06/03/2026
Robert James Taupert was born February 2, 1872, in Columbia City. He was the son of John A. and Marget (Kurtz) Taupert.
After completing school in Columbia City, he entered an apprenticeship in the jeweler's trade for four years. He also pursued training in optometry.
In 1892, he left for Chicago and continued westward. He arrived in New Mexico in 1897, spending time first in Santa Fe, before moving to Las Vegas, New Mexico, where he established his jewelry business.
He married Harriet "Hattie" Proctor in Iowa City in 1900.
In 1907, family and friends were concerned when Robert became seriously ill with pneumonia. Many worried he might not recovery, but they were delighted when he began making strides for improvement.
At the age of 37, Hattie died at the home of her sister in Monticello, Iowa, on October 24, 1909. Almost a year prior, she had been diagnosed with tuberculosis. Robert shuttered his business and was at her bedside for nearly six months. Hattie was remembered as a giving and loving friend to many who carried a sense of sweetness and patience into every one of life's challenges.
In 1910, the newly-widowed Robert was living on National Avenue in Las Vegas. He had a boarder living in the home, John D. Hess. Hess was a physician with a general practice.
On July 6, 1913, he married Ida Mae Laird in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They were the parents of three daughters, including Margaret, Elizabeth and Barbara.
An innovator and an artisan, Robert was considered an expert manufacturer of eye glass lenses and had quite a following for his exquisite, unique jewelry designs. In time, he built an impressive mail order business to further supplement his sales income.
From 1912 to 1914, he served as the mayor of Las Vegas, New Mexico. After his term as mayor, he became a county road commissioner in San Miguel County.
He was a member of the Elks and the Chapman Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the East Las Vegas Board of Education.
Robert died on November 9, 1921, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was buried in the Masonic Cemetery in San Miguel County, New Mexico.
Ida continued to operate the Taupert Jewelry Store, facing serious financial struggles in the early 1930s. Then, they became Taupert's, Inc. Eventually, business rallied, however, and in 1954, she was operating Taupert's Jewelers and opened a brand new showroom at 609 Douglas Avenue in Las Vegas in November of 1954. The business was run by Ida and her daughter, Margaret.
Over the years, they also diversified their business offerings. In the days when Robert was alive, they had jewelry and optical services. Later, under Ida's direction, they sold books, fine china, leather billfolds, grooming supplies, watches, art pottery, fine writing instruments and more -- in addition to the jewelry. In many ways, they offered a wide assortment of gift items as well as the wrapping paper and cards, too.
Ida remained active in the business and community affairs for many decades after Robert's death. In the fall of 1961, they closed the doors to the business for the final time. After her retirement, Ida moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she lived for the last 15 years of her life.
Ida died at the age of 90 on May 16, 1976, and was buried next to Robert in the Masonic Cemetery in San Miquel County, New Mexico.
