Robert Best
Birth: 18 August 1815
Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio
Death: 8 December 1903
Admire, Lyon County, Kansas
ROBERT BEST, farmer, Section 33, Township 16, Range 12, P. O. Ivy, was born August 19, 1814. at Zainesville, Ohio, where his youth was spent. His father was a distiller, and he followed the distilling business most of the time until he came to Kansas. He removed to Mason County, Ky., in 1832, and remained there sixteen years. In 1848 he began farming, in Shelby County, Ohio, continuing until he came to this State. He was one of the earliest settlers of Breckinridge (now Lyon) County, coming here in April, 1856, when he took a claim of 160 acres, situated on Hill Creek, in Waterloo Township. He has ever since remained upon his homestead, and is now the oldest settler living in Waterloo Township. He has since purchased eighty acres adjoining the home farm and eighty acres between Dow and Duck creeks, in Fremont Township. He has made valuable improvements upon the home farm. Has about 130 acres under cultivation, and an orchard containing about 200 apple and 3,000 peach trees, besides other fruits. He raises cattle and hogs, feeding all his own crops, and buying more for his stock. Mr. Best is a member of the Emporia Commandery, No. 13. K. T. He held the office of Justice of the Peace of Waterloo Township four years, and has held other local offices. He has been married three times. By his first wife, Miss Dorathy Smith, of Clarke County, Ohio, whom he married June 9, 1939, he had one child - Samuel A. who was a member of the Fifty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteers in the War of the Rebellion, and was killed in Virginia. This wife died February 7, 1841. He married Miss Margaret Leighton, of Clarke County, Ohio, in April, 1844. She died January 6, 1851, without issue. He married Miss Isabella V. Radabaugh, of Logan County, Ohio, April 27, 1852. Uncle Robert, as he is called, has led an active life, and has met with some exciting and interesting experiences. While on his return home from a trip to Kansas City, then the nearest trading point to the settlers in this county, the 4th day of June, 1856, at the time John Brown was engaged in his Black Jack battle, Mr. Best was taken prisoner by a band of border ruffians, known as the Buford Men, at Bowl Creek, in Johnson County. He was held five days and robbed of $350 in cash. His companion was not held so long, but lost his ox team and wagon, with its contents.
William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas
LYON COUNTY, Part 21 From The Kansas Collection
Kansas Collection website is managed by Susan Stafford and Dick Taylor and was created by Lynn H. Nelson, retired Professor of History at the University of Kansas.
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Emporia Weekly Republican, 05 Dec 1889, Thursday
ADMIRE SIFTINGS
Uncle Robert Best took a trip to Missouri, returning Saturday, and to the great surprise of all his friends brought with him a blushing bride. The boys went down Saturday night and treated them to variagate music.
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The Lyon County News and The Emporia Times, 05 Dec 1889, Thursday
Married--At the bride's home in St. Joseph, to Robert Best, Sr., of Admire--Mr. Best thinking it nothing it best to take upon himself the obligations of married life woos and wins Mrs. A. Wise of St. Joseph, and on Saturday last escorted her to her new home in Admire. We heartily congratulate Uncle Robert and wish him a life of radiant splendor which may reflect with brightest hues the deeds of a noble pioneer.
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Emporia Republican, 24 Apr 1890, Thursday
Notice.
Notice is hereby given that I will not be responsible for any debts or contracts of any kind made by my wife, or either of her children. I furnish my wife with all necessaries of life, and pay for the same when I get them. I do not allow bills of any kind charged to me. ROBERT BEST.
Admire, Kas., April 22, 1890
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Emporia Weekly Republican, 03 Jul 1890, Thursday
Mrs. Amelia Best, of Admire, was brought before the justice yesterday evening, charged by her husband Robert Best, with threatening to take his life. As she was unable to give $500 bond for her appearance on July 7th, she was committed to jail, and is now confined in the room of the southwest corner of the upper story of the building.
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Emporia Republican, 24 Jul 1890, Thursday
Mrs. Robert Best shipped her household goods to Nickerson last Saturday.
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Emporia Republican, 09 Oct 1890, Thursday
The Best Divorce Trial.
This is too long to add here. Robert and Amelia knew each other for 48 hours before marrying. She went on trial for trying to kill him. She testified that he refused to provide food and household goods and was verbally and emotionally abusive.
The divorce suit of Robert Best vs. Amelia Best attracts a large crowd and the proceedings are closely followed. The examinations of the witnesses are long and exhaustive, and the evidence borders frequently on the low and degrading. More witnesses have been sent for and the case will be continued over Monday without a certainty of its touching bottom even then. It has already been in progress two days.--Daily REPUBLICAN.
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Emporia Republican, 13 Nov 1890, Thursday
Decision in the Best Divorce Case
Judge Graves has rendered his decision in the divorce suit of Robert Best vs. Amelia Best. He awards her a decree of divorce; $175 for attorneys' fees besides the costs, and $500 for total alimony. The findings are given in several pages of type-writing, and particularize the reasons for each finding and the general decree of divorce.
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Emporia Daily Republican, 10 Nov 1891, Tuesday
Marriage of Robert Best.
A special to the Globe-Democrat from Zanesville, O., reads as follows:
ZANESVILLE, O., Nov. 7..--Robert Best, a wealthy farmer residing near Emporia, Kas., and Mrs. Lydia J. Terrill, of Bush Creek township, were married here yesterday. It was their fourth matrimonial venture, each having married three times previously. Mr. Best has buried three wives and Mrs. Best has seen three husbands laid away. Neither is over 60.
From the wife before this last one Mr. Best was divorced.
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Emporia Weekly Republican, 12 Nov 1891, Thursday
Uncle Robert Best returned from Ohio last Thursday and brought with him a blooming bride.
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The Emporia Gazette, 08 Dec 1903, Tuesday
ROBERT BET IS DEAD.
News has been received from Admire of the death of Robert Best. He was eighty-nine years of age, a prominent Mason and an old and highly esteemed citizen. The mason's took charge of the funeral.
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Emporia Republican, 08 Dec 1903, Tuesday
DEATH OF UNCLE ROBERT BEST./
Word was received late this afternoon, from Admire, of the death of Robert Best, one of the earliest pioneers of Lyon county, and one of the best known of its citizens. He died this morning at eight o'clock. He was eight-nine years of age. His last request was, that he be buried by the Masons.
ATTENTION MASONS.
A meeting is called for this Tuesday evening, at Masonic hall, of all brother Masons, to make arrangements to attend the funeral of brother Robert Best.--Earl Fawcett, W. M.
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The Emporia Gazette, 09 Dec 1903, Wednesday
ROBERT BEST DEAD.
Uncle Bobby Best died at the home of his nephew, T. E. Best, Tuesday morning, after a short illness. Mr. Best was past 89 years of age and had been in feeble health for some years and his death was not unexpected. Funeral services, conducted by Rev. Smith, were held at the Ivy church Wednesday afternoon, after which the body was interred in the family lot in Ivy cemetery. Mr. Best was a member of the Emporia Masonic Lodge, and a number of members of that lodge came up and had charge of the funeral.
Robert Best was born August 19, 1814, at Zanesville, Ohio, where his youth was spent. His father was a distiller and he followed the distillery business most of the time till he came to Kansas. He moved to Mason county, Kentucky, in 1832, and lived there sixteen years. In 1848 he began farming in Morgan County, Ind., and continued there till he came to Kansas. He was one of the earliest settlers of Lyon county. He came here in 1856 and took a claim of 160 acres on Hill creek, Ivy township, section 33, township 16, range 12, postoffice Ivy. He has ever since remained on his homestead and is the oldest settler in that township.
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The Emporia Gazette, 09 Dec 1903, Wednesday
ROBERT BEST, PIONEER.
Robert Best, whose death was announced in yesterday's Gazette, was one of Lyon county's oldest citizens, and the community loses another of the men who helped to build up the state. He was a typical pioneer and could tell many interesting stories of early days in Kansas.
Robert Best was born August 19, 1814, at Zanesville, Ohio, where his youth was spent. His father was a distiller and he followed the distillery business most of the time till he came to Kansas. He removed to Mason county, Kentucky in 1832 and lived there sixteen years. In 1848 he began farming in Morgan county, Ind., and continued there till he came to Kansas. He was one of the earliest settlers of Lyon, then Breckenridge county. He came here in 1856 and took a claim of 160 acres on Hill creek, Waterloo township, section 33, township 16, range 12, post office Ivy. He has ever since remained on his homestead and is the oldest settler in that township. Since then he purchased several farms adjoining the home farm. He was one of the early fruit growers of Lyon county and at one time had an orchard of 200 apple and 3000 peach trees, besides other fruits.
Mr. Best was a member of the Emporia commandery, Knights Templar, No. 8. He has held many township offices. Mr. Best was married three times. Miss Dorothy Smith of Clark county, Ohio, was his first wife. He married her June 9, 1839, and they had one child, Samuel A., who was a member of the Fifty-first regiment Ohio Volunteers, and was killed during the Civil war in Virginia. Mrs. Best died in 1841. In April, 1844, Mr. Best married Miss Margaret Leighton of Clark county, Ohio, and she died in 1851 and left no children. He was married the third time to Miss Isabell V. Radabaugh of Logan county, Ohio, in April, 1852.
Mr. Best was commonly known as "Uncle Robert" and was a kind, big-hearted man. He has met with some exciting and interesting experiences. While on his return during his pioneer life in Lyon county from Kansas City, then the nearest trading point for settlers in this county, on June 4, 1856, the time John Brown was engaged in his "Black Jack" battle, Mr. Best was taken prisoner by a band of border ruffians, known as the Buford men at Bold creek, in Johnson county. He was held prisoner five days and robbed of $350 cash. His companion was not held so long but lost his ox team, wagon and contents.
At the meeting of the Masons last night the funeral of Robert Best was announced, and today a number of Emporia Masons went to Admire to conduct the Masonic funeral service over their dead brother. Mr. Best was buried in the Ivy cemetery near his home. Mr. Best, 89 years old, was one of the oldest Masons in Lyon county.
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Emporia Republican, 10 Dec 1903, Thursday
The attendance at Robert Best's funeral was very large. Nearly all the people of Admire and vicinity turned out. The Masons who went from here and had the obsequies in charge report a long, cold, drive. Robert Best was a pioneer among the Masons of the county and stood very high in the fraternity.
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Northern Lyon County Journal, 11 Dec 1903, Friday
ROBERT BEST DEAD.
Just as the day was dawning Tuesday morning, December 8, 1903, and the clock on the mantle indicated the hour of 6, the life of Robert Best, one of our oldest citizens and pioneer settlers, went out into the great beyond, at the age of 89 years. Uncle Bob, as he was usually called, had been ill for some time with a complication of diseases, but his death was caused principally by old age, as he had served his allotment in life and it was time to depart.
The funeral services were held at the Ivy M. E. church Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Smith, of Admire, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Ivy cemetery, the services at both the church and the grave being attended by a large assemblage of relatives and friends.
Robert Best was born August 19, 1814, at Zanesville, Ohio, where his youth was spent. His father was a distiller and he followed the distilling business most of the time until he came to Kansas. He removed to Mason County, Kentucky in 1832, remaining there sixteen years. In 1848 he began farming in Shelby county, Ohio, continuing in that avocation until coming to this state. He was one of the earliest settlers of Breckenridge (now Lyon county) coming here in April, 1856, where he took a claim of 160 acres situated on Hill creek, in Waterloo, (now Ivy tp.,) where he continually resided since, adding yearly to his possessions. Robert best was a member of the Emporia Commandery K. T., and at one time was Justice of the Peace of Waterloo tp. During his life he had the good fortune to be married five times. By his first wife, Miss Dorythy Smith, of Clark co., Ohio, whom he married June 9, 1839, one son, Samuel A., was born, who was a member of the 51st. regiment, Ohio volunteers, and was killed in Virginia. This wife died Feb. 17, 1841. He married Miss Margaret Leighton, of Clark co., Ohio, in April, 1844, she died January 6, 1851. He then married Miss Isabella Radabaugh, of Logan co., Ohio, April 27, 1852. The other wives were Miss Wiss (sic, Wise or Weis, md. 29 Nov 1889), of St. Joe, Mo., and Mrs. Mallory being divorced from the former and the latter died at his home.
Uncle Bob met with some exciting and interesting experiences during his early days. While on his return home from a trip to Kansas City, then the nearest trading point to the settlers in this county, which was the 4th day of June, 1856, at the time John Brown was engaged in his Black Jack battle, he was taken prisoner by a band of border ruffians, known as the Buford Men, at Bowl creek, in Johnston (sic) county; was held five days and robbed of $350 in cash. His companion, whose name we cannot learn, was held five days and robbed of his fine ox team, and wagon with contents.
Uncle Bob, who was universally known throughout the county, particularly by the older settlers, was loved and respected by everyone and in his death the county loses a good citizen and the people a faithful friend, who was reputed to be worth about $25,000. To mourn his loss he leaves three brothers, Joe and Richard (or Uncle Dick Best), of Ivy tp., and John Best, of California, besides numerous other relatives, who will all have the sympathy of the entire community in this their hour of affliction.
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Birth: 18 August 1815
Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio
Death: 8 December 1903
Admire, Lyon County, Kansas
ROBERT BEST, farmer, Section 33, Township 16, Range 12, P. O. Ivy, was born August 19, 1814. at Zainesville, Ohio, where his youth was spent. His father was a distiller, and he followed the distilling business most of the time until he came to Kansas. He removed to Mason County, Ky., in 1832, and remained there sixteen years. In 1848 he began farming, in Shelby County, Ohio, continuing until he came to this State. He was one of the earliest settlers of Breckinridge (now Lyon) County, coming here in April, 1856, when he took a claim of 160 acres, situated on Hill Creek, in Waterloo Township. He has ever since remained upon his homestead, and is now the oldest settler living in Waterloo Township. He has since purchased eighty acres adjoining the home farm and eighty acres between Dow and Duck creeks, in Fremont Township. He has made valuable improvements upon the home farm. Has about 130 acres under cultivation, and an orchard containing about 200 apple and 3,000 peach trees, besides other fruits. He raises cattle and hogs, feeding all his own crops, and buying more for his stock. Mr. Best is a member of the Emporia Commandery, No. 13. K. T. He held the office of Justice of the Peace of Waterloo Township four years, and has held other local offices. He has been married three times. By his first wife, Miss Dorathy Smith, of Clarke County, Ohio, whom he married June 9, 1939, he had one child - Samuel A. who was a member of the Fifty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteers in the War of the Rebellion, and was killed in Virginia. This wife died February 7, 1841. He married Miss Margaret Leighton, of Clarke County, Ohio, in April, 1844. She died January 6, 1851, without issue. He married Miss Isabella V. Radabaugh, of Logan County, Ohio, April 27, 1852. Uncle Robert, as he is called, has led an active life, and has met with some exciting and interesting experiences. While on his return home from a trip to Kansas City, then the nearest trading point to the settlers in this county, the 4th day of June, 1856, at the time John Brown was engaged in his Black Jack battle, Mr. Best was taken prisoner by a band of border ruffians, known as the Buford Men, at Bowl Creek, in Johnson County. He was held five days and robbed of $350 in cash. His companion was not held so long, but lost his ox team and wagon, with its contents.
William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas
LYON COUNTY, Part 21 From The Kansas Collection
Kansas Collection website is managed by Susan Stafford and Dick Taylor and was created by Lynn H. Nelson, retired Professor of History at the University of Kansas.
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Emporia Weekly Republican, 05 Dec 1889, Thursday
ADMIRE SIFTINGS
Uncle Robert Best took a trip to Missouri, returning Saturday, and to the great surprise of all his friends brought with him a blushing bride. The boys went down Saturday night and treated them to variagate music.
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The Lyon County News and The Emporia Times, 05 Dec 1889, Thursday
Married--At the bride's home in St. Joseph, to Robert Best, Sr., of Admire--Mr. Best thinking it nothing it best to take upon himself the obligations of married life woos and wins Mrs. A. Wise of St. Joseph, and on Saturday last escorted her to her new home in Admire. We heartily congratulate Uncle Robert and wish him a life of radiant splendor which may reflect with brightest hues the deeds of a noble pioneer.
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Emporia Republican, 24 Apr 1890, Thursday
Notice.
Notice is hereby given that I will not be responsible for any debts or contracts of any kind made by my wife, or either of her children. I furnish my wife with all necessaries of life, and pay for the same when I get them. I do not allow bills of any kind charged to me. ROBERT BEST.
Admire, Kas., April 22, 1890
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Emporia Weekly Republican, 03 Jul 1890, Thursday
Mrs. Amelia Best, of Admire, was brought before the justice yesterday evening, charged by her husband Robert Best, with threatening to take his life. As she was unable to give $500 bond for her appearance on July 7th, she was committed to jail, and is now confined in the room of the southwest corner of the upper story of the building.
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Emporia Republican, 24 Jul 1890, Thursday
Mrs. Robert Best shipped her household goods to Nickerson last Saturday.
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Emporia Republican, 09 Oct 1890, Thursday
The Best Divorce Trial.
This is too long to add here. Robert and Amelia knew each other for 48 hours before marrying. She went on trial for trying to kill him. She testified that he refused to provide food and household goods and was verbally and emotionally abusive.
The divorce suit of Robert Best vs. Amelia Best attracts a large crowd and the proceedings are closely followed. The examinations of the witnesses are long and exhaustive, and the evidence borders frequently on the low and degrading. More witnesses have been sent for and the case will be continued over Monday without a certainty of its touching bottom even then. It has already been in progress two days.--Daily REPUBLICAN.
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Emporia Republican, 13 Nov 1890, Thursday
Decision in the Best Divorce Case
Judge Graves has rendered his decision in the divorce suit of Robert Best vs. Amelia Best. He awards her a decree of divorce; $175 for attorneys' fees besides the costs, and $500 for total alimony. The findings are given in several pages of type-writing, and particularize the reasons for each finding and the general decree of divorce.
**************************
Emporia Daily Republican, 10 Nov 1891, Tuesday
Marriage of Robert Best.
A special to the Globe-Democrat from Zanesville, O., reads as follows:
ZANESVILLE, O., Nov. 7..--Robert Best, a wealthy farmer residing near Emporia, Kas., and Mrs. Lydia J. Terrill, of Bush Creek township, were married here yesterday. It was their fourth matrimonial venture, each having married three times previously. Mr. Best has buried three wives and Mrs. Best has seen three husbands laid away. Neither is over 60.
From the wife before this last one Mr. Best was divorced.
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Emporia Weekly Republican, 12 Nov 1891, Thursday
Uncle Robert Best returned from Ohio last Thursday and brought with him a blooming bride.
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The Emporia Gazette, 08 Dec 1903, Tuesday
ROBERT BET IS DEAD.
News has been received from Admire of the death of Robert Best. He was eighty-nine years of age, a prominent Mason and an old and highly esteemed citizen. The mason's took charge of the funeral.
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Emporia Republican, 08 Dec 1903, Tuesday
DEATH OF UNCLE ROBERT BEST./
Word was received late this afternoon, from Admire, of the death of Robert Best, one of the earliest pioneers of Lyon county, and one of the best known of its citizens. He died this morning at eight o'clock. He was eight-nine years of age. His last request was, that he be buried by the Masons.
ATTENTION MASONS.
A meeting is called for this Tuesday evening, at Masonic hall, of all brother Masons, to make arrangements to attend the funeral of brother Robert Best.--Earl Fawcett, W. M.
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The Emporia Gazette, 09 Dec 1903, Wednesday
ROBERT BEST DEAD.
Uncle Bobby Best died at the home of his nephew, T. E. Best, Tuesday morning, after a short illness. Mr. Best was past 89 years of age and had been in feeble health for some years and his death was not unexpected. Funeral services, conducted by Rev. Smith, were held at the Ivy church Wednesday afternoon, after which the body was interred in the family lot in Ivy cemetery. Mr. Best was a member of the Emporia Masonic Lodge, and a number of members of that lodge came up and had charge of the funeral.
Robert Best was born August 19, 1814, at Zanesville, Ohio, where his youth was spent. His father was a distiller and he followed the distillery business most of the time till he came to Kansas. He moved to Mason county, Kentucky, in 1832, and lived there sixteen years. In 1848 he began farming in Morgan County, Ind., and continued there till he came to Kansas. He was one of the earliest settlers of Lyon county. He came here in 1856 and took a claim of 160 acres on Hill creek, Ivy township, section 33, township 16, range 12, postoffice Ivy. He has ever since remained on his homestead and is the oldest settler in that township.
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The Emporia Gazette, 09 Dec 1903, Wednesday
ROBERT BEST, PIONEER.
Robert Best, whose death was announced in yesterday's Gazette, was one of Lyon county's oldest citizens, and the community loses another of the men who helped to build up the state. He was a typical pioneer and could tell many interesting stories of early days in Kansas.
Robert Best was born August 19, 1814, at Zanesville, Ohio, where his youth was spent. His father was a distiller and he followed the distillery business most of the time till he came to Kansas. He removed to Mason county, Kentucky in 1832 and lived there sixteen years. In 1848 he began farming in Morgan county, Ind., and continued there till he came to Kansas. He was one of the earliest settlers of Lyon, then Breckenridge county. He came here in 1856 and took a claim of 160 acres on Hill creek, Waterloo township, section 33, township 16, range 12, post office Ivy. He has ever since remained on his homestead and is the oldest settler in that township. Since then he purchased several farms adjoining the home farm. He was one of the early fruit growers of Lyon county and at one time had an orchard of 200 apple and 3000 peach trees, besides other fruits.
Mr. Best was a member of the Emporia commandery, Knights Templar, No. 8. He has held many township offices. Mr. Best was married three times. Miss Dorothy Smith of Clark county, Ohio, was his first wife. He married her June 9, 1839, and they had one child, Samuel A., who was a member of the Fifty-first regiment Ohio Volunteers, and was killed during the Civil war in Virginia. Mrs. Best died in 1841. In April, 1844, Mr. Best married Miss Margaret Leighton of Clark county, Ohio, and she died in 1851 and left no children. He was married the third time to Miss Isabell V. Radabaugh of Logan county, Ohio, in April, 1852.
Mr. Best was commonly known as "Uncle Robert" and was a kind, big-hearted man. He has met with some exciting and interesting experiences. While on his return during his pioneer life in Lyon county from Kansas City, then the nearest trading point for settlers in this county, on June 4, 1856, the time John Brown was engaged in his "Black Jack" battle, Mr. Best was taken prisoner by a band of border ruffians, known as the Buford men at Bold creek, in Johnson county. He was held prisoner five days and robbed of $350 cash. His companion was not held so long but lost his ox team, wagon and contents.
At the meeting of the Masons last night the funeral of Robert Best was announced, and today a number of Emporia Masons went to Admire to conduct the Masonic funeral service over their dead brother. Mr. Best was buried in the Ivy cemetery near his home. Mr. Best, 89 years old, was one of the oldest Masons in Lyon county.
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Emporia Republican, 10 Dec 1903, Thursday
The attendance at Robert Best's funeral was very large. Nearly all the people of Admire and vicinity turned out. The Masons who went from here and had the obsequies in charge report a long, cold, drive. Robert Best was a pioneer among the Masons of the county and stood very high in the fraternity.
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Northern Lyon County Journal, 11 Dec 1903, Friday
ROBERT BEST DEAD.
Just as the day was dawning Tuesday morning, December 8, 1903, and the clock on the mantle indicated the hour of 6, the life of Robert Best, one of our oldest citizens and pioneer settlers, went out into the great beyond, at the age of 89 years. Uncle Bob, as he was usually called, had been ill for some time with a complication of diseases, but his death was caused principally by old age, as he had served his allotment in life and it was time to depart.
The funeral services were held at the Ivy M. E. church Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Smith, of Admire, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Ivy cemetery, the services at both the church and the grave being attended by a large assemblage of relatives and friends.
Robert Best was born August 19, 1814, at Zanesville, Ohio, where his youth was spent. His father was a distiller and he followed the distilling business most of the time until he came to Kansas. He removed to Mason County, Kentucky in 1832, remaining there sixteen years. In 1848 he began farming in Shelby county, Ohio, continuing in that avocation until coming to this state. He was one of the earliest settlers of Breckenridge (now Lyon county) coming here in April, 1856, where he took a claim of 160 acres situated on Hill creek, in Waterloo, (now Ivy tp.,) where he continually resided since, adding yearly to his possessions. Robert best was a member of the Emporia Commandery K. T., and at one time was Justice of the Peace of Waterloo tp. During his life he had the good fortune to be married five times. By his first wife, Miss Dorythy Smith, of Clark co., Ohio, whom he married June 9, 1839, one son, Samuel A., was born, who was a member of the 51st. regiment, Ohio volunteers, and was killed in Virginia. This wife died Feb. 17, 1841. He married Miss Margaret Leighton, of Clark co., Ohio, in April, 1844, she died January 6, 1851. He then married Miss Isabella Radabaugh, of Logan co., Ohio, April 27, 1852. The other wives were Miss Wiss (sic, Wise or Weis, md. 29 Nov 1889), of St. Joe, Mo., and Mrs. Mallory being divorced from the former and the latter died at his home.
Uncle Bob met with some exciting and interesting experiences during his early days. While on his return home from a trip to Kansas City, then the nearest trading point to the settlers in this county, which was the 4th day of June, 1856, at the time John Brown was engaged in his Black Jack battle, he was taken prisoner by a band of border ruffians, known as the Buford Men, at Bowl creek, in Johnston (sic) county; was held five days and robbed of $350 in cash. His companion, whose name we cannot learn, was held five days and robbed of his fine ox team, and wagon with contents.
Uncle Bob, who was universally known throughout the county, particularly by the older settlers, was loved and respected by everyone and in his death the county loses a good citizen and the people a faithful friend, who was reputed to be worth about $25,000. To mourn his loss he leaves three brothers, Joe and Richard (or Uncle Dick Best), of Ivy tp., and John Best, of California, besides numerous other relatives, who will all have the sympathy of the entire community in this their hour of affliction.
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Robert Best
Birth: 18 August 1815
Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio
Death: 8 December 1903
Admire, Lyon County, Kansas
ROBERT BEST, farmer, Section 33, Township 16, Range 12, P. O. Ivy, was born August 19, 1814. at Zainesville, Ohio, where his youth was spent. His father was a distiller, and he followed the distilling business most of the time until he came to Kansas. He removed to Mason County, Ky., in 1832, and remained there sixteen years. In 1848 he began farming, in Shelby County, Ohio, continuing until he came to this State. He was one of the earliest settlers of Breckinridge (now Lyon) County, coming here in April, 1856, when he took a claim of 160 acres, situated on Hill Creek, in Waterloo Township. He has ever since remained upon his homestead, and is now the oldest settler living in Waterloo Township. He has since purchased eighty acres adjoining the home farm and eighty acres between Dow and Duck creeks, in Fremont Township. He has made valuable improvements upon the home farm. Has about 130 acres under cultivation, and an orchard containing about 200 apple and 3,000 peach trees, besides other fruits. He raises cattle and hogs, feeding all his own crops, and buying more for his stock. Mr. Best is a member of the Emporia Commandery, No. 13. K. T. He held the office of Justice of the Peace of Waterloo Township four years, and has held other local offices. He has been married three times. By his first wife, Miss Dorathy Smith, of Clarke County, Ohio, whom he married June 9, 1939, he had one child - Samuel A. who was a member of the Fifty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteers in the War of the Rebellion, and was killed in Virginia. This wife died February 7, 1841. He married Miss Margaret Leighton, of Clarke County, Ohio, in April, 1844. She died January 6, 1851, without issue. He married Miss Isabella V. Radabaugh, of Logan County, Ohio, April 27, 1852. Uncle Robert, as he is called, has led an active life, and has met with some exciting and interesting experiences. While on his return home from a trip to Kansas City, then the nearest trading point to the settlers in this county, the 4th day of June, 1856, at the time John Brown was engaged in his Black Jack battle, Mr. Best was taken prisoner by a band of border ruffians, known as the Buford Men, at Bowl Creek, in Johnson County. He was held five days and robbed of $350 in cash. His companion was not held so long, but lost his ox team and wagon, with its contents.
William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas
LYON COUNTY, Part 21 From The Kansas Collection
Kansas Collection website is managed by Susan Stafford and Dick Taylor and was created by Lynn H. Nelson, retired Professor of History at the University of Kansas.
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Emporia Weekly Republican, 05 Dec 1889, Thursday
ADMIRE SIFTINGS
Uncle Robert Best took a trip to Missouri, returning Saturday, and to the great surprise of all his friends brought with him a blushing bride. The boys went down Saturday night and treated them to variagate music.
**************************
The Lyon County News and The Emporia Times, 05 Dec 1889, Thursday
Married--At the bride's home in St. Joseph, to Robert Best, Sr., of Admire--Mr. Best thinking it nothing it best to take upon himself the obligations of married life woos and wins Mrs. A. Wise of St. Joseph, and on Saturday last escorted her to her new home in Admire. We heartily congratulate Uncle Robert and wish him a life of radiant splendor which may reflect with brightest hues the deeds of a noble pioneer.
**************************
Emporia Republican, 24 Apr 1890, Thursday
Notice.
Notice is hereby given that I will not be responsible for any debts or contracts of any kind made by my wife, or either of her children. I furnish my wife with all necessaries of life, and pay for the same when I get them. I do not allow bills of any kind charged to me. ROBERT BEST.
Admire, Kas., April 22, 1890
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Emporia Weekly Republican, 03 Jul 1890, Thursday
Mrs. Amelia Best, of Admire, was brought before the justice yesterday evening, charged by her husband Robert Best, with threatening to take his life. As she was unable to give $500 bond for her appearance on July 7th, she was committed to jail, and is now confined in the room of the southwest corner of the upper story of the building.
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Emporia Republican, 24 Jul 1890, Thursday
Mrs. Robert Best shipped her household goods to Nickerson last Saturday.
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Emporia Republican, 09 Oct 1890, Thursday
The Best Divorce Trial.
This is too long to add here. Robert and Amelia knew each other for 48 hours before marrying. She went on trial for trying to kill him. She testified that he refused to provide food and household goods and was verbally and emotionally abusive.
The divorce suit of Robert Best vs. Amelia Best attracts a large crowd and the proceedings are closely followed. The examinations of the witnesses are long and exhaustive, and the evidence borders frequently on the low and degrading. More witnesses have been sent for and the case will be continued over Monday without a certainty of its touching bottom even then. It has already been in progress two days.--Daily REPUBLICAN.
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Emporia Republican, 13 Nov 1890, Thursday
Decision in the Best Divorce Case
Judge Graves has rendered his decision in the divorce suit of Robert Best vs. Amelia Best. He awards her a decree of divorce; $175 for attorneys' fees besides the costs, and $500 for total alimony. The findings are given in several pages of type-writing, and particularize the reasons for each finding and the general decree of divorce.
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Emporia Daily Republican, 10 Nov 1891, Tuesday
Marriage of Robert Best.
A special to the Globe-Democrat from Zanesville, O., reads as follows:
ZANESVILLE, O., Nov. 7..--Robert Best, a wealthy farmer residing near Emporia, Kas., and Mrs. Lydia J. Terrill, of Bush Creek township, were married here yesterday. It was their fourth matrimonial venture, each having married three times previously. Mr. Best has buried three wives and Mrs. Best has seen three husbands laid away. Neither is over 60.
From the wife before this last one Mr. Best was divorced.
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Emporia Weekly Republican, 12 Nov 1891, Thursday
Uncle Robert Best returned from Ohio last Thursday and brought with him a blooming bride.
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The Emporia Gazette, 08 Dec 1903, Tuesday
ROBERT BET IS DEAD.
News has been received from Admire of the death of Robert Best. He was eighty-nine years of age, a prominent Mason and an old and highly esteemed citizen. The mason's took charge of the funeral.
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Emporia Republican, 08 Dec 1903, Tuesday
DEATH OF UNCLE ROBERT BEST./
Word was received late this afternoon, from Admire, of the death of Robert Best, one of the earliest pioneers of Lyon county, and one of the best known of its citizens. He died this morning at eight o'clock. He was eight-nine years of age. His last request was, that he be buried by the Masons.
ATTENTION MASONS.
A meeting is called for this Tuesday evening, at Masonic hall, of all brother Masons, to make arrangements to attend the funeral of brother Robert Best.--Earl Fawcett, W. M.
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The Emporia Gazette, 09 Dec 1903, Wednesday
ROBERT BEST DEAD.
