My Genealogy Hound

ROBERTSON, GEORGE L., mechanic; residence, Payson; was born in Payson township, Dec. 30, 1842. His parents were Andrew and Malinda (Collins) Robertson; his father was born in North Carolina, his mother, now living near Kingston, Adams county, is the daughter of David Collins. They removed to Knox county, Mo., where George’s father died, when he was a child. The year 1860, Mrs. R. moved back with her family to Payson. George is the third of a family of two brothers and three sisters. His father was a carpenter, and being left to himself, he chose to walk in the footsteps of his sire, and also selected that calling. He never served a regular apprenticeship, however, but began working at it in 1863, and has devoted his attention chiefly to it since. He enlisted in Co. D., T. W. Gains Captain, 50th Regt. Ill. Inf., in August, 1861. He was discharged, from disability, in 1862; in 1864 he again went south as a Government carpenter; remained six months, and was again compelled by failing health to return home. He was offered the position of Drill Master of the 78th Regt. in 1863, but did not accept. June 24, 1864, he married Caroline Short, daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Jones) Short. She was born in Sullivan county, N. Y., Aug. 11, 1843. During the winter months, for ten years, Mr. R. has taught vocal music in various parts of the county. While working on the school building In Payson, in 1869, the scaffolding gave way precipitating him twenty-eight feet, breaking both his arms, which only laid him up for seven weeks. He is very skillful in wood, as evidenced by several specimens of beautiful inlaid work, on tables and stands in Payson. He is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, and both he and wife are connected with the M. E. church.