Robson, Christopher (1864-1938)

ROBSON, HASTINGS, FENTON

Posted By: Colleen Ossman (email)
Date: 4/22/2008 at 21:37:56

(Jewell Record 1938)

Chris Robson Was A Jewell Pioneer

The death Tuesday of last week of Chris Robson marked the passing of one of this community's oldest pioneers; one who had lived in this community almost continuously ever since about three years after the town of Jewell was founded and whose adult life was contemporaneous with and a part of almost the entire life of this town.

Christopher Robson, son of Robert and Margaret Robson, was born at Scales Mound, Illinois, April 11, 1864, and died at the hospital in Story City February 8, 1938, at the age of 73 years, 9 months and 27 days. He lived on a farm in Illinois until he was 19 years old, coming to Hamilton county with his parents in April 1883. Mr. Robson's father, Robert Robson, immediately became identified with the business interests of Jewell but the family lived in Webster City the first year, coming to Jewell in April 1884. Mr. Robson's father was connected with the first banking firm in Jewell, W. J. Chamberlin & Co., the members including W. J. Chamberlin, J. S. Wiley and Robert Robson. The latter was also elected, in 1883, as the first treasurer of the town of Jewell, but refused to qualify because he had then lived in the county less than six months and was not eligible. From the time he came to Jewell as a young man, Mr. Robson lived here continuously until his death except for about four years when he lived at Marathon, Iowa. At one time he was for a few years engaged in the hardware and implement business and for many years he operated a dray line here. For about 27 years he was one of Jewell's rural mail carriers, starting as a substitute when rural mail service was first established here in May 1903, and becoming a regualr route three carrier April 1, 1909 when Anton Lee resigned as carrier on that route. Mr. Robson served as route three carrier until January 1, 1931 when he reached the retirement age and the three Jewell routes were consolidated into two routes. During his more than a half century residence in Jewell he was a prominent and active worker in all community, church and civic activities. He was a faithful member of the Methodist church for about 50 years and affiliated with the Federated church of Jewell when the Methodist and Congregational churches united. He was a member of the Mason lodge of Jewell 49 years and served as secretary of that order 27 years. For many years he was an active member of the community club of which organization he was treasurer, and he always was active in work in all community and civic enterprises.

He married Leni Leoti Hastings at Warrensburg, Mo., November 28, 1889. Five children were born to this union, three of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Robson died December 14, 1921. He is survived by two sons, Marion Robson of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Howard Robson of Cushing, Iowa; two grandchildren, Eugene and Paul Robson; and two sisters, Mrs. Edith Fenton of Sunnyside, Wash., and Martha J. Robson of Spokane, Wash.; and many more distant relatives.

The funeral service was held last Friday afternoon, at 1:30 at the home and at 2:00 o'clock at the Federated church, the pastor, Rev. E. G. McDaniel, officiating. Interment was in Evergreen cemetery. Those serving as pall bearers were J. P. Sawyer, M. J. Severson, Lewis Olson, Rex Austin, Frank Champion and E. J. Mott. Singers were E. J. Mott, M. H. Porter, Mr. F. G. Davis, Mrs. C. V. Sickenger, Mrs. Roy Schmedika, Mrs. C. A. Furman, R. T. Wise and Merlin E. Williams, with Mrs. J. B. Harris as organist. Members of the Mason lodge attended as escort and conducted the ritual service at the grave.