Robert Justice
Robert Justice was born in Beaver County, Penn., March 15, 1809, a son of Joseph and Catherine (Ball) Justice, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of County Donegal, Ireland. In 1819 his parents moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, where he lived until 1833, when he removed to Millersburgh, where he became one of the most prominent and influential citizens. His tastes and talents soon led him into public life, and in various capacities he proved himself to be a faithful, conscientious and thoroughly competent official. In 1840 he was elected county recorder for a term of three years, at the end of which time he was chosen county auditor and was re-elected twice, serving as auditor for three terms, or six full years, from 1843 to 1849. He also served as school examiner for six years, and throughout his whole career he was an earnest advocate and supporter of the public school system and of the cause of popular education. In 1866 he was elected State Senator, for the counties of Holmes, Wayne, Knox and Morrow, and by his brother senators he was recognized as a clear thinker, a candid and forcible debater, and a diligent student of State affairs. It was in 1860 that he entered upon an official service, destined to be a long duration, and which brought him into particularly close contact with a wide range of local experiences and relations. In that year he became justice of the peace, and so justly and carefully and intelligently did he administer the affairs of that office, that the well pleased people kept him in it for twenty-seven years. His ninth and last term ended April 11, 1887, when failing health compelled him to retire from active work, although that work was still performed to the entire acceptance and approval of the public. From earliest manhood Mr.Justice was an enthusiastic member of the Democratic party, and he was an important factor in the achievement of its local triumphs, being both a good campaign speaker and a wise counselor.
In his religious life, also, his convictions were clear and strong. The church of his choice was the Presbyterian, and in that church he held for many years the position of a ruling elder. He was one of the commissioners representing Wooster Presbytery in the General Assembly of the church, which met in Chicago in 1877. One of his marked characteristics, which made him a man of influence in church affairs, as well as in politics, throughout his active life, was his good humored and hearty, yet dignified way of dealing with his fellow men.
Mr. Justice was married in Washington Township, Holmes County, on May 14, 1833, to Martha Robeson, daughter of Charles Robeson. In August following the newly wedded pair made their home in Millersburgh, where they lived in great happpiness and peace for more than thirty years, until the beloved wife was taken away by death. Two children blessed thier marriage--Elizabeth C., now Mrs. Henry Young, of Akron, Ohio, and Virgina, widow of the late Dr. William M. Ross, of Millersburgh. With this latter daughter, in Millersburgh, Mr. Justice resides, at the time of the writing of this sketch.
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Wayne and Holmes, Ohio, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1889