Robert Biber (abt. 1842)

Born about 1842 in Prussia

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Arthur Biber [send private message]

Biography

Robert was born about 1842.

Robert migrated to America around 1864, about a year or so after his older brother, Adolph. Initially, Robert lived in New York with Adolph.

Robert, together with a younger brother Edmund, who had followed from Germany a few months later, moved to San Francisco in August, 1870.

Robert was a cigar-maker by trade but, within a matter of months, both Robert and Edmund were indicted by a US Grand Jury on charges of "impairing and lightening gold coins of the United States".

Robert's trial was reported extensively in the "Daily Alta California" Newspaper in December, 1870 and, in the newspaper reports, Robert's Defense Counsel (Mr Porter) was commended for his zeal, stating that, "...in his summing up...the able counsel showed that black was white, and yellow a brilliant crimson..." ^[1]

Nevertheless, the jury retired for one hour and then returned a verdict of "Guilty".

Robert was subsequently sentenced to 18 months in State prison and a $1,000 fine for "debasing gold coin". ^{[2] [3]}

No more info is currently available for Robert Biber. Can you add to his biography?

Sources

• Peter Knowles. Click the Changes tab for the details of edits by Peter and others.

References

1. ↑ Daily Alta California, Saturday Morning, December 24, 1870.
2. ↑ Daily Alta California, Wednesday Morning, December 28, 1870.
3. ↑ Entered by Peter Knowles, Jul 21, 2012