Biography - Robert Jordan
ROBERT C. JORDAN. In the subject of this notice we have one of the most prosperous and successful men in Litchfield, and the fact that he commenced life with a small capital speaks well for his subsequent career of perseverance, industry and good management.
The term self-made may be most properly applied to Mr. Jordan, who is now recognized as a leading mercantile spirit in this community. Mr. Jordan was born in Richview, Ill., August 31, 1863. His parents were E. B. Jordan and Mary (Hobbs) Jordan. E. B. Jordan, the father of our subject, was a well-known harness-maker of this city, and his mother was a daughter of Thomas Hobbs, one of the oldest and most respected citizens in the community. Robert C. Jordan received his education in Sparta, Ill., and, after learning the trade of harness-maker, worked with his father for ten years. In 1880, he opened a shop for himself in Litchfield, and, after conducting the same successfully for six years, branched into the livery business, in which enterprise he has met with good fortune, and to-day owns the largest livery in the city. Although quite a young man, our subject has by practical industry, hard work and native foresight already accumulated the foundation of a large fortune, and, besides his business enterprise and the capital invested there, has a snug little sum out at interest. Strict attention to business is his watchword, and the success already met with has but increased his desire to accomplish more and better results ere he can reach the goal of his ambitions.
The wife of our subject, to whom he has been married some years, was before marriage Miss Kate Byers, of Litchfield, a most estimable lady and very popular in the community in which she has spent her life.
Mr. Jordan has always identified himself with the interests of the town, and is one of the most active members of the Fire Department. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
It would be hard to find a man with whom an hour can be more pleasantly spent than with the abovenamed gentleman. It is always a pleasure to the biographical writer to record the success of a man who, beginning life for himself with but small means, has reached a substantial position as the owner of a good business establishment, from which he derives a comfortable and assured income.
Mr. Jordan is a systematic man, as a visit to his place of business indicates to the least observing eye. In the few years which he has been engaged in the livery business here, he has built up an excellent trade and a fine reputation as an honorable business man and reliable citizen. He is of that genial and companiable temperament which has drawn around him hosts of friends, and in his business transactions evinces rare executive ability and good judgment, which talents will eventually make him a man of marked and independent financial standing.
Extracted 10 Jan 2017 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, pages 439-440.
