Robinson, L. F. 1833-1917

ROBINSON, DURANT

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/30/2014 at 11:44:49

Algona Courier
January 3, 1918

L. F. ROBINSON DEAD
Old Settler Passed Away at His Home in Orlando, Florida, December 14, 1917

Word reached here week before last that L. F. Robinson, pioneer resident and merchant of this city had died at his home in Orlando, Florida. The end came on December 14, and the remains were laid to rest on the following Sunday.

Mr. Robinson came here in an early day and was for a time associated with Henry Durant in a hardware store and later with his brother, J. W. Robinson. He married for his first wife, Miss Ellen Durant. Their one child, Vincent, was drowned when a young man while boating on the Des Moines river. Mr. Robinson was about 85 years of age at the time of his death. He is survived by three sisters.

The following account of the funeral services is taken from the Orlando Reporter-Star:

“The funeral services of M. L. F. Robinson was held in Unity Chapel, Sunday morning at 11 o’clock. Old friends and new filled the chapel to the doors.

“The Orlando Grand Army Post and visiting comrades were the Pallbearers and Guard of Honor. Rev. Eleanor E. Gordon, minister of the Unitarian church, had charge of the service.

“Miss Gordon read John White Chadwick’s beautiful hymn beginning: ‘It singeth low in every heart.’ Then followed comforting and inspiring sentences from scriptures old and new.

“In her personal tribute to he old friend and parishioner, Miss Gordon said: ‘I first met Mr. Robinson thirty-six years ago in Algona, Iowa. I knew him later in Des Moines, and for the last eight years in Orlando. I have found him always a loyal friend, faithful to the cause of liberal religion, a good citizen always interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community.

“It was once said of a famous man the well was deep, but there was nothing to draw it with. I have often thought of these words in connection with Mr. Robinson.

“He was a student of the best literature, thoroughly at home in science and history, but he was unassuming in manner, so modern in his thought as to his knowledge of life and books, that few people realized how great and good a man he was.

“The speaker concluded by saying, ‘It is these quiet, modest, thoughtful, people that make this old world of ours a fit place to live.’

“Mr. Robinson was a home-loving man. Last summer he married, for his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Agnes Robinson, and his friends have rejoiced that the last months of his life were made happy by loving care and congenial companionship.”