Henry James Robinson 1829-1903

ROBINSON, MILES, ALDRIDGE, TAYLER, MONTGOMERY

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 10/18/2001 at 19:31:05

A LIFE SKETCH

Henry James Robinson was born in Yorkshire England near the city of Hull, on the 28th of March 1829, and died at his home in Vernon Iowa, Sept. 6, 1903, having reached the ripe, old age of 74 years 5 months and 8 days.

At the age of 13 yrs. he with his parents crossed the ocean and came to this country. As soon as possible naturalization papers were taken out, and tho' always loyal to the old mother Country, he loved and honored this new country of America and was ever a devoted citizen. The home continued to be in Philadelphia until Mr. Robinson reached young manhood, then the family migrated westward and settled in Iowa. About 1850 they move to Vernon, occupying as their first home the old church building into which last Tuesday afternoon his body was lovingly carried for the last time and out from which it was borne to the silent city on the hill. Here in this little city he met and loved Mary E. Miles and a few years afterwards was united in marriage to her. They went to housekeeping amid all the struggles and vicissitudes of early pioneer times and for over 40 yrs. they traveled on roadside by side, until 2 yrs. ago, the 4th of March, Death called the Mother home. Into this home God entrusted 7 children and all but one, Joseph A. who died in infancy have been permitted to reach manhood and womonhood [sic].

They are Mrs. Hattie Aldridge of Oskaloosa, Ia., W. A., Denver, Colo., Geo. W. and Harry M. of Bentonsport; Mrs. Nellie Tayler and Miss Gertrude of Vernon.

Mr. Robinson was a weaver by trade and followed that work for years or until he purchased an interest in the general store in Bentonsport about 20 yrs. ago. After death of his partner, Jos. Montgomery he carried on the business with his wife as a junior member of the firm. The business has been continued up to the present time, Mr. Robinson being able, until recently to be at the store a portion of the time. He was an honest, conscientious, right principled business man and was liked and respected by all with whom he had dealings.

His last sickness was of short duration being real poorly only a couple of days but he has been on the decline ever since the death of his wife. The end came gradually though suddenly with heart failure as the immediate cause. Just after the brightness of the Sabbath Day had illuminated the earth he turned quietly upon his pillow, breathed calmly and with a smile upon his face, passed peacefully away. He was willing to go and said just the day before then he would so like to be taken home. He was not a member of any church but he greatly enjoyed the company and conversation of Christian people and always made them welcome in his home. He strove to follow the example and teachings of Christ and was so truly a good man. He is one who will be greatly missed, in the home, in business circles, in the community and among his friends and neighbors. He was a strong, intellectual man, reading extensively and processing [possessing] a mind richly stored with knowledge.

The funeral services were held in the Vernon M. E. Church Tuesday afternoon Sept. 8, and were conducted by the I. 0. 0. F. Lodge of which he was an honored and valued member. Many visiting brethren were present and assisted in the last sad rites. Rev. Collier, a very intimate friend of the deceased preached a comforting sermon from Ps. 39-4 and in conclusion bore testimony to the pure, noble, upright character of this one whom he had learned to love as a brother. The choir consisting of the Effie and Ada Seward, Etta Weaver, Mrs. Anna Meredith and Messrs. Ray Cox, G. E. Whitmore and Osa Bostock beautifully rendered "We shall see him face to face" There'll be no dark valley" and "Some time we'll understand"; songs which had been used but such a short time before at the Mother's funeral. His body was laid to rest in the Vernon Cemetery.

Mr. Robinson had 12 brothers and sisters but they have all preceded him to the better land. He leaves there only the members of his immediate family, six children and 9 grandchildren to mourn the departure of a loved and loving father and grandfather, and these with host of friends and neighbors are standing looking hopefully and expectantly to that brighter day when loved one shall be returned and the home now broken upon earth, reestablished in heaven.
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I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.