Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 February 1917 — FORMER SOLDIER CITIZEN ANSWERS TAPS [ARTICLE]

FORMER SOLDIER CITIZEN ANSWERS TAPS

Former Greatly Respected Citizen of Gillam Township Dies at His Home In Kansas. Judge C. W. Hanley has landed us the following obituary of an old friend and fellow citizen of his father, who lived in Gillam township, this county, froni his return from the Civil War until -1888. Col, Albert G. Ropp is the father of Mrs. 'Perry Deselms and is still remembered by the old citizens of Gillam township and his comrades all over this county. He owned what is known as the Ropp farm, which is ndw the property of John P. Ryan. The following obituary is taken from the Windfield, Kansas, paper, dieted Feb. 23, 1 917: Albert G. Robb was born at West Union, Ohio, April 8, 1825, and when 8 years of age moved with 'liis parents to Martinsville, Morgan county, Indiana, where his father, with the help of him and an older brother, cleared a farm in the heavy timbered country. As soon as this was accomplished and his parents were in a position to live in comfort, he purchased his time from his father and at the age of 18 went into the world to forge for himself a career of usefulness. He went to Chicago in 1844,t>hich at that time was little more than a village, and from there to Genoa, 111., where he bought a farm from the government, paying SL2S per acre for it. Here he remained until the gold excitement in California attracted the artention of the country and taking his consumptive brother he started for the El Dorado. They left Independence, Mo., with an ox team in May, 1849, and reached Hang Town (Suiter’s Race), Cal., on Sept. 6 of that year. The following spring his brother died and he re--mained in the mines until the spring of 1853, when he sailed for crossing the Isthmus of Panama athe place where the great Panami Canal spans it and has become the artery of commerce bet ween the Atlantic and the pacific, going to Chicago from here by way of New’ York and the great lakes. He was united in marriage to Amy E. Williams July 17, 1853, returning shortly afterward to his former home at Martinsville, Ind., where he entered into business as a cabinet maker. When the country’s call for defenders was issued in 1861, he Locked his shop, walked to Indianapolis and enlisted as a privatefnTCo. E, 26th Ind. Vol. Inf., and was mustered out of service as second lieutenant in January, 1866. Following the war and during the reconstruction period, he took a very active part, lending all his energy and ability to the upbuilding of his "bunted country. In 1888 he moved his family to Kansas, where they lived in comfort until age forced them to go to ths children for the care that only the child can vive. They settled in Washington, Okla., where his son resided, remaining there until his'death, which occurred on the 19th inst While he was not favored with the advantages the young men of today enjoy, he made the best of what opportunities he had, and builded his foundation of success on a character that endeared him to all with whqm he came in contact. With the clean, manly spirit of self-sacrifice, he was always ready to share the burdens of the unfortunate and oppressed without a thought of reward, except the knowledge of having done his duty. He was a good neighbor a loving husband,' a generous father, and left this life in the same peaceful way he had lived it. Just as the sun was sinking behind the western. horizon and casting its shadow over a troubled world, he closed his eyes in the dreamless sleep that takes him to his well earned reward. His entire family, except one, was at his bedside when he passed away. His body was brought to Winfield, Kansas, and laid to rest. The funeral services were in charge of the G. A. R. and the Ladies of the G. A. R.