancestry.com).
5. Washington County, Iowa, 1870 U.S. Census, population schedule. (Ancestry.com. 1870 United States Federal Census.
[database on-line] Provo, UT: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2003-. Indexed by Ancestry.com from microfilmed schedules of the 1870 U.S.
Federal Decennial Census.1870 United States Federal Census. [database online] Provo, UT: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2003. Original data:
Data imaged from National Archives and Records Administration. 1870 Federal Population Census. M593, 1,761 rolls; part of
Minnesota T132, 13 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration.), John Robertson household dwelling
8, family 8, line 20, page 2, Roll M593_424.
6. Washington County, Iowa, 1880 U.S. Census, population schedule. (1880 U.S. Census Index provided by The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints
© Copyright 1999 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.), Alx Robertson household, dwelling 129, family 138, line 38, page 14,
ED 141, SD 1, Roll T9_369, FHF 1254369.
7. Woodbury County, Iowa, 1900 U.S. Census, population schedule. (Ancestry.com. 1900 U.S. Federal Census [database on-line].
Provo, UT: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2004. Original data: United States. 1900 United States Federal Census. T623, 1854 rolls. National
Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.), John E Robertson household, dwelling 13, family 13, line 58, sheet 1B, ED
149, SD 11, Roll T623_466. .... Darwin Edward Thornton, Thornton/Robertson Report (A copy was given to Jennifer Woods from
Colleen Thornton. I am not sure what year this was written in.), pg. 50.
8. Woodbury County, Iowa, 1910 U.S. Census, population schedule. (Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database
on-line]. Provo, UT: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2004. Indexed by ProQuest from microfilmed schedules of the 1910 U.S. Federal Decennial
Census. Data imaged from National Archives and Records Administration. 1910 Federal Population Census. T624, 1,784 rolls.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration.), John Robertson household, dwelling 126, family 126, line 86, sheet
6B, ED 202, SD 11, Roll T624_430. .... Darwin Edward Thornton, Thornton/Robertson Report (A copy was given to Jennifer Woods
from Colleen Thornton. I am not sure what year this was written in.), pg. 50.
9. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 (Ancestry.com Database, Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2007.
Original data: Microfilm of Iowa State Censuses, 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925 as well various special censuses from 1836-1897
obtained from the State Historical Society of Iowa via Heritage Quest.), 1915, Woodbury, Sioux City, JE Robertson, Card D725, Roll
IA1915_525.
10. Woodbury county, Iowa, Marriage Certificate of Alonzo Thornton and Marie Robertson. (Filed 26 Nov 1915.)
11. Woodbury County, Iowa, 1920 U.S. Census, population schedule (Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census. [database
on-line] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2001-. Indexed by Ancestry.com from microfilmed schedules of the 1920 U.S. Federal Decennial
Census.1920 United States Federal Census. [database online] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2001. Data imaged from National Archives and
Records Administration. 1920 Federal Population Census. T625, 2,076 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records
Administration.), John E Robertson household, dwelling 52, family 55, line 46, sheet 3A-3B, ED 200, SD 11, Roll T625_520.
12. Woodbury County, Iowa, 1930 U.S. Census, population schedule (Ancestry.com. 1930 United States Federal Census. [database
on-line] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2002. Indexed by Ancestry.com from microfilmed schedules of the 1930 U.S. Federal Decennial
Census.1930 United States Federal Census. [database online] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2001. Data imaged from National Archives and
Records Administration. 1930 Federal Population Census. T626, 2,667 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records
Administration), John E Robertson household, dwelling 293, family 312, line 32, sheet 13A, ED 31, SD 4, Roll 689.
13. Sioux City Journal (Sioux City, IA.), 27 Nov 1954 issue.
14. Darwin Edward Thornton, Thornton/Robertson Report (A copy was given to Jennifer Woods from Colleen Thornton. I am not
sure what year this was written in.), pg. 50. .... Carolyn Thornton, John Edgar Robertson Descendant Report (Prepared 11 Feb 2000. A
copy is in the possession of JenniferW oods.)
15. Darwin Edward Thornton, Thornton/Robertson Report (A copy was given to Jennifer Woods from Colleen Thornton. I am not
sure what year this was written in.), pg. 50. .... Hope Gregg, Letter from Hope Gregg (14 Sep 2001. Hope Gregg, 725 Summit Ave,
New Ulm, Minnesota, 56073, phone - 507-359-2330).
16. Darwin Edward Thornton, Thornton/Robertson Report (A copy was given to Jennifer Woods from Colleen Thornton. I am not
sure what year this was written in.), pg. 50. .... OneWorldTree (Compiled by Ancestry.com).
17. Hope Gregg, Letter from Hope Gregg (14 Sep 2001. Hope Gregg, 725 Summit Ave, New Ulm, Minnesota, 56073, phone - 507-
359-2330). .... Carolyn Thornton, John Edgar Robertson Descendant Report (Prepared 11 Feb 2000. A copy is in the possession of
JenniferW oods.) .... John Henry Becker Civil War Pension File, no. 836793 (Includes various papers with different dates.),
Questionnaire, sent 15 Jan 1898.
18. Hope Gregg, Letter from Hope Gregg (14 Sep 2001. Hope Gregg, 725 Summit Ave, New Ulm, Minnesota, 56073, phone - 507-
359-2330). .... Carolyn Thornton, John Edgar Robertson Descendant Report (Prepared 11 Feb 2000. A copy is in the possession of
JenniferW oods.)
19. Moniteau County, Iowa, 1870 U.S. Census, population schedule. (Ancestry.com. 1870 United States Federal Census.
[database on-line] Provo, UT: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2003-. Indexed by Ancestry.com from microfilmed schedules of the 1870 U.S.
Federal Decennial Census.1870 United States Federal Census. [database online] Provo, UT: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2003. Original data:
Data imaged from National Archives and Records Administration. 1870 Federal Population Census. M593, 1,761 rolls; part of
Minnesota T132, 13 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration.), Henry Becker household, dwelling 77,
family 85, line 1, pg 11, Roll M593_793.
20. Moniteau County, Missouri, 1880 U.S. Census, Population schedule. (1880 U.S. Census Index provided by The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
© Copyright 1999 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved), Henry Becker household, dwelling 54, family 54, line 15, pg 6, ED
198, SD 6, Roll T9_704.
21. Woodbury County, Iowa, 1900 U.S. Census, population schedule. (Ancestry.com. 1900 U.S. Federal Census [database online].
Provo, UT: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2004. Original data: United States. 1900 United States Federal Census. T623, 1854 rolls.
National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.), John E Robertson household, dwelling 13, family 13, line 58, sheet
1B, ED 149, SD 11, Roll T623_466.
22. Woodbury County, Iowa, 1910 U.S. Census, population schedule. (Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census
[database on-line]. Provo, UT: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2004. Indexed by ProQuest from microfilmed schedules of the 1910 U.S. Federal
Decennial Census. Data imaged from National Archives and Records Administration. 1910 Federal Population Census. T624, 1,784
rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration.), John Robertson household, dwelling 126, family 126, line 86,
sheet 6B, ED 202, SD 11, Roll T624_430.
23. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 (Ancestry.com Database, Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2007.
Original data: Microfilm of Iowa State Censuses, 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925 as well various special censuses from 1836-1897
obtained from the State Historical Society of Iowa via Heritage Quest.), 1915, Woodbury, Sioux City, Mary Robertson, Card D726, Roll
IA1915_525.
24. Sioux City Journal (Sioux City, IA.), 20 Sep 1943 issue, Mrs. Mary U. Robertson obituary.

