Christopher Robertson (abt. 1785)

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth (Joslin) Robertson — married about 1809 in Davidson County, Tennessee, USA

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Biography

Elizabeth married Col. Christopher Robertson on 28 April 1809 in Davidson County, TN. Robertson was born about 1785

Death. 28 Jan 1836, Dickson County TN. In the Nashville Republican newspaper dated February 18, 1836 was the death notice of Christopher Robertson: "Drowned in Harpeth River, on 28th of January, Colonel C. Robertson of Dickson County, an enterprising and industrious citizen--who has left numberous friends and relations--an only son and disconsolate wife to lament his untimely death. He was a good master; an indulgent father and an affectionate husband."

The only child from their marriage was Benjamin Christopher Robertson who was born in Dickson County TN and died on 28 Jul 1865.

In 1812 Benjamin Joslin erected a large, two-story tavern on the south side of the public square in Dickson County at the town of Charlotte. The old building was a conspicuous feature of the town with its verandas and balcony. Christopher Robertson was a proprietor of the same tavern as was his son Benjamin, and was an outstanding businessman in Charlotte during the 1820's. (from West Nashville: Its People and Environs by Sarah Foster Kelley).^[1][2]

On May 30, 1830, a tornado destroyed most of downtown Charlotte. The roof of the courthouse was found 13 miles (21 km) away, and most of the county's early records were permanently lost. A new courthouse was completed in 1833, and still stands as the oldest functioning courthouse in the state of Tennessee.

Death. 28 Jan 1836, Dickson County TN. In the Nashville Republican newspaper dated February 18, 1836 was the death notice of Christopher Robertson: "Drowned in Harpeth River, on 28th of January, Colonel C. Robertson of Dickson County, an enterprising and industrious citizen--who has left numberous friends and relations--an only son and disconsolate wife to lament his untimely death. He was a good master; an indulgent father and an affectionate husband."^[3]

It was December, 1837 before a separate Cumberland Presbyterian congregation was formed in Charlotte. At that time a congregation consisting of forty members organized a church and selected a Board of Elders, among whom was Christopher Dickson. The people were said to have manifested much interest, and a Miss Sally Walker was among the first to join on profession of faith. [Sarah Bell to Anne Jane Bell, December 1, 1837. Bell Papers in custody of Mrs. Walter Bell, Sr.] Plans were made to construct a church at Charlotte immediately.

Camp meetings continued to be a very important part of the lives of the people, and salvation often was manifested by tears of joy. In what was probably the first camp meeting following the organization of the church, much interest was shown. A Miss Margaret Dunaway was among those who professed faith by standing and "giving her experience" before the church session and the congregation. This, C. D. Bell wrote from his home near Charlotte to a Pennsylvania relative, caused "great excitement among her friends.... Benjamin Robertson shed tears freely and observed to someone that he liked her a great deal better now." [C. D. Bell to Anne Jane Bell, August 1, 1838. Bell Papers] ^[4]

Sources

1. ↑ http://www.freewebs.com/rbrianwalker/
2. ↑ http://www.library.nashville.org/localhistory/findingaids/Special_Collections_Division_Finding_Aid_Kelley.pdf
3. ↑ http://www.freewebs.com/rbrianwalker/
4. ↑ http://www.cumberland.org/hfcpc/churches/CharloTN.htm

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