Uncle Bobby Best died at the home of his nephew, T. E. Best, Tuesday morning, after a short illness. Mr. Best was past 89 years of age and had been in feeble health for some years and his death was not unexpected. Funeral services, conducted by Rev. Smith, were held at the Ivy church Wednesday afternoon, after which the body was interred in the family lot in Ivy cemetery. Mr. Best was a member of the Emporia Masonic Lodge, and a number of members of that lodge came up and had charge of the funeral.
Robert Best was born August 19, 1814, at Zanesville, Ohio, where his youth was spent. His father was a distiller and he followed the distillery business most of the time till he came to Kansas. He moved to Mason county, Kentucky, in 1832, and lived there sixteen years. In 1848 he began farming in Morgan County, Ind., and continued there till he came to Kansas. He was one of the earliest settlers of Lyon county. He came here in 1856 and took a claim of 160 acres on Hill creek, Ivy township, section 33, township 16, range 12, postoffice Ivy. He has ever since remained on his homestead and is the oldest settler in that township.
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The Emporia Gazette, 09 Dec 1903, Wednesday
ROBERT BEST, PIONEER.
Robert Best, whose death was announced in yesterday's Gazette, was one of Lyon county's oldest citizens, and the community loses another of the men who helped to build up the state. He was a typical pioneer and could tell many interesting stories of early days in Kansas.
Robert Best was born August 19, 1814, at Zanesville, Ohio, where his youth was spent. His father was a distiller and he followed the distillery business most of the time till he came to Kansas. He removed to Mason county, Kentucky in 1832 and lived there sixteen years. In 1848 he began farming in Morgan county, Ind., and continued there till he came to Kansas. He was one of the earliest settlers of Lyon, then Breckenridge county. He came here in 1856 and took a claim of 160 acres on Hill creek, Waterloo township, section 33, township 16, range 12, post office Ivy. He has ever since remained on his homestead and is the oldest settler in that township. Since then he purchased several farms adjoining the home farm. He was one of the early fruit growers of Lyon county and at one time had an orchard of 200 apple and 3000 peach trees, besides other fruits.
Mr. Best was a member of the Emporia commandery, Knights Templar, No. 8. He has held many township offices. Mr. Best was married three times. Miss Dorothy Smith of Clark county, Ohio, was his first wife. He married her June 9, 1839, and they had one child, Samuel A., who was a member of the Fifty-first regiment Ohio Volunteers, and was killed during the Civil war in Virginia. Mrs. Best died in 1841. In April, 1844, Mr. Best married Miss Margaret Leighton of Clark county, Ohio, and she died in 1851 and left no children. He was married the third time to Miss Isabell V. Radabaugh of Logan county, Ohio, in April, 1852.
Mr. Best was commonly known as "Uncle Robert" and was a kind, big-hearted man. He has met with some exciting and interesting experiences. While on his return during his pioneer life in Lyon county from Kansas City, then the nearest trading point for settlers in this county, on June 4, 1856, the time John Brown was engaged in his "Black Jack" battle, Mr. Best was taken prisoner by a band of border ruffians, known as the Buford men at Bold creek, in Johnson county. He was held prisoner five days and robbed of $350 cash. His companion was not held so long but lost his ox team, wagon and contents.
At the meeting of the Masons last night the funeral of Robert Best was announced, and today a number of Emporia Masons went to Admire to conduct the Masonic funeral service over their dead brother. Mr. Best was buried in the Ivy cemetery near his home. Mr. Best, 89 years old, was one of the oldest Masons in Lyon county.
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Emporia Republican, 10 Dec 1903, Thursday
The attendance at Robert Best's funeral was very large. Nearly all the people of Admire and vicinity turned out. The Masons who went from here and had the obsequies in charge report a long, cold, drive. Robert Best was a pioneer among the Masons of the county and stood very high in the fraternity.
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Northern Lyon County Journal, 11 Dec 1903, Friday
ROBERT BEST DEAD.
Just as the day was dawning Tuesday morning, December 8, 1903, and the clock on the mantle indicated the hour of 6, the life of Robert Best, one of our oldest citizens and pioneer settlers, went out into the great beyond, at the age of 89 years. Uncle Bob, as he was usually called, had been ill for some time with a complication of diseases, but his death was caused principally by old age, as he had served his allotment in life and it was time to depart.
The funeral services were held at the Ivy M. E. church Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Smith, of Admire, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Ivy cemetery, the services at both the church and the grave being attended by a large assemblage of relatives and friends.
Robert Best was born August 19, 1814, at Zanesville, Ohio, where his youth was spent. His father was a distiller and he followed the distilling business most of the time until he came to Kansas. He removed to Mason County, Kentucky in 1832, remaining there sixteen years. In 1848 he began farming in Shelby county, Ohio, continuing in that avocation until coming to this state. He was one of the earliest settlers of Breckenridge (now Lyon county) coming here in April, 1856, where he took a claim of 160 acres situated on Hill creek, in Waterloo, (now Ivy tp.,) where he continually resided since, adding yearly to his possessions. Robert best was a member of the Emporia Commandery K. T., and at one time was Justice of the Peace of Waterloo tp. During his life he had the good fortune to be married five times. By his first wife, Miss Dorythy Smith, of Clark co., Ohio, whom he married June 9, 1839, one son, Samuel A., was born, who was a member of the 51st. regiment, Ohio volunteers, and was killed in Virginia. This wife died Feb. 17, 1841. He married Miss Margaret Leighton, of Clark co., Ohio, in April, 1844, she died January 6, 1851. He then married Miss Isabella Radabaugh, of Logan co., Ohio, April 27, 1852. The other wives were Miss Wiss (sic, Wise or Weis, md. 29 Nov 1889), of St. Joe, Mo., and Mrs. Mallory being divorced from the former and the latter died at his home.
Uncle Bob met with some exciting and interesting experiences during his early days. While on his return home from a trip to Kansas City, then the nearest trading point to the settlers in this county, which was the 4th day of June, 1856, at the time John Brown was engaged in his Black Jack battle, he was taken prisoner by a band of border ruffians, known as the Buford Men, at Bowl creek, in Johnston (sic) county; was held five days and robbed of $350 in cash. His companion, whose name we cannot learn, was held five days and robbed of his fine ox team, and wagon with contents.
Uncle Bob, who was universally known throughout the county, particularly by the older settlers, was loved and respected by everyone and in his death the county loses a good citizen and the people a faithful friend, who was reputed to be worth about $25,000. To mourn his loss he leaves three brothers, Joe and Richard (or Uncle Dick Best), of Ivy tp., and John Best, of California, besides numerous other relatives, who will all have the sympathy of the entire community in this their hour of affliction.
