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Robert Talbert

He was born in Nashville, TN. He was accomplished in the area of Business. He later died on 12-13-1892.
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"A Wealthy Resident" of Buffalo Dies at the Nation's Capital -His History" Dec. 22, 1892

"By the death of Robert Talbert, at Washington, D.C., last Tuesday morning, Buffalo loses one of its oldest and best known citizens. Lately he complained of loss of appetite and strength and made early preparations for his usual southern trip. The severe illness of his wife prevented him from going as soon as desired, but when the family physician pronounced her much improved he started for the nation's capital to spend the holidays. He contracted a slight cold while en route and took more cold shortly after his arrival there. Monday, December 12, he was suddenly taken ill. The best medical skill and attention was given him, but to no avail, and he died early Tuesday morning from congestion of the lungs. His son, William, reached Washington the next morning and returned with the remains Thursday.

"Robert Talbert was born at Nashville, Tenn., sixty-three years ago, and at the age of 15 left home for New York City, where he shipped as a cabin boy on one of the large vessels that traded with the South American states. About 1850 he came to Buffalo and shortly after went to California, as the gold fever was then at its height. He returned the following year and in January, 1852, married Miss Anna M. Harris, the daughter of the late Peyton Harris, who at that time was one of the wealthiest men in the city and was extensively engaged in the shipping and passenger traffic between here and New York City via the Erie Canal.

"He returned to the activities of gold hunting and digging, and in the city of San Francisco and suburbs of Bed Bluff he amassed considerable property. He subsequently returned to Buffalo and went into business at the cattle yards on William Street, where he continued long and prosperously. For the past thirteen or fourteen years he had dealt extensively in real estate and was perhaps the wealthiest colored man in Western New York.

"Three sons, Robert P., Jr., William H. and Walter T., and one daughter, Mrs. Ada Jordan, survive him.

"The funeral was held from the family residence, No. 98 Clinton Street, this afternoon."

reprinted from the Cleveland Gazette: December 22, 1892