- ROBERT LILBURN, residing on section 5, Bradford Township,
is a well-known citizen of Rock
- County, which he has claimed as his home for more than forty-four
years. He is a native of Scotland, born in Rinrosshire, July
1, 1842, and is the son of James and Margaret (LAURIE) LILBURN,
now deceased, whose sketch appears in this volume. He was but
three years of age when he accompanied his parents across the
broad Atlantic to the beautiful prairie home which is father
had selected the previous year. In this new home he lived until
the age of twelve years, when he was sent to Scotland, and there
acquired a thorough knowledge of Scotch farming. After remaining
in his native land three years, he returned to his father's house
in Bradford Township, glad, no doubt, to again be amid the scenes
of his early childhood and where he could enjoy the loving counsel
of his father. The vocation of a farmer he chose as his life's
work, and a visit to his home, surrounded as it is by every evidence
of the progressive farmer, proves that his choice was well made.
- In 1867 Mr. LILBURN once more returned to his native land,
and there chose for his life
- companion Miss Mary LILBURN, a most estimable lady, their
marriage occurring on the 6th day of June, 1866. She is a daughter
of Thomas and Agnes (HORN) LILBURN, who were also natives of
Scotland. Soon after their marriage he brought his young wife
to this fair land, and installed her as mistress of his beautiful
home. For more than a score of years they have trod life's journey
together, and three children came to bless their union. One
son, Leroy, died in 1888. The living are James and Robert Agnes,
who are yet inmates of the parental home.
- Robert LILBURN can trace his ancestry back several hundred
years, one of his ancestors, like-
- wise named Robert LILBURN, being among the number who tried
and signed the death warrant of Charles I. But it is not because
of his ancestry that he claims recognition. Like the native
born American, he wishes to be judged on his own merits. Still
he has reason to be proud of the stock from which he sprung,
and like all Scotchmen he has a love for his native country,
and a pride in its history and in the lives of its heroes that
have rendered imperishable the name of bonnie Scotland. His
good wife shares with him a love for her native land, and although
her lot has been cast in the New World, in memory she often lives
in the good old days when she was a bonnie Scottish lass.
- Success has crowned the efforts of Robert LILBURN, and today
he is the owner of 960 acres
- of as fine land as the sun shines on, together with a large
amount of personal property, rendering him independent in the
fullest sense. In addition to general farming, he makes a specialty
of fine stock, especially Polled Angus cattle, of which he is
an extensive breeder. He is a member of the Polled Angus Association,
both of Scotland and America. For some years he has been engaged
in importing and selling Shetland ponies, and is a member of
the Shetland Pony Association of the United States.
- Politically, Mr. LILBURN is a Democrat, but not an active
politician, preferring to devote his
- attention to his business interests. Religiously, he was
reared a Presbyterian, in which faith his wife was also reared,
though they now worship with the Congregationalists of Emerald
Grove, Bradford Township. As a citizen he is held in high regard
by one and all.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 979-980.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|