ROBBINS, Henry C. (1843-1925)

ROBBINS, BARRETT, BAIRD

Posted By: Kathy Weaver (email)
Date: 12/17/2018 at 21:16:02

Malvern Leader
Malvern, Mills County, Iowa
Thursday, April 23, 1925 pg 1

LAST SAD RITES FOR H.C. ROBBINS

Well Known Pioneer of Mills County is Laid to Rest April 15; Funeral in Malvern

The funeral services for Henry C. Robbins, mention of whose death was made in last week’s Leader, was held from the First Presbyterian church in Malvern Wednesday afternoon, April 15 at two o’clock.

The church was filled to overflowing with old time friends and neighbors come to pay their last respects for this good man whom all loved and respected. Beautiful flowers in great profusion testified to the loving remembrance of friends, relatives, societies and business associates.

The services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. J.J. Brittell. The choir, Dr. and Mrs. J.O. Laird, Dr. I.P. Parsons, and Mesdames J.F. Wearin, Y.H. Seaton and J.H. Beckwith sang some of the old songs dear to the deceased.

The pallbearers were Walter Donner, H.T. Beattie, Dr. J.O. Laird, L.A. Talbott, R.W. Criswell, and H.F. Clark.

Members of the G.A.R. and The American Legion formed a guard of honor as the remains were borne to their last resting place in the beautiful Malvern cemetery.

Henry Clay Robbins was born at Nelsonville, Ohio, Nov. 9, 1843 and died April 11, 1925 at his home northeast of Malvern, being 81 years 5 months and 2 days of age.

At the age of seventeen he came west and located on the present homestead and after spending one summer breaking prairie he returned to his home in Ohio from which he, on July 15, 1862, enlisted in Company A of the 92nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was actively engaged until the close of the war, taking part in twenty-eight battles and minor engagements. Chief among these were Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Siege of Atlanta and he was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea.

He was mustered out of service at Washington D.C. June 10, 1865. On returning to Iowa to resume his work on the farm he met Miss Mary Jane Barrett, to whom he was happily united in marriage February 2, 1869.

Four fine sons came during these early years to add to the joys of this already happy home and are as follows: William E. of Cortland, Nebr.; Joseph H. of Los Angeles, Calif.; Ralph E. and Frank A. who reside on the old home place.

The passing of the father is the first death in the family during a period of more than fifty-six years.

Mr. H. Robbins, as he was familiarly known was the last survivor of the five charter members of Hastings, Iowa, lodge no. 337, I.O.O.F., having been admitted September 12, 1879, taking his initiation at Hocking lodge No. 369, Nelsonville, Ohio. He had filled every office in the lodge and was still an active member and passed away in good standing.

He was also a long time member of Milton Summers Post, G.A.R. of Malvern in which he always took great interest and an active part. His hospitable home was often thrown open to the members of the post for their meetings and social gatherings.

On April 11, 1896, just 29 years preceding his death, he united with the First Presbyterian church of of Malvern during special meetings held by Foot Brothers. He was elected Elder of the church March 25, 1898, attending faithfully and conscientiously to his duties until his death. He attended the last session meeting on Tuesday of the week preceding his death.

Mr. Robbins was a kind and loving husband and father, devoted to his home and the family and was an enthusiastic support of the community welfare.

He leaves to mourn his loss a loving and devoted wife, four sons, one brother, Frank, of Malvern, one sister, Mrs. Julia M. Baird of Nelsonville, Ohio, besides a host of other relatives and friends.

Relatives and friends from a distance attending the services were as follows: W. E. Robbins, Cortland, Nebr.; J.H. Robbins, Los Angeles, Calif.; J.C. Baird, Nelsonville, Ohio; John Baker, Indianola, Iowa; Mrs. Margaret Barrett,Wayne, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hatfield, Wayne, Nebr.; Miss Ida Robbins, Lincoln, Nebr.; Mrs. Warren Day, Lincoln, Nebr.; Mrs. Arthur Anderson, Genoa, Nebr.; C.B. Robbins, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; E. Watkins, Shelby, Iowa; Miss Edith Barrett and niece, Wayne, Nebr.; John Gonzales, Elmwood, Nebr.; and Ralph Dorr, Elmwood, Nebr.