U.S. Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ -- USGenNet Inc. -- Please read the U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on the following page: ------------------------------------------------------------------- Bernheim, Robert Benjamin (1870-1931) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Men of West Virginia, Volume II Biographical Publishing Company George Richmond, Pres.: C. R. Arnold, Sec'y and Treas. Chicago, Illinois, 1903 Pages 480-482 ROBERT BENJAMIN BERNHEIM, a well known citizen of Welch. McDowell County, West Virginia, who is clerk of the County Court, was born July 1, 1870, in the city of New York. He is a son of Samuel C. and Charlotte Bernheim, both of whom were born in Germany and are now residents of Welch. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel C. Bernheim came to the United States in 1861 and located near New York, where Mr. Bernheim engaged for some time in the mercantile business. In 1885 he removed to West Virginia and served as postmaster of Bramwell during the administration of the late President Benjamin Harrison. In 1903 Mr. Bernheim retired from active business life. Our subject is one of a family of five children born to his parents. He acquired a solid education in the common schools at Newburgh, New York, and at Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie. After leaving school he accepted a position as buyer and bookkeeper for the Tide Water Coal & Coke Company at Vivian, West Virginia, and remained in that position from 1891 to 1893. In the latter year he moved to Welch as stenographer for Rucker, Keller & Hamill, attorneys-at-law, and also as reporter for the McDowell County Criminal Court. He continued with this firm until January, 1897, when he took up the duties of the office of clerk of the County Court, to which position he had been elected in the preceding November. In 1901, the State of West Virginia was divided into two judicial districts, and Judge Keller, of the United States Court, appointed Mr. Bernheim clerk of the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. This position he filled until July 15, 1902, when he resigned, and became a candidate for re-nomination as clerk of the County Court of McDowell County. He was re-nominated unanimously, a tribute to his popularity, and as no one was nominated by the Democratic party, his election in November, 1902, was without opposition. Since 1892 Mr. Bernheim has been secretary of the McDowell County Republican Executive Committee and has taken a leading part in both local and outside politics. He has important business interests in Welch and is one of the useful and progressive citizens. On June 5, 1901, Mr. Bernheim was married to Ida P. Topham, who was born in Washington, D. C., and is a daughter of James S. and Anna M. Topham. They have one son, James Topham. Mrs. Bernheim is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Bernheim is prominent in fraternal life, belonging to McDowell Lodge, No. 112, A. F. & A. M.; Bramwell Chapter, R. A. M.; Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 10, K. T., of Bramwell; and Beni-Kedem Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Charleston. ------------------------------------------------------------------- From Death Certificate, Kanawha County, WV #7802 FULL-NAME: Robert B. Bernheim BIRTH-DATE: July 1, 1869 BIRTH-PLACE: New York DEATH-DATE: June 24, 1931 (at age 61y-11m-23d) DEATH-PLACE: Charleston, Kanawha County, WV RESIDENCE: 1429 Quarrier St. (length of residence in city - 18yrs) MARITAL-STATUS: Married (Ida Topham) OCCUPATION: Sect. State / Service Commission FATHER: C. S. Bernheim (born in Germany) MOTHER: Charlotte Baach (born in Germany) CAUSE-OF-DEATH: Heart Disease (Myocardial Degeneration) INFORMANT: Saloma B. Eberly (of 1429 Quar. St., City) BURIAL: Bramwell, W.Va. Cem. (wife of Robert B. Bernheim) From Death Certificate, Kanawha County, WV #16763 FULL-NAME: Ida Topham Bernheim BIRTH-DATE: Mahy 6, 1868 BIRTH-PLACE: Washington, D. C. DEATH-DATE: December 31, 1943 (at age 75y-7m-25d) DEATH-PLACE: Charleston, Kanawha County, WV USUAL-RESIDENCE: 824 Bridge Road, Charleston, Kanawha County, WV MARITAL-STATUS: Widow (Robert B. Bernheim) OCCUPATION: FATHER: James Smith Topham (born in Wilmington, Del.) MOTHER: Ann Mitchell White (born in Washington, D.C.) CAUSE-OF-DEATH: Cardiac Failure INFORMANT: Mrs. A. L. Eberly (of 824 Bridge Rd., Charleston) BURIAL: Woodlawn Cemetery, Bluefield, W.Va.) ------------------------------------------------------------------- If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access other biographies for Kanawha County, WV by going to the following URL: http://www.us-data.org/wv/kanawha/bios.html -------------------------------------------------------------------