MANN, ROBERT HENRY, proprietor of the Mann Hotel and the leading photographer of Cass County, is a man well known throughout this section of the country. He was born at Wilmington, Ill., January 29, 1859, a son of Henry Thomas and Matilda (Stevens) Mann. After receiving a liberal public school education at Delavan, Ill., Mr. Mann began studying photography, and has made it his life work. On July 29, 1879, he purchased the photograph business of Judge C. H. Cummins, located in the Gridley building, but desiring more extensive quarters, he bought the old Presbyterian church at Virginia, and remodeled it, fitting it up as a modern studio and photo art gallery, now having one of the best establishments of the kind in the state. His instruments and appliances are of the latest design, and he does photography of all kinds, specializing on enlarging sepia, water color, pastel, india ink and crayon work. His brush instrument equipment is especially complete. In the meanwhile, during the fall of 1886, Mr. Mann bought an old building and the corner on which it stood, opposite the courthouse, and in 1896 built upon it his modern brick hotel of twenty-five rooms, fitting it with steam heat, electric light and private baths. In four of the rooms there are additional baths, and in all of the others there is running hot and cold water. The cuisine is excellent and this hostelry is recognized as the best at Virginia.

In 1892 Mr. Mann became a Mason, joining the Virginia lodge, serving it as master for several years, and he also represented the lodge in the Grand Lodge from 1894 to 1900. A man of public affairs, he has represented his ward in the city council, and during 1901 and 1902 he was mayor of Virginia.

On February 28, 1882, Mr. Mann was married at Virginia, Ill., to Margaret (Dobson) Hickox. She was born in Missouri and died June 1, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Mann had no children of their own, but Mr. Mann adopted the daughter of his wife by her first marriage, Myrtle Hickox, and also his niece, Dolly Mann. They reside with Mr. Mann, having charge of his household.