McDonough ILGenWeb

ROBERTSON, James T., who was formerly successfully engaged in farming in Industry Township, McDonough County, Ill., but is now living in comfortable retirement near Macomb, was born in Fulton County, Ill., March 29, 1842, and there received his mental training in the common schools. He is a son of John H. and Jolcy Ann (Wilson) Robertson, the former a native of Johnson County, Ill., and the latter born in Kentucky. James Robertson, his paternal grandfather, was born in Tennessee, and John Wilson, his maternal grandfather, was a native of Kentucky. Seven children were born to the parents of Mr. Robertson, of which he was the second. Until July, 1862, he remained on his father's farm in McDonough County. Then he enlisted in Company A, Eighty-fourth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was first sent to Kentucky. He participated in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, and many other important engagements. On being honorably discharged March 25, 1865, Mr. Robertson returned to McDonough County, and lived on a farm in Industry Township. In 1875 he bought a farm of sixty-seven acres in Scotland Township. This he sold three years later, and purchased another of forty acres in Emmet Township. After living three years there he moved to Industry Township and bought a farm of 140 acres, on which he lived until the fall of 1903. He then sold the farm in Emmet Township, and bought a residence just south of Macomb. The land surrounding this house he improved, and now occupies the premises free from the cares of active life.

Mr. Robertson was married in November, 1875, to Nancy L. Reeder, who was born and schooled in McDonough County. Two children, Leslie and Essie, have resulted from this union. In politics, Mr. Robertson is a Republican. He served on the Board of Trustees at Industry several years, and has been a School Director. His religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has officiated as Trustee and Steward, as well as Treasurer of the Sunday School. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic Order (Industry Lodge No. 327), and the G. A. R. Mr. Robertson is a man of clear mind, sound judgment and upright character, who throughout an extended career, has faithfully discharged every duty devolving upon him.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, page 993, extracted 29 May 2020 by Norma Hass.