Robert Cotter

Robert Cotter was born in London, England, on December 19, 1837, and came to Texas in 1850. He was a member of Rip Ford’s Texas Rangers before the Civil War and became a Second Lieutenant of Company G of the First Texas Mounted Rifles during the war. He later became adjutant general on Gen. Waul’s staff.

He was the owner and operator of the R. Cotter & Company, a large wholesale and retail drug firm. The 1877-78 City Directory refers to it as a business “of considerable magnitude.”

Here you will find men daily employed at work putting up for sale, in packages for country trade, large quantities of the following goods: Extract Jamaica Ginger, Chill Cure, Horse and Cattle Powders, Face Powders, Tooth Powders, Liniment, Seidlitz Powders, Cinchona Tonic, Cooking Extract for housekeepers, and the best quality of Cologne brought to market, put up in various sizes. Their Cologne cannot be excelled and no such goods are imported for sale. It is made with great care, and of the very best materials. They also manufacture Chewing Gum, Sarsaparilla, Mucilage and so on.

“A long felt need in Houston was met” when the R. Cotter & Co. Drug Store began dispensing sodas from “an elegant and costly fountain” in May, 1875. After disposing of his business, he was manager of the Meyer Drug Company of Dallas until ill health forced his retirement four years prior to his death. He was a member of the Dick Dowling Camp of Confederate Veterans and a well-known and public-spirited citizen.

Robert Cotter received his degrees in Gray Lodge as follows: 1° January 8, 2° March 1 and 3° April 5, 1872. He demitted December 17, 1890, and re-affiliated July 4, 1894. He was a York Rite Mason and was created a Knight Templar in Ruthven Commandery No. 2 on February 9, 1877. He died on May 5, 1905, at Houston and was buried the following day in Glenwood. He was survived by his wife, Fannie Conklin Cotter, and two daughters: Miss Bettie Cotter and Mrs. Preston.