Robinson M. Briscoe 1861-1920

BRISCOE, SMITH

Posted By: Cindy Bray Lovell (email)
Date: 8/30/2004 at 16:54:57

Robinson M. Briscoe was born at Rossville, Allamakee county, Iowa, on September 2, 1861. He was one of a large family of children; five brothers and three sisters of whom survive him. He came to Pleasant Grove Township, from Floyd County with his parents at the age nine. Here he resided for a number of years.

On March 22, 1883, he was united in marriage to Hattie A. Smith at Charles City, Iowa. To them was born one son. Pryor H. who now resides at Meyers Falls. Washington.

In 1891 he left the Floyd county home and went to Goodell, Iowa, where he was in business for ten years. In the spring of 1902 he returned to Greene and began operating the Commercial Hotel. It was in May of this same year while remodeling the old Commercial that he was suddenly overtaken by his first stroke of paralysis which affliction he bravely bore until his death. The story of these succeeding years tell of his wonderful physical power and strength of will. From May until September he lay at his home in a critical condition and at times his life was despaired of. Finally however, after much labor and patient perseverance he again arose and learned to walk and was able once more to get about among his many friends. The past eighteen years has been spent at Greene, save for a few years at Cedar Falls and Gamer, Iowa. He was a member of the K.P. Fraternity and of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Greene, which
he joined on November I, 1908. He was an acceptable member and regular attendant.

Mr. Briscoe will be remembered for his heroic spirit and his big-hearted friendliness. Where weaker souls would have despaired, he was never daunted. He always took his place among men and did his part. Even when laboring under the great handicap of his infinity. He made no apologies but always attempted to be at some task worthwhile. Even to the end he did his work well. He was a friend. Some one has said, "If you would have friends, be one." This was his ideal. He was known as the friendly "Bob." The surest test of friendship is evidenced by the attitude of little children. These were always attracted to his presence and there seemed to be mutual delight in this companionship, he never passed a. child without some friendly word or expression.

He was a man of faith. It was not the faith that expressed itself in many words, but rather of the quieter sort. Frequently has he spoken the word that has revealed his confident faith in the reality of God and eternal life "And he was not, for God took him."

The end came suddenly, as he wished. On Tuesday morning while going from his car in the garage he fell in his own yard in complete unconsciousness and just thirty-six hours later he was resting in his final sleep. He was 59 years and 27 days old.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church at Greene at 1:30 P.M. Sunday, in charge of his pastor, E. A. Baker. Interment was at Pleasant Grove cemetery.

-source: Iowa Recorder, Greene, Iowa; October 6, 1920