Robert Hemingray

Robert Hemingray.

Robert Hemingray, a pioneer of the flint glass trade, died at his home in Covington, Ky., Tuesday. He was well known among the glass manufacturers of the Pittsburg district and by the trade throughout the country. The younger generation of glass men knew him familiarly as "Uncle Bob." Mr. Hemingray was born in Pittsburg about 80 years ago. Until within the present week he was active as the president of the Hemingray Glass Co., with offices in Cincinnati and a large plant at Muncie, Ind.

After completing a college course he entered business with Phillips & Co., operating a glass factory which was then located opposite the present offices of Jones & Laughlins on Third avenue, this city. There he remained until after the big fire of 1845, when he went to Covington, Ky., and engaged in the glass business. The Covington plant was subsequently abandoned and a more modern factory erected at Muncie, Ind.

In business this esteemed veteran of the glass industry has met with deserved success. Throughout his life he has been identified with the Whig and Republican parties.

A Christmas greeting was sent to him from Pittsburg by George Marshall, which was replied to in a telegram from Mr. Hemingray's son-in-law, Bradford Shinkle. The message stated that "Uncle Bob" was ill and a message a few hours later announced his death. A wife and five children survive him. Miss Mary Carroll, a member of the old Pittsburg family of that name, became his bride before he left Pittsburg. The surviving children are Mrs. Wm. Phelix [sic] Felix wife of Rev. Phelix [sic] Felix, of Lexington, Ky., Mrs. Bradford Shinkle, Ralph G., Daniel, and Robert Hemingray, of Covington, Ky. The sons are interested in the Hemingray Glass Co. The funeral took place at Covington on Thursday.