Dr. George Robertson
Photo Credit: Rosa G. Gonzales
1. Corpus Christi History by Murphy Givens
Corpus Christi Caller Times (December 6, 2000). Available on microfilm.
2. Biographical information from Pathfinders of Texas, 1836 - 1846.
3. Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1867
4. Obituary
Obituary for Eliza Robertson and Dr. George Robertson
(reprinted from 1867)
In memoriam died, in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Tuesday Aril 27, 1897, at 10 minutes -----, Mrs. Eliza Robertson, a native of Keith, Scotland. It is wit much sorrow we chronicle the death this week of Mrs. Eliza Robertson, a lady so long and favorably known in this community. Her death was so unexpected, but, alas! It is so often the unexpected, which happens, even though we realize as years go by that the time of separation must come. Mrs. Robertson, though not in very good heath for some years past, was taken sick Sunday Night, and while at times suffered much pain, was conscious, dropping off suddenly without a struggle as one falling asleep. The announcement of her death, so unexpectedly proved a great shock to her numerous friends. Mrs. Robertson immigrated to Corpus Christi from Scotland in 1854 with her husband, Dr. George Robertson who carried on a drug business in the city for a number of years. With the exception of about a year, which Mrs. Robertson spent in Scotland after her husband's death, she had lived here continually ever since she first arrived in the bluff city, forty three years ago. She was a great reader and was well informed on all topics of the day; a good mother and a most highly esteemed citizen; one admired by all her acquaintances for her noble Christian character. She leaves one sister in Scotland, two sons, William and George Robertson; two daughters, Mrs. Jesse Clark and Mrs. E. T. Merriman; four grandchildren and other relatives, besides a host of friends to mourn her loss. The funeral services, conducted at the family residence by Dr. Horace Clark, assisted by Rev. A. W. White, were solemn and impressive, Dr. Clark's beautiful remarks on the life of the deceased causing hardly a dry eye to be left in the room. The following named gentlemen acted as pall bearers: Dr. William De Ryee, George F. Evans, Mr. Litchenstein, George W. Westervelt, John Jordt, O. C. Lovenskiold.
In connection with the death of Mrs. Robertson we reproduce the obituary of her lamented husband who died here in 1867. The account is take from an old Corpus Christi paper and is as follows: Died at Corpus Christi, Texas, on the tenth day of August, 1867 of yellow fever, Dr. George Robertson. Little did we think that we should be called upon so soon to chronicle the death of that genial, warm hearted, and respected friend. But, alas! we must give up those we love and cherish and console ourselves with the hope that he has gone to a far better and happier clime and is at rest, and was prepared to meet his Savior. He was a native of Aberdeenshire, Scotland from whence he immigrated in 1854 with his wife to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he has practiced his profession. He held the position of postmaster under the United States government for six years, and remained in office during the war under the Confederate States. He also held many municipal positions and was a general favorite of the community. He was highly respected by all who knew him and his loss will be keenly felt. He leaves a loving and devoted wife, with four children, and a host of friends to mourn the loss of a dear husband, father and friend.
Farewell, dear friend, may they eternal seep be as peaceful as thy life, and may those loving and beloved ones that are left to mourn thy loss, so live that they may meet thee in heaven when He calls them from this lonely and weary world of trouble and sorrow-lonely now, since thy smile and happy voice is still in death. May the bright spirit hover, guard, guide and protect your dear wife and little ones in all their weary pilgrimage through this vale of tears, and may they all meet at the right hand of our heavenly Father and unite together in one social strain of praise. Peace to thy memory, husband, father and friend.
Source: Corpus Christi Caller, April 30, 1897, p. col.. 2
Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription by: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission
5. News article, 1899
The old Swift homestead on Water street was pulled down yesterday by Messrs. Reid & Sutherland, who will erect anew two-story cottage for E. T. Merriman. The old one was erected in the early days of Corpus Christi over forty years ago, and has housed many people in its time; several times it was a boarding house. A number of our people were born in it, Mr. Nelson Noakes among the number. At one time twins were recorded; several marriages and deaths took place there some of he deaths being very sad indeed. The house stood until it could stand no longer and now it is a thing of the past. During the war between the states a number of Confederates took refuge in the building hiding out from the "Yankees," who had made a raid on the town. Dr. Robertson, postmaster and druggist, ran through the block from main street and hid in the pantry, Mrs. Swift and one of her daughters placing the sideboard up against the door in such a manner that his pursuers never discovered him though they searched high and low. Mr. John Riggs, who hid under a sofa was soon found, pulled out and carried away on a vessel with other prisoners. The late Judge Gilpin had a novel and narrow escape from the Federals, which incident Mr. Julius Henry relates with a good deal of interest.
Source: Corpus Christi Caller, October 13, 1899, p. 4, col. 3
Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription by: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission
6. Excerpt from The Story of Corpus Christi, by Mary A. Sutherland
Among Corpus Christi early and mot highly esteemed citizens and professional men was Dr. George Robertson, who immigrated with his wife and family to Corpus Christi in 1854 from Aberdeen, Scotland, establishing a drug business here which he conducted up to the time of his demise, August 10, 1867, when he was stricken with yellow fever, living only a few days after being attacked by the dreadful disease. Dr. Robertson held the position of Postmaster under the United Sates Government for six years, and remained in office during the Civil War, under the Confederate States. He also held many municipal positions, was Mayor of the city, and a general favorite in the community. He was highly respected by all who knew him, and his loss was keenly felt. He left a devoted wife and four children, as well as a host of friends to mourn the loss of a dear husband, father and friend.
Source: Sutherland, Mary A. Edited by Frank B. Harrison. The Story of Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi: Corpus Christi Chapter, Daughters of the Confederacy, 1916.
Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription by: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission