As a leader in democratic politics Mr. Roberson is widely known to the voters of Orange County. He was chosen chairman of the democratic county committee in 1896, and for twelve years was elected to the office of supervisor in Crawford town.
In 1870 Mr. Roberson married Miss Hannah Powles of Newburgh. Seven children were born to them, of whom four sons and one daughter are living.
HON. CHARLES DWIGHT ROBINSON was born in Auburn, Cayuga County, N. Y., February 6, 1860. He was educated in the public schools of his native city.
Mr. Robinson is a descendant of George Robinson, who settled in Rehoboth, in the State of Massachusetts, in 1645. His ancestry on both sides was very active in the trying times of the American Revolution. His father, William Philip Robinson, located in Auburn in 1844; his mother was Louise E., daughter of William Clark Smith and Amer Lewis. Mr. Smith was a grandson of Anning Smith, of Milton, Ulster County, N. Y.. an officer in the Revolutionary War. On the paternal side of Mr. Robinson, his ancestors, Zephaniah Robinson and Philip Robinson, served in Massachusetts regiments, Philip being a sergeant. William Robinson, a cousin of Philip, served in a Connecticut regiment, in the Revolution.
Mr. Robinson, since leaving school, has been active in many lines of usefulness, which he was well adapted for. Prior to 1883 he was cashier for the Chicago branch of D. M. Osborne & Co., of Auburn. He removed to Newburgh, N. Y., in November, 1883, and entered the firm of John Dales & Co., real estate and insurance, where he has since continued.
Mr. Robinson in politics is a republican. He has been identified with municipal affairs of Newburgh since 1894, first serving as alderman from his (Fourth) ward in 1894 and 1895; president of the common council from March, 1895, to March, 1900, and from March, 1904, to March, 1906. He became well informed as to the city's conditions and needs, and being a thorough, economical business man, he was chosen as its mayor in 1906-1907. He has been trustee of Washington's headquarters since 1893, having been appointed by Governor Roswell P. Flower, and reappointed by Governors Black, Odell and Hughes.
Mr. Robinson is a member of the Sons of the Revolution, the Historical Society of the Newburgh Bay and the Highlands, Hudson River Lodge, No. 52; Hudson River Commandery, No. 35, Knight Templar; the Robinson Genealogical Society, and the Newburgh City Club. He has been married twice. His first marriage was to Mary B. Dales, February 16, 1882. They had one daughter, Julia. Mrs. Robinson died January 14, 1900. His second marriage was to Anna B. Colwell, January 30, 1902. They have one son, Charles D., Jr.
JAMES ROBERTSON was born December 6, 1846, at Liberty, Sullivan County, N. Y. His parents were Bronson and Abigail (Stoddard) Robertson. Our subject acquired his education at the public school. At an early age he learned the carpenters' trade, which he followed for some years. He joined the navy in 1864 and was assigned the position as ship carpenter on the Sweet Briar, one of the boats that made up the South Atlantic blockading squadron. He served until 1866 and received an honorable discharge. After the war he resided in Chicago for three years, after which he returned to Monticello, Sullivan County, and followed his trade for a time. He was identified with the Erie R. R. at Port Jervis for ten years as foreman of the carpenters' department of the Delaware division. In 1902 he was appointed manager of the bottling department of the Deer Park Brewery, and in 1906 was made general manager, which position he still holds. Mr. Robertson married Mary E. Kinne, of Monticello, N. Y., March 2, 1871. Socially he is a member of the Port Jervis Lodge No. 328, F. & A. M., Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias.
FREDERICK O. ROCKAFELLOW, one of the leading funeral directors and embalmers of Middletown, N. Y., was born in that city May 14, 1864. After graduating from the Middletown High School and Wallkill Academy, he entered the undertaking establishment of his father, John D. Rockafellow, and acquainted himself with every detail of the business. Upon the death of his father, Frederick came into possession of the business, which he has since conducted successfully. This business was established by his father in 1861, and is the oldest establishment of the kind in Middletown. John D. Rockafellow was one of Middletown's most progressive and public spirited citizens, he was chief of the fire department for many years and always took a deep interest and lent ready aid in the furtherance of projects benefiting the community. Frederick O. Rockafellow married Marguerite R. Oliver, of Chicago, Ill., and to them have been born two sons: Frederick O., Jr., and John D. Mr. Rockafellow is a member of Lancelot Lodge, No. 169, K. of P.; an honorary member of the Excelsior hook and ladder company and a member of the Middletown Club. The family attend Westminster Church.
LEWIS N. L. ROCKWELL was born at Narrowsburg, Sullivan County, N. Y., May 12, 1875. He attained his education at the public school. He also attended the Albany business college. In 1896 he accepted a position as bookkeeper in New York City in a wholesale house. November 6, 1905, he removed to Otisville and purchased the general store of Joel Northrop, where he has since continued the business. He married Miss Irene Bloomberg, of Narrowsburg, January 10, 1900. In politics he is a democrat. Socially he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. There were thirteen children in his parents' family and there are still living four sons and two daughters. His brother, George W., has served two terms as county clerk of Sullivan County.