Robertson, Robert (Died)

Drowned in a Well. Sad and Peculiar Drowning Accident At Flesherton Station. Mr. Robert Robertson, Priceville, the Victim. The Last Sad Rites Conducted by Ancient Order United Workman

We have this week to chronicle one of the most melancholy incidents that has ever fallen to our lot as a public journalist since we came to Flesherton. Truly the Scripture saith, "In the midst of life we are in death."

On Thursday morning last Mr. Robt. Robertson, grain buyer at Flesherton Station, left his residence at Priceville at an early hour for the former place. He arrived at Flesherton Stat'n shortly before five o'clock, where he was soon engaged in his warehouse handling grain. At what time he left the warehouse is only a matter of conjecture; but from what subsequently transpired, it is known that he became thirsty and made his way up to a large well of water only a few yards from the grain warehouse to get a drink, as he had probably done scores of times before. The well is boarded on three sides, and the water is probably four or five feet in depth. In stooping down to take a drink on that side which is not boarded, it is supposed that he lost his balance and slipped forward head foremost in to the water. His inability to recover himself is supposed by some to have been caused by the rush of blood to his head, which would necessarily bring about suffocation in a very short time. At any rate, when the body of the unfortunate man was discovered, by Mr. John Whittaker - at about ten minutes to seven o'clock - very little more than the head and shoulders were under water. When found, the body was warm, and thinking that life might not yet be extinct, Dr. Christoe was sent for in hot haste. On his arrival, however, the Dr. pronounced life extinct, and the body was removed to its late home.

Thus, in the very bloom of vigorous manhood - a very picture of heath - under the most trying circumstances, died Robert Robertson. No more his genial smile, his kind, generous disposition, his warm clasp of the hand, will shed its warm, glowing rays on this side of eternity. Firm, upright and straightforward, he gained the respect of a very large circle who keenly feel his loss to the community. A devoted husband and father, a kind and generous neighbor, and sympathetic friend, his removal to another and higher plane of existence, creates a void here that can never be filled. The grief of the widow and orphans is sacred; let us draw the veil on their great sorrow, which is only truly understood by the great and All-wise Ruler of the universe.

The funeral took place on Saturday, from the late residence of the deceased, and was largely attended by friends, relatives and acquaintances form the neighborhood and district. The members of Flesherton Lodge No. 142, A.O.U.W., of which the deceased was a worthy member, attended in a body. Priceville lodge of A.O.U.W., together with a representative from Markdale lodge, also attended. After an impressive service at the deceased's late residence, conducted by Rev. Mr. McLeod, Presbyterian Minister, Priceville, the Workmen formed in procession and preceded the remains of their late brother to its last resting place in the Presbyterian burying ground. On arriving at the place of internment, the coffin was lowered into its place, and the beautiful ceremony of the A.O.U.W., conducted by M. W. M. P. McMaster and P. M. W. S. Damude concluded the obsequies. Deceased having been a member in good standing of the fraternity, his widow will shortly receive a cheque for $2,000.

Further Particulars

At Mrs. Robertson's request, Mr. Henry Meldrum will wind up her late husband's business, and from the very satisfactory state of his accounts, and the well known veracity and business habits of that gentleman, and his warm attachment for many years to the deceased, we are certain that everything will be done to the satisfaction of all concerned.

Biographical

Mr. Robertson was born at Johnshaven, Kincardineshire, Scotland, on 7th July, 1837, and was 47 years and 3 months old when he died. He has bought extensively in grain and other produce ever since the Toronto, Grey and Bruce opened in 1873, and had nearly 10,000 bushels in store at his death. Mr. Robertson was an active and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church at Priceville. he took a deep interest in all her concerns, and was the means of accomplishing a work in connection therewith which has no parallel in the history of that church there. We will miss him much in the church, in the social circle, and in the general affairs of this locality. His religious convictions were firm, his head was clear, and his heart was warm. Being very intelligent, and having read largely, his opinion and advice were very valuable and commanded esteem and respect wherever he went.