Robert C. Masters
Robert C. Masters | |
|---|---|
 Ambrotype of Masters c. 1858 | |
| Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from the 7th district | |
| In office January 2, 1866 – January 7, 1867 | |
| Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from the 3rd district | |
| In office December 2, 1857 – December 6, 1859 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 26, 1806 Lewisburg, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | February 13, 1890 (aged 83) Minnesota, U.S. |
Other political affiliations | Democrat |
| Occupation | Surveyor |
Robert C. Masters (April 26, 1806 – February 13, 1890), also known as R.C. Masters, was an American surveyor and politician who served two nonconsecutive terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives.:159
Early life
Masters was born on April 26, 1809, in Lewisburg, Virginia (now Lewisburg, West Virginia). Before moving to Minnesota Masters lived in both Bowling Green, Kentucky and Springfield, Illinois.
Masters moved to Minnesota Territory in 1855 and settled in Waterford, Minnesota. At first Masters was unsuccessful in establishing Waterford as a village.:493 Masters was later the surveyor of Waterford and helped plat the city.:489 In 1855 a Sabbath School was organized at Masters' home, Masters served as the school's superintendent.:158 In 1866 Masters served as the chairman of supervisors for Waterford.:160
Political career
Masters was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives on October 13, 1857, representing the 3rd House district in the 1st Minnesota Legislature.:225 During his first term Masters was the chairman of the education and science committee.
Masters was reelected to the Minnesota House on November 7, 1865, representing the 7th House district in the 8th Minnesota Legislature.:225 During his second term Masters was a member of the railroads, claims, and incorporations committees.
Masters later campaigned in the 1866 Minnesota Senate election as a potential representative for Minnesota's 7th Senate district (Dakota County). Masters was defeated by Nelson Draper in the 1866 election, Masters won only 42.72% of the vote. The Minnesota Historical Election Archive identifies Masters as a member of the Democrat party.
Later life and death
Masters later moved to Little Falls, Minnesota in 1878. Masters died on February 13, 1890.
References
- 1 2 3 Mitchell, W.H. (1868). Dakota County. It's Past and Present, geographical, Statistical and Historical, Together with a general View of the State (PDF). Minneapolis: Tribune Printing Company.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Robert C. "R.C." Masters". Minnesota Legislators Past & Present. Retrieved November 8, 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Died". The Northfield news. March 1, 1890. p. 3. Retrieved November 8, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Neill, Edward D. (1881). History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota. Minneapolis: North Star Publishing Company.
- 1 2 3 4 University of Minnesota Libraries. "Robert C. (R.C.) Masters Candidate". Minnesota Historical Election Archive. Retrieved November 8, 2026.
- ↑ University of Minnesota Libraries. "State Senate, District 07, 1866 Election". Minnesota Historical Election Archive. Retrieved November 8, 2026.