Robert Corder
A life of the highest respectability, worth as a business man and citizen, was that of the late Robert Corder, who for nearly half a century lived at Jonesboro. While not conspicuous in public affairs, he was prosperous, was a kindly neighbor, did all that could be expected by his community, was devoted to his home and left the priceless legacy of an honored name.
Robert Corder was an Englishman, born at Widford Hall, at Ipswich, In Essex County, England, August 22, 1823, and died at his home in Jonesboro, August 4, 1898, when nearly seventy-six years of age. He was of good old English stock and his parents, Thomas and Mary Corder, were both birthright Quakers, and spent all their lives in Essex County. The father died in middle life, and was followed in a few years by the mother.
Robert Corder grew up and was trained to a mercantile career, being employed in dry goods establishments in England. When twenty-six years of age, and still unmarried, he emigrated to the United States, and from New York came on west to Grant County. His first occupation in this county was as teacher, but subsequently he got into the general mercantile business at Jonesboro, and thereafter for nearly forty years his store was one of the centers of trade, and eventually became a landmark in the business district and always represented the strict integrity and square dealing of its proprietor. A few years before his death he retired from business. Mr. Corder was a Democrat in politics, was always active and public-spirited when Jonesboro as a community was concerned and was a man who outside his business was closely devoted to his home and family.
Robert Corder first married Elizabeth Winslow, a daughter of Seth Winslow, a family which has an extended history, going back a number of generations in this country. She died in the prime of life and left four children: Mollie, who lives in Marion; Thomas, Sallie and Harry, all of whom married and had families, but are now deceased.
For his second wife Mr. Corder married Sarah Van Horn, who died leaving two children, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Corder's widow, who now lives at Jonesboro, was before her marriage, Louisa Beals. She was born October 20, 1839, in Greene County, Tennessee, eight miles from the home of President Andrew Johnson. Her parents were Abner and Cerena (Peirce) Beals, who were natives of Tennessee, and Quakers in religion. Her father, who died during the Civil War, was a farmer, but also was successful as a shoe maker and a manufacturer of linseed oil. After his death, the widow and her children moved north to Grant county, and she died at Jonesboro when sixty-four years of age.
Mrs. Corder is a member of the Presbyterian Church as was her husband. She occupies the comfortable home which her husband provided, and is living in comfort and plenty, and in the enjoyment of a large circle of friends.
Submitted by: Gina Reasoner