Ironton Register, December 31, 1891
ROBERT L. HOPKINS

This well known citizen expired last Thursday. He was born at Williamsburg, Penn., Oct. 29, 1815, and died at Ironton, December 24, 1891, being in his 77th year. He was married at Burlington to Ethelena Thomas, June 6, 1839. Of this union, there were six children; four of whom, a son and three daughters, still live and were in attendance at the funeral, the son Wilmot, coming as far west as New Mexico, to be present on the sad occasion.

Mr. Hopkins died of some urinary trouble, but until the last he maintained hope and courage. At the funeral, the services of which were led by Rev. W. V. Dick, the minister said that on the Sunday previous, Mr. Hopkins had declared his faith in Christ, united with the church, and partook of the sacraments, to his own comfort and that of his friends.

The early manhood of Mr. Hopkins was spent at Burlington, where he pursued the occupation of a potter. He was kindly thought of by everybody. When Joshua Hambleton was Sheriff, Mr. Hopkins was his deputy.

In 1859, he moved to Ironton and here he has dwelt ever since. He has by an upright and honorable life, and most sociable disposition, won the respect of all the people. He filled the office of City Councilman and, also, of City Commissioner, and no better man ever filled these important positions. Much of his life spent here was in the employment of his trade, but of late years he became a cistern builder, and in this he was thoroughly reliable.

The deceased leaves gentle memories behind him. He was a conscientious, kindly, sociable man, always with a pleasant joke or a noble suggestion. There is no one who does not mourn that R. L. Hopkins is no more.

The funeral took place last Monday. The pall bearers were Chas. Austin, W. E. R. Kemp, J. Ashcraft, H. Hart, Jas. Craig, C. Alderman. The interment was at Woodland.