Robert M. Bostwick

Surnames: Bailey, Clarke, Dickson, Gaites, Hayford, Matteson, Shelton, Smith, Stone

From The Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wis., publ, 1889 - page 597-598

ROBERT M. BOSTWICK, dealer in clothing and furnishing goods, of Janesville, is a native of New York, and was born in the town of Bethany, Genesee County, on the 24th day of January, 1836, and is a son of Joseph and Fannie (MATTESON) BOSTWICK. He removed to the town of Stafford, in the same county, with his parents when two years of age. He attended the public schools, and in 1847 came with his parents to Janesville, Wis. When thirteen years of age he began clerking with the firm of STONE and GAITES, general merchants of Janesville, continuing with that firm until they went out of business, when he engaged with Mr. HAYFORD, remaining with that house until they closed out. He then engaged with H. S. SHELTON, general merchant, and served with that gentleman as salesman for four years. Next he was with H.O. CLARKE & Co., and in 1858 accepted a position in the extensive mercantile house of M. C. SMITH. In 1864 he formed a partnership with Mr. SMITH in the clothing business, which connection continued until 1872, when he bought Mr. SMITH's interest, and since that time he has been alone in the business. On the 12th day of February, 1863, Mr. BOSTWICK was married at Janesville to Miss Helen M. BAILEY, the first white girl born in Janesville, and a daughter of W. H. H. and Mary (DICKSON) BAILEY. Her parents came to Janesville in the fall of 1836, and her father was one of the leading men of the pioneer days of that city. (See sketch of Mr. BAILEY elsewhere in this work.) Mr.. and Mrs.. BOSTWICK) are the parents of seven children, six of whom are living. Morris M., the eldest, was educated in the city schools, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1885, and is now employed in his father's store; Fenno B. was educated in the Janesville schools and is also clerking for his father; John D. died April 24, 1883. The younger members of the family are Eva H., Mary B. and Mark W. The youngest son is clerking for his father. Mr. BOSTWICK is a Democrat in politics but has never sought or desired political preferment. He is a member of the Wisconsin Lodge No. 14, I.O.O.F., and also of Oriental Lodge No. 22 K. of P. Of the last-named lodge he was a charter member. Mr. BOSTWICK has now been a resident of Janesville forty-two years, and for thirty years of that time has been identified with the mercantile business of the city. His clothing house is one of the best stocked in the town, and is as widely and favorably known as any store in Rock River Valley. As a business man he ranks among the first in the city, and his upright and honorable dealings in all this intercourse with is fellow-citizens have won their regard and confidence.

Submitted By Carol