T. A. ROBINSON

ROBINSON, JONES, BAKERINK

Posted By: Norma Nielson (email)
Date: 5/16/2004 at 16:42:58

"T. A. Robinson, who is serving on the board of supervisors of Adair county and has filled many other public offices of trust and responsibility, also ranks among the leading farmers and stockmen of the county, owning valuable farm property on sections 10 and 11, Summerset township. He was born in Virginia, December 15, 1868. He was left an orphan during his infancy and was reared by an aunt, Mrs. Sarah C. Jones, his mother’s sister. In the spring of 1875 the Jones family removed to Adair county, our subject being then a lad of seven years. He acquired his education in the district schools and during the vacation periods assisted with the work on the farm, so that when he started out upon an independent career he was familiar with agricultural methods.

It was in 1893 that Mr. Robinson married Miss Sophia E. Bakerink, of Summerset township and in the years that have come and gone she has proved a true helpmeet. During the first season after his marriage he farmed rented land but in the following fall purchased a tract of eighty acres on section 10, Summerset township, on which he took up his abode. From time to time he has added to his holdings until he now owns two hundred acreas, on which are found a comfortable residence and substantial farm buildings to shelter his grain and stock. In addition to cultivating his own land he also rents the Walter Scholes farm comprising three hundred and twenty acres, so that he is farming on a large scale. He is likewise extensively engaged in feeding stock, keeping high grade animals and commanding the highest market price for his shipments.

To Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have been born five children, Floyd T., Orville R., Iva V., Jay M. and Velma C., all of whom are under the parental roof. The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and their lives are in harmony with their profession. Mr. Robinson is a republican in his political belief and affiliation and he has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill many positions of a public nature. For eight years he served as township assessor and for six years was township trustee, while for a number of years he has efficiently served as a member of the school board. In the fall of 1913 he was elected as a member of the board of county supervisors, which position he has since capably and acceptably filled. His fraternal relations connect him with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is leading a busy, active and useful life as a farmer and stock-raiser and yet he has ever manifested a willingness to devote a portion of his time to those things which are of moment to the public welfare and it is to such men as Mr. Robinson that Adair county owed her development and prosperity."

Source: The "History of Adair County Iowa and its People," Volume II. (Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Company) 1915.