Windham

ROBERTSON, John

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 338 
(portrait p 338)

John ROBERTSON, of Bellows Falls [Windham County, Vermont], was born 04 
October 1824 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, son of William and Christian (ROSS) 
ROBERTSON. [Christian being a male name, is the given name of the mother a 
typo for Christina or Christiana?] The parents of Mr. ROBERTSON came from 
Scotland and settled and for a time lived in Putney [Windham County, 
Vermont], but afterward removed to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where they remained 
about three years. When he [John ROBERTSON] was about a year old his parents 
returned to Putney, where his father engaged in the manufacture of paper.

He [John ROBERTSON] was educated in the common schools of Putney and in the 
larger school of life, which so eminently qualifies men for its duties and 
responsibilities. He entered upon the paper maker's trade with his father at 
an early age, and by hard work and diligent study acquired a thorough 
knowledge of the methods and management of the business and was fully 
qualified for his after life. At the age of eighteen he was given his time, 
and in connection with a brother, began the manufacture of paper on his own 
account in Putney. In 1872 he began business in Bellows Falls, under the 
firm name of Robertson, Moore & Company. In 1882 this copartnership was 
dissolved and the firm of John Robertson & Son was formed and continues to 
the present time. In 1882 their spacious factory which they now occupy was 
built. The same year [1882] he moved to Bellows Falls, still continuing to 
hold a large interest in the Putney mills in addition to the Bellows Falls 
concern.

Mr. ROBERTSON is a consistent advocate of Republican principles, and was 
elected representative to the General Court from Putney in 1867 and 1868, 
serving on the committee of manufacturing and corporations. Upon his 
becoming eligible in 1884, he was chosen by his fellow citizens of Rockingham 
to represent them in the Legislature. He is a member of Golden Rule Lodge, 
Free & Accepted Masons, and has filled the offices of J. W., S. W. [junior 
warden and senior warden], and Master, and is a firm believer in the 
principles of the order. On 05 October 1846 he [John ROBERTSON] married 
[Miss?] Nancy J., daughter of James and Mary (SMITH) BLACK. Of this union 
[of John and Nancy J. ROBERTSON] were: Mary C., Charles E., Helen C. 
(deceased), Jennie M., and Jennie C. (deceased). Mrs. [Nancy J.] ROBERTSON 
died 15 August 1886. On 10 October 1888 he [John ROBERTSON] was again 
married, to [Miss?] Stella M., daughter of Thomas and Mary (CHILSON) DANA. 
One child, Marion D., was born to them [John and Stella M. ROBERTSON]. Mrs. 
[Stella M.] ROBERTSON died 11 June 1892.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly