Fonds A 43 - Robertson family fonds

John Wilson Robertson (b. at Carolside, West Lodge, Berkshire, Scotland, 12 Apr. 1843-d. 17 Jan. 1913), was known as the "Bard of Glen Erie." He married ? Frazer in Roxyburyshire, Sept. 1868. His children were John Martin, James T., Edwin L., Thomas A., Mary and one other daughter who became Mrs. Manning. He emigrated to Canada in 1891 and made his home in Fort William, Ontario. In Fort William he helped establish the weekly tabloid, The Fort William Echo and was editor from 1893 to 1895. He continued to farm and write poetry until his death of heart failure, 17 Jan. 1913. He was noted for his poetry and music.

John Martin Robertson came to Canada in ca. 1880 and worked for the Cumberland Railway, Spring Hill, Nova Scotia until 1889. In 1891 he was a locomotive fireman for Joggins Mines Railways and, after coming to Fort William that year, he went to work for the C.P.R.. From 1895 to 1897 he worked for the Hawk Bay Gold Mine Co. and from 1898 to 1900 with Fort William Light and Water. After 1901 he worked for Imperial Oil and from 1916 to 1920 as a mechanic for the Merchant Grain Co.