Robert Lee Hubbard was born at Moravian Falls, Wilkes County, N.C., on 9 December 1862. His parents were William Henry and Jane Elizabeth Saner Hubbard. Robert Lee Hubbard married Mary E. Roth (also called Mamie). After losing his left arm in a woolen mill accident, Hubbard went into business with his brother-in-law, John Roth. Hubbard and Roth operated a hardware store in Elkin, N.C., that also provided repair services for bicycles, guns, and other machinery. Robert Lee Hubbard was also president of the Elkin Veneer and Manufacturing Company and manager of the Elkin Furniture Company.
In addition to operating a hardware store, Robert Lee Hubbard and John Roth published the Elkin Times, a weekly local newspaper. The newspaper began publication in 1892 and seems to have ceased publication around 1899. The partners also ran a commercial printing shop in conjunction with the newspaper press.
From the guide to the Robert Lee Hubbard and John Roth Papers (#5056), 1887-1934 and undated, (Southern Historical Collection)
