From Bio. of Robert M. Black, "Historical and Biographical Record of Douglas County, IL" Pub. 1900, compiled by Gresham states DOB as Dec. 13, 1845.

Robert M. Black, the subject of this memoir, came from an ancestry of more than ordinary importance and prominence.

His great-grandfather, with his family, re-moved from Scotland and settled in Virginia some years before the Revolutionary war, caused by the traitor Arnold in portions of Virginia, volunteered, though far past the age of liability, for military service, and was one of the soldiers, who, under Lafayette and Gen. Wayne, turned and drove back Lord Cornwallis. He was intimately acquainted with Lafayette, Gen. Wayne and Gen. Lord Sterling, who were frequent guests at his house. His youngest son, George Black, the grandfather of our subject, was born on the 8th of July, 1767. He was nine years old when the Declaration of Independence was issued. He was a son of the Revolution and saw and caught the spirit of most of the stirring scenes of that eventful period. George Black, with his family, re-moved from Virginia and settled in Kentucky, some time before the war of 1812. He became a soldier of this war in a regiment of mounted rifleman and rendered important service under the command of Gen. Harrison.

With such an ancestry, whose character and qualities he reproduced and reflected, together passed through the terrors and excitement with his own individual traits, we may under stand the life of Robert M. Black, who was the ninth in a family of thirteen children born to Andrew and Margaret (Lockridge) Black. Andrew Black and his family left their home in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, and went to Greencastle, Indiana, in 1850. The life of Robert M. Black dates from December 13, 1845, to June 11, 1899, a period of fifty-three years of great activity and success. His Scotch blood, fired with the spirit of the Revolution, produced a tine type of American patriot and citizen. In his boyhood days- the future man already appeared. Obedient to parents, kind in disposition, solicitous about the welfare and happiness of his brothers and sisters, and loyal and unselfish toward his playmates, he early developed into a true man, who was willing and anxious to contribute his part to the world's progress as a man and citizen. At the age of sixteen he enlisted in the Seventy-eighth Indiana Regiment and in his first battle, at Union City, Kentucky, was wounded in the knee in the midst of a display of uncommon bravery. Yet his bravery probably saved his life, since, while he was facing the enemy alone, his company being in full retreat, the rebel commander ordered his men "not to shoot so brave a boy."

Thus early in life, under the most 'trying circumstances, appeared those sterling qualities which made him prominent throughout his entire life and endeared him with peculiar strength to his comrades, friends and acquaintances. The wound received shortly after his enlistment greatly hindered him the rest of his days, but was borne with the same cheerful bravery with which it was received.

In 1873 he was married to Miss Mary Hutchings, who lived but two years afterward.

In 1889 he married Miss Laura Moore, whom, with their four children, he left at his death well provided for. He was engaged in farming and stock business, which took him out over the country and into the neighboring states and caused him to handle a vast amount of money. His business brought him in contact with men, and, on account of his fair dealings and sturdy sociability, he made many friends and exerted a great influence. He was interested in politics and was a stanch Republican. In religion he was a Presbyterian, was for many years a member of the Church, and as a father care-fully brought up his children. His religion was not too sacred to be used in every-day affairs and it was the real foundation of his many excellent qualities shown in touch with his fellow men. His loyalty to his friends knew no bounds. Every true man found in him a worthy and constant companion, and friend-ships, formed upon manly qualities, were never broken. His large heart found pleasure in responding, in a substantial way, to the poor or those in temporary distress. To help others was a real pleasure to him, and being interested in those battling with adversity he was interested in all. He was progressive and public spirited, and in no sense lived for himself alone. Cheerfulness was his constant companion and it never forsook him, although all others were gloomy. He had a source of radiance and sunshine that seemed denied to many of his fellows. Some four years before his demise he moved to this County on a large farm four miles north of Oakland City, and being a careful business man he made money and friends in his new home, and he and his family were soon holding a large place in the affections and good-will of the entire community. A community may with pardonable pride record the name of so true and noble-hearted a citizen in its County history.

Obituary
Dies After But one Week’s Severe Illness
Remains Were Taken to Greencastle Ind., For Interment. Widely Known He Will Be Greatly Missed
“R.M. Black is dead.”
These are the words which greeted the ears of the people of this city Monday morning. “He died about 9 o’clock last night,” they said.