The floowing is a story I recieved from my Great Aunt Ella (George's other sister).

John and Mary worked for a wealthy engineer before they married. The engineer earned his living building bridges over the Missouri River. Mary worked as an upstairs maid in this engineer's household. John was employed as a carriage driver and caretaker of the man's horses, which were extensive and expensive. Whenever the gentleman desired to go to town for a business conference or whenever the man and his wife had to attend a social occasion, John would have to get out the team of four beautiful horses and hook them up to a beautiful carriage and drive them on their trip.
John would say the reason Mary fell in love with him was because whenever he had to drive the gentleman and his wife places, it was required that he dress up in swallowtail red coat, white trousers, black shiny boots and a shiny black top hat. In this outfit Mary simply couldn't resist him, so to take her out of her misery he married her. He would tell this story to his grandchildren and Mary would slap him on the shoulder and say, "Quit telling all those lies to my grandchildren". He was a very funny man. They were married over 52 years.

According to Hope Gregg: She only lived a block away from her grandma and grandpa Robertson. They lived a frugal life and didn't have much money. They raised their children with no frills. Grandma Mary was very strict, no nonsense type. She was a good cook and her favorite was making angel food cakes and sold them.
They were made in a wood stove. She did all her cooking on a wood stove. She was very religious and lived right across the street from Saint Boniface Catholic Church (which they attended). On Sunday she would get all her children ready for church and and she was so exhausted that she sometimes didn't make it to church herself. She also took in boarders to make a little money. I used to spend time at her place as she did lots of tube painting on velvet and she taught me how to do it. She sewed like crazy for her children.., she even sewed for other people.
Grandpa John Robertson was a jolly person. He was quite a story teller and full of jokes. He wasn't educated and jobs were hard to come by. He worked for a wealthy family doing odd jobs and driving a sleigh in the the winter time. Then he worked for the railroad for awhile. They barely made a living all their life. Grandma Mary handled all the money they earned. When they were older the only earnings they had was Social Security and lived in a little apartment on the second floor. Then when Grandma got sick they came to live with us and Grandma Mary died at our house. She was 73 years old. She lived just long enough to see my first baby born. Then Grandpa Robertson came to live with my folks. He got gangrene in his leg and they had to cut it off and then my folks put him in a nursing home as mom couldn't lift him. He died at age 83.



Comments

  1. I'm excited about having found another researcher on this line!! :) Glad to share info, pictures, and stories. It is nice to hear Hope's remembrances of them.

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