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Birth: 18 August 1815
Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio
Death: 8 December 1903
Admire, Lyon County, Kansas
ROBERT BEST, farmer, Section 33, Township 16, Range 12, P. O. Ivy, was born August 19, 1814. at Zainesville, Ohio, where his youth was spent. His father was a distiller, and he followed the distilling business most of the time until he came to Kansas. He removed to Mason County, Ky., in 1832, and remained there sixteen years. In 1848 he began farming, in Shelby County, Ohio, continuing until he came to this State. He was one of the earliest settlers of Breckinridge (now Lyon) County, coming here in April, 1856, when he took a claim of 160 acres, situated on Hill Creek, in Waterloo Township. He has ever since remained upon his homestead, and is now the oldest settler living in Waterloo Township. He has since purchased eighty acres adjoining the home farm and eighty acres between Dow and Duck creeks, in Fremont Township. He has made valuable improvements upon the home farm. Has about 130 acres under cultivation, and an orchard containing about 200 apple and 3,000 peach trees, besides other fruits. He raises cattle and hogs, feeding all his own crops, and buying more for his stock. Mr. Best is a member of the Emporia Commandery, No. 13. K. T. He held the office of Justice of the Peace of Waterloo Township four years, and has held other local offices. He has been married three times. By his first wife, Miss Dorathy Smith, of Clarke County, Ohio, whom he married June 9, 1939, he had one child - Samuel A. who was a member of the Fifty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteers in the War of the Rebellion, and was killed in Virginia. This wife died February 7, 1841. He married Miss Margaret Leighton, of Clarke County, Ohio, in April, 1844. She died January 6, 1851, without issue. He married Miss Isabella V. Radabaugh, of Logan County, Ohio, April 27, 1852. Uncle Robert, as he is called, has led an active life, and has met with some exciting and interesting experiences. While on his return home from a trip to Kansas City, then the nearest trading point to the settlers in this county, the 4th day of June, 1856, at the time John Brown was engaged in his Black Jack battle, Mr. Best was taken prisoner by a band of border ruffians, known as the Buford Men, at Bowl Creek, in Johnson County. He was held five days and robbed of $350 in cash. His companion was not held so long, but lost his ox team and wagon, with its contents.
William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas
LYON COUNTY, Part 21 From The Kansas Collection
Kansas Collection website is managed by Susan Stafford and Dick Taylor and was created by Lynn H. Nelson, retired Professor of History at the University of Kansas.
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Emporia Weekly Republican, 05 Dec 1889, Thursday
ADMIRE SIFTINGS
Uncle Robert Best took a trip to Missouri, returning Saturday, and to the great surprise of all his friends brought with him a blushing bride. The boys went down Saturday night and treated them to variagate music.
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The Lyon County News and The Emporia Times, 05 Dec 1889, Thursday
Married--At the bride's home in St. Joseph, to Robert Best, Sr., of Admire--Mr. Best thinking it nothing it best to take upon himself the obligations of married life woos and wins Mrs. A. Wise of St. Joseph, and on Saturday last escorted her to her new home in Admire. We heartily congratulate Uncle Robert and wish him a life of radiant splendor which may reflect with brightest hues the deeds of a noble pioneer.
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Emporia Republican, 24 Apr 1890, Thursday
Notice.
Notice is hereby given that I will not be responsible for any debts or contracts of any kind made by my wife, or either of her children. I furnish my wife with all necessaries of life, and pay for the same when I get them. I do not allow bills of any kind charged to me. ROBERT BEST.
Admire, Kas., April 22, 1890
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Emporia Weekly Republican, 03 Jul 1890, Thursday
Mrs. Amelia Best, of Admire, was brought before the justice yesterday evening, charged by her husband Robert Best, with threatening to take his life. As she was unable to give $500 bond for her appearance on July 7th, she was committed to jail, and is now confined in the room of the southwest corner of the upper story of the building.
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Emporia Republican, 24 Jul 1890, Thursday
Mrs. Robert Best shipped her household goods to Nickerson last Saturday.
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Emporia Republican, 09 Oct 1890, Thursday
The Best Divorce Trial.
This is too long to add here. Robert and Amelia knew each other for 48 hours before marrying. She went on trial for trying to kill him. She testified that he refused to provide food and household goods and was verbally and emotionally abusive.
The divorce suit of Robert Best vs. Amelia Best attracts a large crowd and the proceedings are closely followed. The examinations of the witnesses are long and exhaustive, and the evidence borders frequently on the low and degrading. More witnesses have been sent for and the case will be continued over Monday without a certainty of its touching bottom even then. It has already been in progress two days.--Daily REPUBLICAN.
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Emporia Republican, 13 Nov 1890, Thursday
Decision in the Best Divorce Case
Judge Graves has rendered his decision in the divorce suit of Robert Best vs. Amelia Best. He awards her a decree of divorce; $175 for attorneys' fees besides the costs, and $500 for total alimony. The findings are given in several pages of type-writing, and particularize the reasons for each finding and the general decree of divorce.
**************************
Emporia Daily Republican, 10 Nov 1891, Tuesday
Marriage of Robert Best.
A special to the Globe-Democrat from Zanesville, O., reads as follows:
ZANESVILLE, O., Nov. 7..--Robert Best, a wealthy farmer residing near Emporia, Kas., and Mrs. Lydia J. Terrill, of Bush Creek township, were married here yesterday. It was their fourth matrimonial venture, each having married three times previously. Mr. Best has buried three wives and Mrs. Best has seen three husbands laid away. Neither is over 60.
From the wife before this last one Mr. Best was divorced.
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Emporia Weekly Republican, 12 Nov 1891, Thursday
Uncle Robert Best returned from Ohio last Thursday and brought with him a blooming bride.
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The Emporia Gazette, 08 Dec 1903, Tuesday
ROBERT BET IS DEAD.
News has been received from Admire of the death of Robert Best. He was eighty-nine years of age, a prominent Mason and an old and highly esteemed citizen. The mason's took charge of the funeral.
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Emporia Republican, 08 Dec 1903, Tuesday
DEATH OF UNCLE ROBERT BEST./
Word was received late this afternoon, from Admire, of the death of Robert Best, one of the earliest pioneers of Lyon county, and one of the best known of its citizens. He died this morning at eight o'clock. He was eight-nine years of age. His last request was, that he be buried by the Masons.
ATTENTION MASONS.
A meeting is called for this Tuesday evening, at Masonic hall, of all brother Masons, to make arrangements to attend the funeral of brother Robert Best.--Earl Fawcett, W. M.
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The Emporia Gazette, 09 Dec 1903, Wednesday
ROBERT BEST DEAD.
