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Elliot Robley, whose illness from stomach trouble, has been frequently
listed in these columns, died at his home in this place, last Friday evening
April 1, 1898, at 6:45 o'clock. His illness was of several months duration
and the nature of it was such as to make his death the result of slow starvation.
Not withstanding his extreme suffering, he was cheerful unto the last and
died in a happy mood.
Mr. Robley was born in Newark, New Jersey, May 17, 1820. His father
was a brickmaker and Elliot learned the business. The family moved to Spruce
Creek when he was a boy. Upon reaching manhood he went to Shirley Township
and there engaged in the brick business. Relinquishing this he became a
teamster at Bells' Furnace, and Matilda Furnace. While in Shirley Township
he became acquainted with Miss Hannah Susan Clemens whom he married August
12, 1840. She survives him. To them were born eleven children-six sons
and five daughters. One son died in infancy and the surviving children
are: Mrs. Hannah Miller, of Steele, North Dakota; Mrs. Elisah Fields, of
Duncansville, John K. of Altoona, Mrs. L.D. Himes, of Mapleton, Marion,
of Union Township, Mrs. W.D. Cree, of Braddock, Samuel and Miss Mattie,
of Mapleton, Elliot and Harry, of Altoona.
Mr. Robley engaged in farming on farms in the vicinity of Mill Creek
about 1852 and in 1856 purchased the farm in Brady township on which he
resided until his removal to Mapleton a few years ago. Here he again engaged
in the brick business and burned the brick for the fine brick mansion house
which was swept away by the flood of 1889 and for a number of other buildings
in this vicinity. On the same property he engaged in the sand business
and was one of the pioneers in that industry which has been so valuable
to the people of Mapleton. He conducted the business in connection with
farming for about eighteen years. In 1875 he erected the first grist mill
at Mapleton. This was destroyed by fire on the morning of October 25, 1880.
Mr. Robley built another mill on the site of the one destroyed and July
20, 1881 it was put into operation. This mill was also destroyed by fire
on Sunday morning, May 10, 1891.
During the Civil War Mr. Robley served two years as a member of Company
I, Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was a gallant soldier.
Mr. Robley united with the United Brethren Church more than half a
century ago and he was an active member until ailments prevented his going
in. Most of these years he had filled the position as class leader and
hundreds were received from his lips the words of encouragement which urged
them onto a better life. He organized the first Sunday school in this section
in the old Corbin school that stood at the foot of Sideling Hill where
the Smith Valley, Trough Creek and Mapleton Roads diverge. A series of
meetings were held here and Mr. Robley prevailed upon the presiding elder
who was journeying by to send them a preacher and Rev. **Master was sent
to the work. This was the beginning of the United Brethren ministry in
this section.
The old church was torn down in 1893 and the new church at the corner
of Grant and Sherman street erected.
Mr. Robley was good citizen and a kind neighbor, a friend to those
in need and a comfort to the distressed.
The remains were interred Monday afternoon in the U.B. Cemetery, services
being conducted in the U.B. Church by Rev. T.P. Orner, presiding elder,
assisted by Revs. R.S. Woodward, Treverton, Campbel, Gilbert, of Mount
Union, S.D. Wilson of Bellwood and Trimbath, of Shirleysburg. The large
number of persons present attested the esteem in which Mr. Robley was held.
The ITEM extends sympathy to the bereaved family and friends.
The family desire to express their gratitude to friends and neighbors
for kindness' rendered.
Elliot's biography is in the Biographical Encycl of the Juniata Valley,
publ 1897, on page 317.
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