Rash's Surname Index


Notes for Charles Gustavus ROEBLING

Charles Gustavus Roebling
was born on December 9, 1849, in Trenton, New Jersey, the third son of John A. and Johanna (Herting) Roebling. At an early age he was educated in the public schools of Trenton, before attending a private school in Staten Island, New York. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduating from that institution in 1871 with a degree in Civil Engineering.

Following his graduation, he was given a position in the engineering department of his father's company (John A. Roebling's, Sons Co.). In 1877, he became president of the John A. Roebling's, Sons Company and maintained that position until his death. During his tenure as president, the company expanded their facilities at the original Trenton location and created new a Buckthorn plant in South Trenton and an extensive facility in Roebling, New Jersey. All of the new factories and machinery constructed and used by the company were designed by Charles G., himself. By 1895, the John A. Roebling's Sons Company had gained an international reputation for their quality products, as the company was shipping them all over the world. Additionally, under the leadership of Charles, the company grew from a single mill in Trenton with about 100 employees and approximately $700,000 in annual sales, to its three mill sites, 8550 employees and $45,447,000 in annual sales by 1918.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Charles G. designed and built the Oil City Bridge in Pennsylvania and was responsible for the manufacture and fitting of the cables for the Williamsburg Bridge in New York City.

His notable or novel engineering feats was his plan and design of a special machine for the removal the famed Cleopatra's Needle from Egypt. The machine allowed for its intact extraction and removal to this country. The obelisk was brought here in 1880, and erected in Central Park, New York City.

Charles G. Was involved in numerous business ventures and served as president of the New Jersey Wire Cloth Co. and as a director of the Mercer Automobile Co. He was elected to the New Jersey State Legislature in 1903 and also served on the Trenton Water Board.

A prominent member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Trenton, he rebuilt the west wall of the cathedral as a memorial to his son, Washington A. Roebling, II, who was lost at sea in the "Titanic" disaster. He was an accomplished pianist and had a large orchid collection, having developed species and varieties of his own.

He was married on January 25, 1877, in Trenton to Sarah Mahon. They had five children: Harrison Ormby who died at an early age: Emily Margaretta: Washington Augustus, who was lost on the Titanic: Charles, who died in infancy: and Helen.

Charles G. Roebling died at his home at 333 West State Street in Trenton, October 5, 1918.
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