Of course this occasioned surprise on the part of many and yet others, considering the frailty of his makeup and thinking that the tenacity of life was not strong in him, anticipated his death.

The cause of his sickness, as we stated last week, was pneumonia, and this doubtless resulted in his death. His right lung was all clogged up and shut by the disease and the physician knew that if this condition could not be speedily removed, death must ensue. Tho all was done that should be and every care taken, the patient did not show strength enough to assist the remedies and throw off the disease and sank away.

Dr. Montgomery came to see him twice and very thoroughly diagnosed the case. Then the family suggested to the physician in charge Dr., F.J. Scott of this city, that they be allowed to call their old family physician, Dr. Evans, one of the most through and accomplished in Greencastle. Dr. Scott replied that he would be willing for them to call any physician of skill, good judgment and honesty. They assured him that Dr. Evans was such and he gladly united in the request for him.

Dr. Evans came. He spent an hour and a half in a examination of the patient, even to a chemical analysis. He learned what Dr. Scott had done and what Dr. Montgomery also and at last turned to the family and said, “Robert has had proper treatment.” If you can keep him quiet and induce him not to worry or move about much, good nursing may bring him through.”

But it was not to be. The afflicted limb and the lagrippe had left Mr. Black’s nervous system in an exhausted condition and he had not the strength left to rally. He was kept alive by applications and stimulants until all his brothers, George, Edward and Andrew, ad his sister, Mrs. Watkins, arrived and were recognized by the dying man when death did its work.

Conscious almost to the last he said he saw his father, mother and his first wife and, pointing upward, smiled as if to say it was well. This is comforting when it is known that early in sickness he feared he would die and seemed to shrink form it.

Mr. Black comes of a family of 13 children, 9 girls and 4 boys. They are an unusual family intellectually and have a great deal of push, all being well to do. He might be called a rich man. Owning about 340 acres of choice land where he lived, several business houses and other properties in Greencastle and some bank stock there also.

Robert M. Black was well known to the people of this vicinity as he was a conspicuous figure. Having moved out here from Greencastle, Ind., some five years ago he settled on a fine farm northwest of Oakland about 4 miles, known as the Sargent farm. Being active and a man of affairs he made money. He purchased as great deal of stock and this scattered considerable money.

Brief funeral services were held at the residence early Tuesday morning, Rev. W.W. Wilson officiating. The music was furnished by the Presbyterian choir. The body was than brought to Oakland and taken east on 9:48 a.m. Vandalia train Tuesday morning. At Greencastle, the old home of the deceased, the regular funeral exercises to be held and interment follow.

In religion his family was Presbyterian tho perhaps he did not hold membership in any denomination. He was a man of strong characteristics, yet he had many friends. His family was quite prostrated over his untimely death. They have a deep sympathy of a very large circle of true friends in this dark hour.

The G.A.R. boys from Newman came down to accompany their comrade to the train. There were thirteen carriage loads of them and their badges told that they were from “Lowe Post No. 323.” Their bugler was Quince Records, a young hero of the Spanish-American war. The Newman Post telephoned for Oakland G.A.R’s. to meet them at the residence if they could but if not to be in readiness to join them when they arrived here. They did so and it was along line of old soldier boys that followed their dead comrade to his last resting place for them.

At the depot a large crowd of sympathizing friends assembled. As the train pulled out the bugle sounded taps which was mournful in the extreme.

Mr. Black left a wife and four children to mourn their loss. What their plans are we do not know. We understand it has been Mr. Black’s earnest desire to sell his farm here and buy a home for his wife and children before he died. He seemed to have had a realization for a year or two that he would not live long. But husband, father, brother, comrade and neighbor is gone. END

American Civil War Soldiers Record
Name: Robert M Black
Residence: Putnam County, Indiana
Enlistment Date: 29 July 1862
Distinguished Service: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Side Served: Union State Served: Indiana
Unit Numbers: 632 632
Service Record: Enlisted as a Private on 29 July 1862
Enlisted in Company A, 78th Infantry Regiment Indiana on 29 July 1862.
Mustered out Company A, 78th Infantry Regiment Indiana on 03 October 1862 in Evansville, IN

Issue: Robert Overton Black, George William Black, Lois Frances Black & Andrew Clarence Black.