Eliza Robertson
Mrs. Eliza Robertson
Photo Credit: Rosa G. Gonzales
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