Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Milne, Robert 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com September 3, 2007, 4:48 pm

Author: Genealogical/Biographical Publishing Co

ROBERT MILNE, who was a pioneer of Lockport, was one of the first to bring 
thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle into this locality, and was a man of great 
energy of character and kindness of heart. He was of Scotch birth, born 
February 14, 1805, and grew to manhood in his native country, where he learned 
and followed the stone-mason's trade. When thirty years of age he crossed the 
ocean to Canada, where he remained for a few months. About 1836 he went to 
Chicago, where he had contracts for putting the locks on the Illinois and 
Michigancanal. On completing the work he returned to Canada, and formed a 
partnership with a contractor, the two opening up work on the Welland canal. 
Returning to Lockport he took the contract for putting in the locks near here, 
and in this way he was led to establish his home here. For several years he 
operated and managed a planing and saw mill, and upon selling out he purchased 
a farm of two hundred and forty acres, a part of which now lies in the city of 
Lockport. Turning his attention to the improvement of the property, he 
continued in agricultural pursuits until his death. He was a very progressive 
man, and was a leader in introducing Shorthorn cattle into this county, going 
to Scotland for the purpose of purchasing a number of thoroughbreds.

December 31, 1846, Mr. Milne married Miss Isabel Maitland, who was born and 
educated in Aberdeen, Scotland. At the age of sixteen years, accompanied by 
her two sisters, she landed in America, proceeding at once to Chicago, where 
she made her home until the time of her marriage. To their marriage nine 
children were born; of these we note the following: William, who was for 
twenty years a clerk and collector in the canal office, is now engaged in the 
manufacture of umbrellas and canes in New York City; Jennie is the widow of 
John M. Frowe, of Evanston, Ill.; Robert is extensively engaged in the hay 
business at Baxter Springs, Kans.; Isabel is the wife of John I. Rice, of 
Chicago; Agnes M. is the wife of Henry D. Baker, of Evanston; Margaret M. 
married Charles A.Ewen and they reside with her mother; Georgiana died at 
thirty years of age; James A. has charge of the homestead; and Frank M. is 
engaged in business in Chicago.

For many years Mr. Milne was a deacon in the Congregational Church. His family 
also took an interest in the work of that church, and his wife is still one of 
its most faithful members. For eight years he served as a commissioner on the 
canal. While he never attained wealth, he accumulated a competency, in spite 
of many obstacles that beset him; and at the time of his death he left an 
improved farm for his widow and children. He passed from earth November 2, 
1892, after a useful and successful life, and was followed to his grave by the 
respect of the many acquaintances he had made after coming to this county.

Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing 
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present

Biographical Publishing Company; Chicago 1900

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