Uncle Bobby Best died at the home of his nephew, T. E. Best, Tuesday morning, after a short illness. Mr. Best was past 89 years of age and had been in feeble health for some years and his death was not unexpected. Funeral services, conducted by Rev. Smith, were held at the Ivy church Wednesday afternoon, after which the body was interred in the family lot in Ivy cemetery. Mr. Best was a member of the Emporia Masonic Lodge, and a number of members of that lodge came up and had charge of the funeral.
Robert Best was born August 19, 1814, at Zanesville, Ohio, where his youth was spent. His father was a distiller and he followed the distillery business most of the time till he came to Kansas. He moved to Mason county, Kentucky, in 1832, and lived there sixteen years. In 1848 he began farming in Morgan County, Ind., and continued there till he came to Kansas. He was one of the earliest settlers of Lyon county. He came here in 1856 and took a claim of 160 acres on Hill creek, Ivy township, section 33, township 16, range 12, postoffice Ivy. He has ever since remained on his homestead and is the oldest settler in that township.
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The Emporia Gazette, 09 Dec 1903, Wednesday
ROBERT BEST, PIONEER.
Robert Best, whose death was announced in yesterday's Gazette, was one of Lyon county's oldest citizens, and the community loses another of the men who helped to build up the state. He was a typical pioneer and could tell many interesting stories of early days in Kansas.
Robert Best was born August 19, 1814, at Zanesville, Ohio, where his youth was spent. His father was a distiller and he followed the distillery business most of the time till he came to Kansas. He removed to Mason county, Kentucky in 1832 and lived there sixteen years. In 1848 he began farming in Morgan county, Ind., and continued there till he came to Kansas. He was one of the earliest settlers of Lyon, then Breckenridge county. He came here in 1856 and took a claim of 160 acres on Hill creek, Waterloo township, section 33, township 16, range 12, post office Ivy. He has ever since remained on his homestead and is the oldest settler in that township. Since then he purchased several farms adjoining the home farm. He was one of the early fruit growers of Lyon county and at one time had an orchard of 200 apple and 3000 peach trees, besides other fruits.
Mr. Best was a member of the Emporia commandery, Knights Templar, No. 8. He has held many township offices. Mr. Best was married three times. Miss Dorothy Smith of Clark county, Ohio, was his first wife. He married her June 9, 1839, and they had one child, Samuel A., who was a member of the Fifty-first regiment Ohio Volunteers, and was killed during the Civil war in Virginia. Mrs. Best died in 1841. In April, 1844, Mr. Best married Miss Margaret Leighton of Clark county, Ohio, and she died in 1851 and left no children. He was married the third time to Miss Isabell V. Radabaugh of Logan county, Ohio, in April, 1852.
Mr. Best was commonly known as "Uncle Robert" and was a kind, big-hearted man. He has met with some exciting and interesting experiences. While on his return during his pioneer life in Lyon county from Kansas City, then the nearest trading point for settlers in this county, on June 4, 1856, the time John Brown was engaged in his "Black Jack" battle, Mr. Best was taken prisoner by a band of border ruffians, known as the Buford men at Bold creek, in Johnson county. He was held prisoner five days and robbed of $350 cash. His companion was not held so long but lost his ox team, wagon and contents.
At the meeting of the Masons last night the funeral of Robert Best was announced, and today a number of Emporia Masons went to Admire to conduct the Masonic funeral service over their dead brother. Mr. Best was buried in the Ivy cemetery near his home. Mr. Best, 89 years old, was one of the oldest Masons in Lyon county.
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Emporia Republican, 10 Dec 1903, Thursday
The attendance at Robert Best's funeral was very large. Nearly all the people of Admire and vicinity turned out. The Masons who went from here and had the obsequies in charge report a long, cold, drive. Robert Best was a pioneer among the Masons of the county and stood very high in the fraternity.
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Northern Lyon County Journal, 11 Dec 1903, Friday
ROBERT BEST DEAD.
Just as the day was dawning Tuesday morning, December 8, 1903, and the clock on the mantle indicated the hour of 6, the life of Robert Best, one of our oldest citizens and pioneer settlers, went out into the great beyond, at the age of 89 years. Uncle Bob, as he was usually called, had been ill for some time with a complication of diseases, but his death was caused principally by old age, as he had served his allotment in life and it was time to depart.
The funeral services were held at the Ivy M. E. church Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Smith, of Admire, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Ivy cemetery, the services at both the church and the grave being attended by a large assemblage of relatives and friends.
Robert Best was born August 19, 1814, at Zanesville, Ohio, where his youth was spent. His father was a distiller and he followed the distilling business most of the time until he came to Kansas. He removed to Mason County, Kentucky in 1832, remaining there sixteen years. In 1848 he began farming in Shelby county, Ohio, continuing in that avocation until coming to this state. He was one of the earliest settlers of Breckenridge (now Lyon county) coming here in April, 1856, where he took a claim of 160 acres situated on Hill creek, in Waterloo, (now Ivy tp.,) where he continually resided since, adding yearly to his possessions. Robert best was a member of the Emporia Commandery K. T., and at one time was Justice of the Peace of Waterloo tp. During his life he had the good fortune to be married five times. By his first wife, Miss Dorythy Smith, of Clark co., Ohio, whom he married June 9, 1839, one son, Samuel A., was born, who was a member of the 51st. regiment, Ohio volunteers, and was killed in Virginia. This wife died Feb. 17, 1841. He married Miss Margaret Leighton, of Clark co., Ohio, in April, 1844, she died January 6, 1851. He then married Miss Isabella Radabaugh, of Logan co., Ohio, April 27, 1852. The other wives were Miss Wiss (sic, Wise or Weis, md. 29 Nov 1889), of St. Joe, Mo., and Mrs. Mallory being divorced from the former and the latter died at his home.
Uncle Bob met with some exciting and interesting experiences during his early days. While on his return home from a trip to Kansas City, then the nearest trading point to the settlers in this county, which was the 4th day of June, 1856, at the time John Brown was engaged in his Black Jack battle, he was taken prisoner by a band of border ruffians, known as the Buford Men, at Bowl creek, in Johnston (sic) county; was held five days and robbed of $350 in cash. His companion, whose name we cannot learn, was held five days and robbed of his fine ox team, and wagon with contents.
Uncle Bob, who was universally known throughout the county, particularly by the older settlers, was loved and respected by everyone and in his death the county loses a good citizen and the people a faithful friend, who was reputed to be worth about $25,000. To mourn his loss he leaves three brothers, Joe and Richard (or Uncle Dick Best), of Ivy tp., and John Best, of California, besides numerous other relatives, who will all have the sympathy of the entire community in this their hour of affliction.
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