Thomas Robb 1849-1913

ROBB, CHRISTY, BREWSTER, VAN ZANT, HAGLESTANGE, MEREDITH, CACKLEY, SPRANKLE

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 7/10/2014 at 07:15:17

Thomas Robb

Thomas Robb was the son of Harvey and Rachae Christy Robb and was born near Bonaparte, Iowa, January 16th, 1849. He came from one of the oldest and most prominent families in Van Buren County, his parents having come in 1838 and settled on the farm were five generations have lived, the home still being in the hands of a member of the family. His parents were prominent in religious, business and social affairs in the community where they lived. They were active members of the Presbyterian church at Bonaparte where the deceased was reared in the faith of his father.

He was married March 31, 1870, to Amanda Brewster of the same neighborhood. To them were born four children all of whom with their mother survived to mourn the departure of a loved one. They are Mrs. Ellis Van Zant of Bentonsport, Mrs. George Haglestange of Farmington, Clarence H. Robb of Fort Madison, and Harry C. Robb of Seattle, Wash. All of the family were permitted to be present at the funeral but the youngest, Harry C. Robb who being so far away was unable to make the trip, but in an extended telegram sent a message of love and comfort to his mother, sisters and brother.

Mr. Robb lived all of his life in this county, with the exception of a year spent in Bloomfield, about 30 years ago. For many years of his early life he resided on the old home place near Bonaparte where he farmed and bought stock, thus giving him a wide acquaintance. For 15 years he lived in Farmington, and resided in Ft. Madison for about 3 years where growing feeble in health, he was taken to the hospital in Mt. Pleasant where he died November 6, 1913.

Mr. Robb was a generous, free and openhearted man, very sociable in his disposition and made friends wherever he went. He was closely attached to them and was kind and generous. His ancestry were people of note and active in the affairs of this country their influence dating back to Revolutionary days and were people who always assume the responsibilities of life whatever they might be with an unfaltering courage which left an impress of their influence behind them.

In addition to those mentioned above there remain two grandchildren, Harry Haglestange and Jeane Van Zant. He is the last of his father's family, two sisters preceded him in death. His sister Mrs. Mary Meredith left no family, her only son preceding her in death. His younger sister Mrs. Sarah Cackley died in 1884 leading a large family of whom, Mrs. Emma Sprankle of Farmington, George and Harry Cackley of Mt. Sterling were present at the funeral.

The funeral was held from the home of his daughter, Mrs. George Haglestange, on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 2:00 o'clock, Rev. J. H. Taylor having charge. The remains were laid to rest in the Farmington cemetery.

Source: Entler Scrapbook Collection, vol 5, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA