L5 ?'i \T

The Robinson Family
Genealogical and Historical
Association

The Robinsons and Their Kin Folk
THIRD SERIES, JULY, 1906

OFFICERS, CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
SECRETARY'S REPORT, HISTORICAL
SKETCHES ILLUSTRATED, MEM
BERS OF ASSOCIATION

*

NEW YORK
PUBUSHED BY THE ASSOCIATION
1906

JO

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Contents

page
Officers of the Association .  v
Constitution ... . . . . . vi
By-Laws  . . . . vii
Secretary's Report . . ... i
Executive Committee Meeting . . 7
Rowland Robinson, the Man and His Century . . . 9
Deputy Governor William Robinson . . 23
The Narragansett Pacer . . 25
Genealogy of the Robinson Family of Narragansett, R. I. . . 28
Rowland Robinson and His Daughter Hannah . . 42
Jeremiah Potter Robinson SS
George Champlin Robinson . . 57
Atmore Robinson ... ¦ • 59
Hetty (Robinson) Green . 60
Morton Robinson, M. D. ... 62
Gilbert Stuart ... 67
George. Robinson, of Watertown. Mass., ano William Robinson,
OF Dorchester. Mass. . . 69
The Fathers, Where Were They? . . . 74
John Robinson, of Kittery and Cape Elizabeth, Me. 79
Abraham Robinson .... 89
John Robinson, of Exeter, N. H. . 100
Isaac Robinson, of Barnstable, Mass. . . .124
History of the Fell Family . . , 129
Captain Ralph Hamer . . . 132
The Robinson Family, Virginia 138
Samuel Robinson, of Rehoboth, Mass. . . 142
Members of the Robinson Association 151

Illustrations

Miss a. a. Robinson
Mrs. Almira Pierce Johnson
Morton Robinson Robinson, M. D.
The Beach at Narragansett
Indian Rock at Narragansett
Elizabeth Robinson
Main Street, Kingston, R. I.
Mrs. Hetty Robinson Green
Gilbert Stuart's Birthplace
Sylvester Robinson
George C. Robinson . . .
Cellar of John Robinson's House
Joshua Robinson House
Pond Cove, Cape Elizabeth
Cliff at Pond Cove
Shadrach Robinson House
Coat of Arms of the Fell Family
Coat of Arms of Robinson of Beverly
Coat op Arms of Robinson of Ireland
Coat of Arms of Hutchinson Family

page
frontispiece
facing page I
between pages 64 and 65

BETWEEN pages 80 AND 81

FACING PAGE 128
BETWEEN PAGES 136 AND I37

Officers of the Association

President,
HON. DAVID I. ROBINSON, Gloucester, Mass.

Vice Presidents
Judge Gifford S. Robinson,
Increase Robinson,
George R. Wright,
George O. Robinson,
Prof. Wm. H. Brewer,
Roswell R. Robinson,
N. Bradford Dean,
Rev. Wm. A. Robinson, D. D.,
John H. Robinson,
Charles F. Robinson,
George W. Robinson,
Henry P. Robinson,

Sioux City, la.
Waterville, Me.
Wilkesbarre, Pa.
Detroit, Mich.
New Haven, Conn.
Maiden, Mass.
Taunton, Mass.
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Boston, Mass.
North Raynham, Mass.
Elburn, 111.
Guilford, Conn.

Secretary,
Adelaide A. Robinson, North Raynham, Mass.
S Treasurer,
Roswell R. Robinson, Maiden, Mass.
HlSTORiOGRAPHE.R,
Charles E. Robinson, 150 Nassau St., New York.

Executive Committee.
Frederick W. Robinson,
Charles K. Robinson,
Charles Larned,
Orlando G. Robinson,
Bethuel Penniman,

Boston, Mass.
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Boston, Mass.
Raynham, Mass.
New Bedford, Mass.

Constitution
I. The name of this Association shall be "The Robinson Fam
ily Genealogical and Historical Association."
2. The purpose for which it is constituted is the collection,
compilation and publication of such data and information as may
be obtained concerning the Robinson Families.
3. Any person connected with the descendants of
William^ Robinson of Dorchester,
George^ of Rehoboth,
William^ of Watertown,
Isaac^of Barnstable, son of Rev. John,
Abraham^ of Gloucester,
George^ of Watertown,
Johni of Exeter, N. H.,
Stephen^ of Dover, N. H.,
Thomas^ of Scituate,
James^ of Dorchester,
William of Salem,
Christopher of Virginia,
Samuel of New England,
Gain of Plymouth,
or of any other Robinson ancestor, by descent or marriage, may
become a member of the Association.
There shall be a membership fee of one dollar, and an annual
due of twenty-five cents, or ten dollars for life membership,
subject to no annual dues.
4. The officers of the Association shall be a President, twelve
Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, Historiographer, and
an Executive Committee of five.

By-Laws

I. The President shall preside at all business meetings of
the Association, and in his absence a Vice-President shall per
form the duties of President.
2. The Secretary shall keep the records and minutes of the
meetings. 3. The Treasurer shall receive all monies of the Association.
He shall have the custody of all the funds belonging to the
Association. He shall disburse the same under the direction of
the Executive Committee.
4. The Executive Committee shall have the control of the
affairs of the Association and its property, and shall receive for
safe custody all documents entrusted to them. It shall be their
duty to make arrangements to obtain all data and information
concerning the descendants of the aforesaid Robinson ancestors
for the purpose of compilation and publication of the same. The
officers of the Association shall be ex-officio members of the
Executive Committee.
5. The members of the Executive Committee present at any
regular notified meeting shall form a quorum. They may fill any
vacancies that may occur in the board of officers until others are
regularly appointed.

MRS. ALMIRA PIERCE JOHNSON
Milford, Mass.
Born, June 24, 1804
Died, December 25, 1905
Aged, 101 years, 6 months, i day

Secretary's Report

N the morning of the 19th day of August, 1904,
the Robinsons and their Kin Folk gathered in the
old historic town of Plymouth, Mass., to hold the
third biennial meeting of The Robinson Family
Genealogical and Historical Association, where
landed that little band of Pilgrims with the bless
ing of their beloved pastor, the Rev. John Robin
son of Iveyden, two hundred and eighty-four
years before.
This little band of pioneers builded better than they knew,
laying not only the foundation of a mighty nation, but made it
possible for this notable gathering of the Kin Folk to-day.
The meeting was held in the lecture room of the Universalist
Church, whose doors were hospitably thrown open for this
occasion. The members of the Executive Committee met at ten o'clock,
and at eleven o'clock the Association was called to order by the
President, Hon. David I. Robinson of Gloucester, Mass., and
led in prayer by the Rev. Lucian Moore Robinson of Phila-
•delphia. Pa.
On motion, Ebenezer T. Robinson, M. D., of Orange City,
Fla., was chosen secretary pro tern., and Miss Myra S. Robinson
•of Pawtucket, R. I., assistant secretary pro tern.
On motion, the secretary's report of the proceedings of the
last biennial meeting, held at Gloucester, Mass., on the 26th of
August, 1902, was read and adopted.
N. Bradford Dean, treasurer of the Association, then ad
dressed the chair, calling the attention of the assembly to the
lamentable and painful accident to the secretary of the Associa
tion, Miss Adelaide A. Robinson of North Raynham, Mass.,
which was the cause of her unavoidable absence to-day. He
¦stated that she was thrown from her carriage on the 2d of
August, 1903, by a trolle}'- car which came in collision with

2 THB ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
and overturned her carriage, injuring her spine seriously, so that
she has been constantly confined to her bed under the care of a
physician since the accident; that notwithstanding her painful
condition, with assistance she has performed her duties as secre
tary of this Association most faithfully, replying to her volumin
ous correspondence in relation to the object and aim of this so
ciety. In conclusion, he made a motion that Miss Robinson be
made an honorary member of this Association, as a testimonial of
the esteem which she is held by us. The motion was seconded
and unanimously adopted.
Mrs. Calista Robinson Jones of Bradford, Vt., moved that
a telegram of sympathy and condolence be transmitted to our
absent secretary. Miss Robinson, which was adopted, and Mrs.
Jones, N. Bradford Dean and Charles E. Robinson of New Jer
sey, were chosen as a committee to prepare the telegram and a
set of resolutions.
Members of the Association and visitors from their respec
tive States were invited to address the meeting, which called forth
remarks from Dr. E. T. Robinson of Orange City, Fla.; Mrs.
Martha S. Robinson of Portland, Me. ; Rev. Lucian M. Robinson
of Philadelphia, Pa.; Hamlin E. Robinson of Maryville, Mo.;
Prof. O. D. Robinson of Albany, N. Y. ; A. O. Robinson of San-
bornville, N. H. ; William Robinson of Boston, and others.
At the request of N. Bradford Dean, treasurer, that an audit
ing committee be appointed to examine his accounts, Roswell R.
Robinson of Maiden, Mass. ; William Robinson of Boston, Mass.,
and Albert O. Robinson of Sanbornville, N. H., were appointed
the committee. A telegram was read from Mrs. Ida Robinson Bronson, who
was on her way to attend the meeting, when she was recalled to
Detroit, Mich., by the sudden death of her brother, Frank E.
Robinson. Prof. O. D. Robinson of Albany, N. Y., spoke of the recent
death of Samuel S. Robinson of Michigan, Mrs. Bronson's father;
In the course of his remarks, he spoke of Mr. Robinson's great
work in forwarding the vast mining interests of his State, and of
his noble characteristics as a man.
N. Bradford Dean spoke feelingly of the death of James H.
Dean, Esq., of Taunton, one of the vice-presidents of this Asso
ciation.

SECRETARY'S REPORT 3
On motion of Charles E. Robinson, a vote of sympathy was
passed, to be forwarded to the families of members who have
died since the last biennial meeting of the Association.
On motion, the following were appointed as members pro
tern, to fill vacancies on the Executive Committee : Roswell R.
Robinson of Maiden, Mass.; Dr. E. P. Robinson of Newport,
R. I. ; Hamlin E. Robinson of Maryville, Mo.
Suggestions as to the place to be selected for holding the
next biennial meeting of the Association in 1906 were called for
from the chair. Remarks in this connection were made by Mrs.
Martha S. Robinson of Portland, Me. ; Hon. N. W. Littlefield of
Pawtucket, R. I., and Dr. E. T. Robinson of Florida, setting forth
the advantages of their ¦ respective locations.
The committee on telegram to be sent to Miss Robinson, the
secretary, reported they had attended to their duty, and offered
the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That we deeply appreciate the arduous services
performed the past year under the most trying circumstances by
our highly esteemed and faithful secretary, Miss Adelaide A.
Robinson ; that we fully recognize her self-sacrificing devotion in
the interest and prosperity of this Association, though suffering
intensely from the deplorable accident which befell her.
Resolved, That Miss Robinson has our warmest sympathy
in her trying affliction and our heart-felt wishes for her speedy
recovery. Resolved, That this, our tribute of her devotion, be made a
part of the minutes of this convention and that a copy thereof be
transmitted to her as an expression of the high esteem in which
she is held by us.
On motion, the following named were appointed a committee
to nominate a board of officers for the ensuing term : James L.
Robinson of Brockton, Mass. ; A. P. R. Gilmore of Acushnet,
Mass., and Dr. E. P. Robinson of Newport, R. I.
The report of the Auditing Committee was called for. The
committee reported the books of the treasurer correct and a bal
ance of $279.59 in the treasury.
The treasurer, N. Bradford Dean, offered his resignation of
that office, with the remark that his other business was of such
a nature that it would not admit of his giving the time and atten-

4 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
tion to the duties of treasurer which.it demanded. His resigna
tion was accepted and a vote passed thanking him for his faithful
discharge of the duties of the office since the organization of the
Association. On motion of Charles E. Robinson, Mrs. Almira Pierce
Johnson of Milford, Mass., was elected an honorary member of
this Association, she having reached the age of one hundred
years on the 24th of June last. She is a descendant of William''
Robinson of Watertown, Mass.
After a short discussion in relation to the incorporation of
the Association, it was voted to postpone the subject until the
next biennial meeting.
The committee on the nomination of officers reported the
following Hst, which was adopted : President, Hon. David I.
Robinson of Gloucester, Mass. Vice-Presidents, Judge Gifford
S. Robinson, Sioux City, Iowa; Increase Robinson, Waterville,
Me. ; George R. Wright, Wilkesbarre, Pa. ; George O. Robinson,
Detroit, Mich. ; Prof. William H. Brewer, New Haven, Conn. ;
Roswell R. Robinson, Maiden, Mass. ; N. Bradford Dean, Taun
ton, Mass. ; Rev. William A. Robinson, D. D., Poughkeepsie,
N. Y. ; John H. Robinson, Boston, Mass. ; Charles F. Robinson,
North Raynham, Mass. ; George W. Robinson, Elburn, 111. ;
Henry P. Robinson, Guilford, Conn. Secretary, Adelaide A.
Robinson, North Raynham, Mass. ; Treasurer, Roswell R. Robin
son, Maiden, Mass. ; Historiographer, Charles E. Robinson,
Plainfield, N. J. Executive Committee, Frederick W. Robinson,
Boston, Mass. ; Charles K. Robinson, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Charles
Larned, Boston, Mass. ; Orlando G. Robinson, Raynham, Mass. ;
Bethuel Penniman, New Bedford, Mass.
On motion that a stated time for the payment of the annual
dues of members should be adopted, it was voted that the first
day of January in each year, following the time of joining the
Association, should be established as the date of payment of such
dues. On motion, it was voted that the secretary might, at her
discretion, have additional copies of the brochures bound in cloth.
It was also voted that she charge not less than 50 cents each
for all extra copies furnished the members, this not to include
complimentary copies for those preparing papers for the bro
chures published by this Association.

SECRETARY'S REPORT 5
On motion, the convention adjourned until two o'clock, to
partake of a collation in the dining-room of the church.
Afternoon Session.
At two o'clock the meeting was called to order by the presi
dent. A paper on Abraham Robinson, the ancestor of the Robin
sons of Gloucester, Mass., by William A. Robinson of Gloucester,
was read by the president.
Prof. O. D. Robinson of Albany, N. Y., read a paper pre
pared by Charles Nutt, editor of the Worcester Spy, Worcester,
Mass. Hon. N. W. Littlefield of Pawtucket, R. I., made a most
pleasing address, giving an interesting account of his visit to the
home of the Pilgrims in England, on the occasion of the dedica
tion of the John Robinson Memorial Church.
A paper by Mrs. Augusta A. Lakin of Bennington, N. H.,
on Douglas Robinson and his descendants in New Hampshire,
was read.
A song by Miss Peterson, accompanied by William A. Rob
inson of Gloucester, was most enthusiastically encored.
The desirability of a distinctive badge to be adopted by the
Association was received with great favor, and on motion was
referred to the Executive Committee.
On motion, a committee consisting of John E. Kimball of
Oxford, Mass. ; Charles Larned of Boston, Mass. ; Hamlin E.
Robinson of Maryville, Mo., were chosen to solicit funds for
foreign research of records to establish the line of ancestry in
England, Ireland and Scotland of the early Robinson emigrants
to America. The secretary's report of the work of her office was read and
adopted, as follows: From August 26, 1902, to August 15, 1904,
there were enrolled fourteen life members (twelve of whom had
previously been annual members), also sixty-eight annual mem
bers. The following eight deaths have been reported : Mrs. Sarah
Robinson Atherton, honorary member, Peru, Ohio; James H.
Dean, Esq., vice-president, Taunton, Mass. ; Capt. Charles T.
Robinson, vice-president, Taunton, Mass. ; Mrs. Mary R. Fuller,
Cambridgeport, Mass. ; Mr. Adrian G. Robinson, Hanford, Cal. ;

6 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
Capt. Charles A. Robinson, Germantown, Pa.; Mr. George A.
Robinson, West Mansfield, Mass.; Mr. Samuel S. Robinson,
Pontiac, Mich.
Donations of money have been received from: George R.
Wright, Esq., Wilkesbarre, Pa.; Mrs. J. E. R. Dow, Exeter,
N. H. ; Miss Martha G. Robinson, Lynn, Mass.; Solomon D.
Robinson, Falmouth, Mass.; Albert O. Robinson, Sanbornville,
N. H., and Hon. A. R. McClellan, Ri-^^erside, N. B., Can.
I have written and dictated seventeen hundred and fifty-three
letters, one hundred and eighty-five postal cards and have mailed
out thirty-four hundred and eighty-nine circulars and invitations,
including newspapers. A copy of "The Robinsons and Their Kin
Folk" has been donated to thirteen libraries, also one copy to
each and every member of this Association has been mailed to
them. The following names were inadvertently omitted from the
list of members printed in the second series of "The Robinsons
and Their Kin Folk" : Frank R. Robinson, Boston, Mass. ; Rich
ard L. Robinson, Portland, Me. ; Ebenezer Benjamin Robinson,
Savannah, Ga. ; Mrs. Jennie K. Talbot, Phoenixville, Pa.
At four o'clock it was announced that barges were in readi
ness for the transportation of those who wished to make a tour of
the town and surrounding country.
A vote of thanks was passed to those who kindly furnished
the interesting papers read, and those the reading of which was
omitted for want of time. It was ordered that these historical
sketches be printed in the next issue of "The Robinsons and Theii
Kin Folk."
A vote of thanks was extended to Mr. Fred W. Robinsou
and Mr. John H. Robinson for the ample arrangements made
for the accommodation and comfort of the members of the Asso
ciation. A full list of all members who have joined the Association
since its foundation will be found in this edition of "The Robin
sons and Their Kin Folk," with their present address so far as
reported to date.
The convention at four o'clock adjourned sine die to meet on
the next biennial occasion at Portland, Me.
Miss Adelaide A. Robinson.
North Raynham, Mass., June 15, 1906.

Executive Committee Meeting
A meeting of the Executive Committee was held at the office
of Mr. Charles Larned, loi Tremont street, Boston, Mass., at
four o'clock on the afternoon of May 15, 1906, President Hon.
David I. Robinson in the chair. Fred W. Robinson, chairman
of the committee, acting as secretary. Members of the com
mittee present were : Mr. Charles Larned of Oxford, Mass., and
Mr. Edward R. Barbour of Portland, Me. Also were present Mr.
Roswell R. Robinson, treasurer; John H. Robinson, vice-presi
dent, and Mr. John E. Kimball of Oxford, Mass.
Ten subjects for discussion and action were considered, viz. :
Place of Meeting; Time of Meeting; Entertainment; Transpor
tation ; Programme ; Revision of By-Laws ; Incorporation of the
Society; Publication of Proceedings of Plymouth Meeting; Pub
lication of Records of Charles E. Robinson; Foreign Investiga
tion. Place. — The secretary reported by letter that at the Ply
mouth meeting it was voted to hold the next reunion at Portland,
Me. Tme. — The committee recommended that the reunion be
held on two days, or parts of two days, instead of one. Sug
gested and approved that those who could, go to Portland on the
day boat, others on the afternoon train of the first day, and an
informal reception be held that evening. Those who could not
go the first day, go down on the night boat, and the reports,
papers and banquet be held the second day, closing in time for
return boat or evening train.
Moved and carried that the chairman send circular letter
with return postals asking members for first and second choice
of dates, July 25-26, or August 1-2.
Entertainment. — Mr. Barbour reported that the Congress
Square Hotel would give a dinner for 75 cents and a rate of $3.00
per day and allow free of charge the Auditorium of the hotel for
the meeting. Moved and carried to accept. Also reported that

8 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
the street car company would provide special cars for a trolley
trip at the usual fare.
Transportation.— Mr. Barbour reported that the railroad
company would, if fifty persons were guaranteed, give special rate
of one and one-third fares for round trip.
Programme. — Moved and carried that Mr. Charles E. Rob
inson be asked to prepare a programme for the meeting and that
as soon as prepared copies be mailed the members.
Revision of By-La-dus. — Moved and carried that a committee
of two, of which the president be chairman, prepare revised set
of by-laws, to be submitted to the Association for adoption at the
Portland meeting. The president asked Mr. F. W. Robinson to
serve with him, and that others present offer such suggestions
regarding changes as they consider important.
Incorporation. — Mr. F. W. Robinson reported-that he would
be ready at the Portland meeting to report, and that if deemed
advisable by the Association, the society could be incorporated
without delay.
Publication of Proceedings of Plymouth Meeting. — Moved
and carried that Mr. Charles E. Robinson be authorized to have
published at once the proceedings of the Plymouth meeting and
that the secretary's picture be published as frontispiece.
Publication of Records of Charles E. Robinson. — Moved and
carried that the Executive Committee recommend to the Asso
ciation that it accept with proper acknowledgment the generous
offer of Mr. Charles E. Robinson, viz.: The genealogical records
acquired by him covering a period of twenty-five years, and as
soon as possible have typewritten copy made for printing.
Foreign Investigation and Research. — Mr. Kimball, chair
man of committee appointed at Plymouth, to consider ways and
means of such research, reported that owing to unusual circum
stances, not as much progress as was hoped for had been made,
but the committee would report at the Portland meeting.
Personal thanks of all present given Mr. Barbour for so
early securing special rates and information regarding entertain
ment and transportation.
Meeting adjourned subject to call of president.

ROWLAND ROBINSON
THE MAN AND HIS CENTURY

Mrs. (Frances Robinson) Herbert Turrell
Regent of Orange Mountain Chapter, D. A. R. ; Chairman of Committee
of Education for Citizenship, Woman's Press Club of Ne-w York;
Member of the May Flower Society; Member of the
Society of Colonial Dames; Member of the Society
of Colonial Governors; Chairman of House
Committee, Gospel Settlement Associa
tion, New York.
"Rhode Island's small, yet weais one star,
' Pluck wins ' not size is her device,
But when the country calls, look out !
This little hand grips like a vise.''

ARLYLE, in his famous Burns essay referring to
Scotland, said: "we hope there is a patriotism
founded on something better than prejudice; that
our country may be dear to us without injury to
our philosophy; that in loving justly and prizing
all other lands, we may prize justly and yet love
before all others our own stern motherland and
the venerable structure of social and moral life,
which mind has through long ages been building
up for us there; surely the roots, that have fixed themselves in
the very core of man's being, may be so cultivated as to grow
up not into briars but into roses in the field of his life."
We of Scottish origin interpret the spirit of a Carlyle in our
intense love for our New England ancestry. In the twentieth
century perspective, these men and women were heroes and
martyrs; their shortcomings are forgotten, and we regard alone
the spirit of those who built for the centuries.
The question which has arisen in the minds of individuals
without a claim to New England pedigree, or without any

IO THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN' FOLK
patriotism — the key to our love — for that matter, as to the heroic
spirit of many of these early settlers, may be a pertinent one.
This question could not consistently apply, however, to the
Pilgrims. There were too many hardships to face in the peril of the
sea, savage protest, and barren soil, but the love of adventure,
and freedom from old world restraints, no doubt inspired young
blood a generation or two later, when forests were cleared,
natives reconciled, or a certain tolerance and encouragement as
sured by England to her colonies. Many shirked duties at
home; but very many more hoped for an opportunity for a fuller
expression of their powers and faiths than European nations
with their intrigues and cruel persecutions were countenancing.
As our knowledge and interest in psychological forces ad
vances, we find a stimulus in the study of types. To the New
England American it is becoming of great interest, if not of vital
importance, to know the mental and moral stuff of which our
fathers were made, through traditions, records, but more espe
cially through personal influence. Temperamental forces are
guides to a true estimate of the trend and ultimate fate of this
great nation so gloriously and patiently established. The ques
tion of the day is: are these early New England forces still
dominant; are we assimilating intO' our national life, if not the
same physical, the same mental and spiritual fibre of the foun
ders; have we the same mind in us as was in the men and women
who struggled for a principle?
In many respects this is a period of analysis; that was a
period of synthesis, and the patriotic men and women of to-day
do not feel so much the pride in being well born: this is man's
heritage, but are New England Americans living up to the
standards necessary to preserve the harmony of the nation?
Among the early settlers of Rhode Island was Rowland
Robinson of Narragansett. Who was he? What zvas he? We,
his descendants, have a peculiar interest in the man, the home of
his birth, his parentage, the men and women with whom he had
daily intercourse. The political and religious influence of his
day we may know, but of his youth and early manhood we have,
in some respects, but meagre data with which to become familiar.
"Love furthers knowledge," and by a careful analysis of his
century we learn what the boy and man ought to have been in

ROWLAND ROBINSON ii
qualities of character to be transmitted to generations of men
and women following.
Rowland Robinson was born "at or near Long Bluff, Cum
berland County, England, in 1654," says the Chronicler, and
"came to this country in 1675 at the age of twenty-one."
In the past two centuries so many national events have
changed the geographical face of England that many old towns
are lost and forgotten; among the towns to suffer extinction so
far as available records are concerned, is Long Bluff, possibly
now known as Long Town, on the northwest coast of England.
We know the county Cumberland which lays to the north
west extremity of England, with Scotland, Northumberland,
West Moreland, Lancashire and seventy miles of Irish Sea
about it.
This territory, fifty miles wide and thirty miles long, with
seventy miles of sea coast, was not so extensive but that a good
live boy might know every mile of it, and often find his way to
the seaport towns to watch the incoming and outgoing vessels
freighted for West Indies and America. The seaports of Cum
berland County, established by Oliver Cromwell, were the first
to embark in East India trade long before the Mersey and the
Clyde. It became a county in England in the reign of William
Rufus, who rebuilt Carlyle, which the Danes had destroyed.
Because of her traditional interest, Cumberland County must
have been dear to the people, who always retained some of the
clannish fidelity of their Scottish ancestry, and a spirit of patriot
ism was aroused in them by its growing importance in England's
commerce. This is attested by the fact that Cumberland County
is referred to in the annals of European nations in various rela
tions; her disputed border was the haven for the persecuted of
every clime.
The home of Rowland was a veritable treasure house to an
imaginative boy, with its wealth of glowing scenery and historic
importance. Great rugged mountains of the Pennine chain ("the
backbone of England") with their gigantic, sterile peaks, reared
their noble heads into melting clouds, casting dark, mournful
shadows in deep valleys. Beautiful sylvan dales, fine clear lakes,
dainty verdant islands, rivers and cascades were among the
natural beauties. Over all hung the sky peculiar to the north,
which suggested to the untutored, primitive mind, gods, demons.

12 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
and their dwelling places in the clear deep heavens above them.
Here were laid the foundations of a religion upon which the
Christian religion with its dogmas of grim justice, eternal pun
ishment, and incessant striving could easily be grafted.
The softer, saving religious development must wait until
the mind of the Occident is harmonized by the culture of the
Orient. Then there were the Druid temples, a mystery even in the
seventeenth century, now understood in a worship of Baal as a
religion foreign to the north but peculiar to the Semetic race,
without doubt transplanted by a wandering tribe. In young
Rowland's day, this country was famous in verse and song, and
a romantic interest was aroused for travel and discovery.
There exists somewhere in old Aryan literature this proverb:
"We grow like what we contemplate." The history of the race
proves that the thought in the early mind is true.
What a boy young Rowland must have been — tall, strong
and manly, with a touch of vigor from the sea; with dignity
from his own towering mountain peaks; tender, with a touch of
poesy inspired by the sun-kissed slopes, with their deep mys
terious shadows, and by the melting purple and gold of a north
ern twilight which made the boy dreamy, and again questioning
to know the reason why in God's beautiful universe so much
hatred and cruelty entered into the hearts of men. Temper?
Yes, and plenty of it — a torrent when provoked like the surge
of the foam from the rugged cliff; passionate, again gentle,
thoughtful and penitent. Amid such influences were formed
characteristics to be transmitted to a new race of men and
women. The romances of the coast people are thrilling stories of
fisher folk, whose conflicts are not with the elements alone, but
with gods, semi-gods and dragons; of heroic contests for supre
macy of the sea, that put a daring into the blood and a heroism
into the soul which no mere savage could daunt. The spirit of
the old vikings still haunts the north, and we of a younger gen
eration feel the blood mount and the sinews tighten when a slave
is scourged or the ignorant racked. It is in some such way we
must account for the courage of the Anglo-Celtic blood; the
spirit of adventure and conflict is in the very air they breath.
Homely as our reference is, it serves to prove the endurance

ROWLAND ROBINSON 13
of an idea in the northern mind: the first day of the week was
set aside by law for the cleansing of linen; this was also in a way
a religious duty with a penalty attached for its non-observance.
A first offence was subject of fine, and so strict was the law that
a death penalty was inflicted for a third offence. Cleanliness
was next to godliness, and no people on the face of the earth are
so clean in mind and body as the northern races. How much
climate has to do with it, is of more than passing interest. Let
use remember that from these same hardy people came the beau
tiful lyrics that gave a hymnal in which the religious fervor of
the seventeenth century expressed itself. It is obvious how old
laws become fixed in the mind of a people. The Sagas and
Eddas of an old heroic race, unlocked from the archives of Ice
land, as the scholar interprets their meaning, will give to the
world many curious revelations. The history of the Aryan race
receives new light from these interpretations.
Ruskin tells us that the children descended from Goths,
when given blocks many centuries afterwards, instinctively built
Gothic. The descendants of Rowland Robinson are sportsmen, the
smell of the salt spray and the freedopi of the forest gives to them
the keenest enjoyment, and the blood in their veins leaps with
the joy of living.
Who were the parents of Rowland Robinson? We know
but little ; some devoted descendant may learn more than has been
so far discovered. Indications point to a probability that his
father was an estate man, if not of higher rank. The innate
-nobility and refined taste of Rowland Robinson would testify to
"quality." At this time of which we write there were three distinct
classes represented — the nobles, estate men (often allied to the
¦nobles), and commoner or tenant class, subservient to the nobles.
Estate men owned large tracts of land which they often tilled
with their own hands, very much as our New England farmers
do to-day. "They were noted for their sturdy independence, positive
convictions, and attached to their homes and husbandry." (Enc.
Brittan.) They were certainly not of the tenantry, because of the
power the Robinsons of the north of England seemed to have
possessed to dispose of land, and because of leadership. We do

14 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
not know whether Rowland's parents were rich or poor. Some
members of the family incline to believe they were rich. We do
not know on what they base their theory that young Robinson
brought property to America. The writer inclines to believe
he came with but little; certainly if he ran away from home at the
age of twenty-one, which records show, unless rich in his own
right, we must suppose that he came empty handed. The father
of Rowland may have been able to give his children the advan
tages of collegiate education, for during his life the great colleges
of Oxford and Cambridge, at their height, had added to their
curriculum religious courses under the most advanced leader
ship, and the young men of England were eager to matriculate.
We are sure that Rowland's home was a cultivated one, and that
within the walls could be heard "Let us worship God." Refine
ment of taste and cultivation of manners are natural instincts of
Rowland Robinson's descendants, and such instincts do not
happen, but are a result of many generations in which habits may
be formed. Plumbago and rich copper mines were found in
Cumberland County. No doubt many estate men and nobles
were enriched thereby.
The mother of Rowland came from Barnstable, England.
We find that Isaac Robinson of Massachusetts, son of Rev. John
Robinson, was also of Barnstable, thus we immediately connect
the two families — that of Rowland and that of the immortal John
— as being near of kin, and possibly after his marriage Rowland's
father removed to Long Bluff. John Allen, the father of Mary
Allen, was of the same town.
As in sequence we can connect various inter-related families
in the same locality, no doubt frequent visits were exchanged by
young Mary of Barnstable and young Rowland of Long Bluff.
An attachment was formed in their youth to be consummated
by marriage in a new land when they shall have reached man
hood and womanhood.
When Rowland was about ten years old, the great plague
ravaged London, followed by the burning of St. Paul's Cathedral.
This calamity was sounded in every port. How the whole pulse
of England must have throbbed! History relating to this awful
time tells us that many families fled to the north. What horrible
accounts of the death pits along the highways; of old men,
women and babes left to starve and rave in their death agonies,

ROWLAND ROBINSON 15
and of the immune thieves confiscating household goods. The
riot and general havoc could only have been equaled by the
revolution to follow a few years after. The whole of Europe
stood aghast. All of this must have reached young Rowland's
ears at a period when a young boy begins to look out into the
world about him. News traveled to the north by the way of
Cumberland County in that day.
When Rowland was thirteen, Milton, at the height of his
literary genius, gave to the world "Paradise Lost." Poor blind
Milton, fearless in protest, powerful in conviction, was he not
the poet of the people? Persecuted, despised, hunted because
of his convictions, England had many men in the seventeenth
century of Milton's stamp.
Then came the Rye House plot, another cause of trembling.
John Bunyan, before Bedloe jail, was tinkering his pots and
pans and fearlessly disseminating his Baptist creed. It was
thought in the religious upheaval that nothing could happen
much worse. In fact, great history making events were tran
spiring around the globe in the early boyhood of Rowland. Ves
sels with traders, mendicants, and in fact with all sorts and kinds
of travelers, who were circulating the world's news, were entering
the ports of Cumberland. Newspapers at this period were
almost unknown. Ireland had ventured one, and Russia pub
lished a news medium of some importance, but this was short
lived. Even in this period of Russian history the people must
not know too much.
When Rowland was a mere lad the dying words of Oliver
Cromwell (who was to the last a warm friend of New England)
resounded throughout the world: "O Lord, though I am a
miserable sinner I am in covenant with Thee. Thou hast made
me though very unworthy an instrument to do Thy people good !
and go on, O Lord, to deliver them and make Thy name famous
throughout the world." • As our sons to-day have heard the
great martyred McKinley in his death agony say, "It is God's
way; Nearer My God to Thee," so the boy Rowland heard the
words of Cromwell as they sunk into the hearts of the English
speaking race, not to know their full significance until a fickle
people had reinstated a vicious King and fomented the Revolu
tion of 1688.
"It was an age of intense earnestness and martyrdom that

x6 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
kindled a fire of enthusiasm." There existed "a rough earnest
ness of character, a power of conscience and a dominating sense
¦of moral accountability to God, that in England's Reformation
began with the princes and ended with the people; in Germany
began with the people and ended with the princes." The great
men whom the English Reformation produced culminated in
Oliver Cromwell.
We are told that his glory reached Asia and the descendants
¦of Abraham asked if he were the "servant of the king of kings."
A learned rabbi journeyed from Asia to London to study
his pedigree, thinking to discover his kinship to David. Through
a twentieth century perspective we see clearly the policy of
nations, and they appear like a game played by the kings with
the people for their puppets. If Cromwell's policy had been
followed in England, Louis XIV. would not have dared revoke
the edict of Nantes. We dwell with renewed interest upon this
fascinating period within the span of a young man's life.
Here we find a galaxy of preachers, unrivaled in any age for
•eloquence; philosophers and scholars, jurists and moralists (the
greatest since the day of Plato and Aristotle), poets and satyrists,
who must ever be classed with the immortals who gave to the
world of letters and jurisprudence models for centuries, if not for
all time, founded as they were on spiritual truths and human
understanding. Voltaire doubts if any period saw such illus
trious men, and compares the age with that of Pericles in Greece,
Augustine of Rome and Medicis of Italy. The policy of Cath
erine De Medicis, Coligny and Richelieu were too firmly fixed in
the French mind to be easily erased. The Huguenots had be
come submissive since August 24, 1572. Spain, dying, laughed
with Philip in derision, not disguising but revealing her moral
rottenness; Germany with Maximilian II. had uttered her pro
test against the dictum of the Roman Catholic powers, and a cry
of vengeance against Mary Queen of Scots had fomented Eng
land. History making events followed quick and fast after 1624,
when Richelieu was virtually King. "Everything for but noth
ing by the people" had been the keynote of his policy. Then
the Holland, Swedish and English alliance against France led to
the greatest preparation for war by Louis XIV, since the

ROWLAND ROBINSON 17
Crusade. There have been some periods in the history of human
development when it would seem as though Satan himself stalked
through the earth and held absolute sway over rulers of men.
The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries certainly stand as
unique examples in this respect.
The year young Rowland was born began the terrible war
in Poland. Poland had defied Ivan the Terrible; for this Alexis
must revenge. Through the bloody days of Poland stands out
the heroic, noble, immortal — in the annals of Poland history-
John Sobieski.
As we look back from the present dark days of Russia we
see another period of terror in her history. Then as now the
Cossack was an important factor. In those days of Stenke
Razine — a Don Cossack — their depredations extended to the
shores of Persia; indeed, the Cossacks threatened the world.
Not until 1670 were they subdued. Moscow, surrounded by
foes on all sides, quickly recovered, though not as yet ready to
make trade treaties with the world.
We think our boys of to-day in troublous times, and that
the twentieth century is making history fast, true as this is, we
must look to the seventeenth century for an introduction to
many of the great movements of which the twentieth century
will be the sequel. We gather up the threads of the great re
ligious movements which tore the church into factions to see
them in this generation brought together into a bond of spiritual
brotherhood. Creeds are subservient and the Divine living
Christ is dominant. The inquisition that sounded the death
knell of Spain in that century, in the last century was crushed
as a fiendish relic of barbarism too terrible for modern civiliza
tions. Maritime and trade relations then established are among
some of the vital issues of the present century.
Cumberland County, as we have shown, was of great mari
time importance; it was the great internal highway to Scotland;
it was a country in which great religious movements were
fomented and fostered. "Martin Luther, who hungered after
truth," had said: "Let the scriptures be put into the hands of
everybody; let them interpret for themselves; let spiritual liberty
be revived as in apostolic days, and obey God rather than man."
And the great Reformation was born in the hearts of a people,
of transcendent importance to the human race, planting "Eng-

i8 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
land with Puritans, Scotland with heroes and North America
with colonists," which created such men as "Knox, the aggres
sive reformer; Calvin, the logician and oracle of the Protestant;
Crammer, the calm man of common sense and peaceful reform,
founder of the English church; Latimer, who protested against
the Scarlet Mother and her trappings; Taylor, Baxter and Howe,
much greater in the history of civilization than the Renaissance
that dug for buried statues in the ruins of Greece and Italy, 'that
soften but do not save.' "
In the seventeenth century, no family was too poor to own
a Bible; everybody could read it who would. Whether the
parents of Rowland were the followers of Luther, Knox, Cram
mer or Latimer, we cannot say, but later evidence points to an
affiliation with the Quakers.
Quakerism was first preached in 1648 by John Fox, son of
George Fox, a weaver of Drayton in Leicestershire, who was its
founder. Itinerant preachers promulgated the doctrine in
churches, barns and market places, we are told. Without a creed,
liturgy, sacrament or priesthood, how it must have been wel
comed by God's children struggling for freedom from religious
conflict and longing for spiritual peace. The Quakers passed
into Scotland, making conspicuous converts along the way.
Under the Commonwealth, the Puritans in England had a
period of rest, and few if any immigrants sought the colonies.
In 1662 the Act of Non-Conformity deprived the non-conforming
ministers of their living, and this act furnished the colonies with
some of their ablest clergymen and with many of their best men
in civil life.
The men independency forced to the front were remarkable
men: "Strong of will, clear of eye, mighty through faith in their
principles, steeped in the commanding emotion and enthusiasm
of religion. They were principles that ennobled man, that as
serted rights of the individual." This was the type of man Row
land Robinson became and the type of men the Robinsons were'
before him, we believe.
During the stringency of early times, many families to which
the Robinsons of Narragansett were allied sought freedom of
worship in America, although conditions in New England from
a surface point of view were not much more attractive than at
home, but to a student of colonial events there is to be found an

ROWLAND ROBINSON 19
undercurrent, strong, vital and persistent toward uninterrupted
progress in all things civic, religious and commercial.
For a long period England's wars had kept her too busy to
interfere in colonial affairs ; indeed, they were altogether neg
lected. Left to themselves, much of the old world spirit not yet
outgrown appeared in the colonies. In the spirit of Jesuitism
the Baptists were persecuted.
In 1654 this persecution was terminated by Roger Williams.
About the same year the Quakers, led by John Fox, appeared in
Rhode Island. Their meetings were forbidden by the court of
Massachusetts, but their doctrine was spread to all parts of New
England, rooting itself deep in the hearts of the people. The
persecuted Quakers found refuge in Rhode Island as the Pil
grims found refuge in Holland. Rhode Island, independent, de
fended her position by saying that they had found "where the
Quakers are suffered to defend themselves freely, there they least
desired to come," and that, "they are likely to gain more fol
lowers by their conceit of their patient suffering than by consent
to their pernicious sayings." Several Quakers were put to death
in Massachusetts. In England persecutions were most severe. From 165 1-
1657, two thousand were imprisoned and many died. Massa
chusetts imposed a penalty of one hundred pounds on any cap
tain who landed a Quaker. Ears were cropped, tongues bored,
and one William Robinson — a Quaker — suffered a death penalty.
The writer may be pardoned this brief review, so familiar to a
student of New England history. It may serve to refresh the
memory and form a background to the picture of a young man
subjected, no doubt, to much of the persecution his parents were
called upon to endure; we have no reason to believe they were
exempt, but every reason to believe the Robinsons of England
were sympathizers or followers of either the Quakers or Baptists,
and the youth Rowland was, no doubt, of the faith of his parents,
and altogether a product of his times.
The 24th of June, 1675, was an eventful day in the history
of Rhode Island; this was the day of fasting and prayer prepara
tory to a final contest with the Indians. The strong forts of the
Narragansetts defied all intrusion; Warwick and Providence had
been almost destroyed, and village after village had been burned
throughout Massachusetts by the Indians through the instiga-

20 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
tion of King Philip; these successes had made all tribes defiant;
many of the Christian converts became spies and martyrs; the
colonists feared to trust one of them. The outcome is too well
known to recapitulate.
Rowland Robinson landed onto the shores of New England
into the thick of this trouble. What induced him to try his for
tune in a new land at such a time? — conditions were not better
than in England — they were worse.
We can see young Rowland at the age of twenty-one, rest
less and impatient to reach America; there lived the little maid
of Barnstable who had stolen his boyish heart.
Again the chronicler tells us that "he ran away from his
parents and boarded a ship, embarking for the colonies." That
very ship, no doubt, brought to- the Cumberland ports ne-ws ot
the pending Indian unprising. Whatever domestic trouble may
have arisen, of which we will hint later, we do not believe thai
this was the motive that prompted Rowland to leave his home.
Stories of the Indian massacres were to the English people,
nurses' tales, told to restrain immigration in some instances, in
others, to arouse co-operation at home. The boyish heart of
Rowland throbbed and ached to be by the side of the woman he
had loved all through his boyhood and manhood's early years.
Would the time never come?
Quick to resent interference, impatient at delay, he waited
and waited. At last his opportunity arrives, and foregoing a
good father's and mother's blessing and reconciliation with a
meddlesome ( ?) brother, dares all and does all a young man can
do for a woman he loves.
Rowland apprenticed himself at once to a carpenter. If he
had brought money from England, he could have established
himself in an independent business, but he took the position
of an humble apprentice, and in a short time "was advanced
in business for his good behavior." The year following hi.s
landing in America he married Mary Allen.
Mary's father was a rich farmer, and the prestige that his
influence as a man of affairs gave, with his own upright character
and industrious habits, advanced him greatly. In a few years
he became a man of wealth.

ROWLAND ROBINSON 21
Updike, in his history, records that the settlers of Narragan
sett were gentlemen of fine culture, of courtly manners, and in
hospitality in the New England colonies were not surpassed.
These families carefully educated, occupied a place of lead
ership in colonial affairs, and in the affairs of the nation which
called for men of this character.
Mrs. Caroline Robinson, in her rare and valuable genealogy
of the Hazard family, gives the following anecdote of Rowland
Robinson:* "Among the slaves owned by .Rowland Robinson
was one called Abigail, who grieved so bitterly for her son left
behind in Africa, that her master sent her back to her native land
to find the boy and bring him to her master's house and to a
state of bondage. The old man provided carefully for her com
fortable sustenance on the voyage, giving the captain a list of
the things that he was to provide; these included cups and
saucers, plates, knives and forks, with a certain amount of bread
and meat and other necessaries, one bed with furniture for the
outward voyage, and two beds and furniture for the home voy
age. Of course, Rowland Robinson's friends and neighbors all
laughed at his credulity in trusting his faithful slave, but as he
had a crusty temper, he was saved from an outward show of their
amusement, for it was a bold man who offended him. A man
who had such faith in human nature must have safely been
trusted." The story runs that Abigail returned with her son, who be
came a slave in her master's household.
A short time before Rowland left England for America, he
quarreled with one of his brothers. Some ten or fifteen years
afterwards a son of this brother came to seek his future in New
England, and of course went to his uncle's house. The uncle
refused to see him, but gave him the best room in the house and
detailed a servant to the young man's own service. He stayed
several months, and then' his Uncle Rowland bought for him an
estate in Virginia, built a house, furnished it, and sent him with
the slave he had given him to take possession of the new home.
Rowland Robinson held many responsible positions under
both the Colonial and State governments, among others that of
Sheriff of Kings County. Many anecdotes exist of Rowland
Robinson's career, full of humor and pathos, charmingly told by
* By one authority this anecdote is attributed to Rowland Robinson 2d.

22 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
Thomas Hazard in his book, "Recollections of Olden Times."'
The writer regrets they are out of print and most difficult to
procure. Rowland Robinson bought from the Indians large tracts of
land on which he built. The homestead in Point Judith, now
standing, was built partly by his own hands. This land he greatly
improved. He also purchased Pettaquamscutt and other land,
where he built several houses. Westerly records for 1709 have
recorded a deed for^3000 acres of Wood River land purchased
by Rowland Robinson. The lands were sold in parts of 150 to
300 acres each. Portions of his Pettaquamscutt and Point
Judith estate have descended from father to children until within
a very few years, if not to the present day.
The records tell us that the gentlewoman, Mary Allen, whom
our Rowland so loved, was born in 1654 in Barnstable, England,
and died at the age of fifty (1706). Rowland died at the age of
sixty-two (1716). Both were buried in the northwest corner of
the Narragansett Quaker burying lot in Kingston, now known
as South Kingston.
Thus closes the record. Their folded lives redolent with the
perfume of a beautiful romance. The little boy and girl together
in their English home; the youth and maid wandering through
the fields on sunny, golden days, talking of the troublous times
and recounting fabulous tales of the Druid orgies, Roman con
quests and northern invasion, shrinking with fear when a refugee
would pass them on the highways, or listening eagerly to a Pil
grim's gossip. Mary's immigration to America, young Row
land's broken heart; as he neared the year of emancipation, his
discontent and impatience; his fear for the colonists, as their
lives were from time to time imperiled; his escape to America,
where he could face the perils with her and for her — his Mary.
The little Quakeress was the reward for a courageous young
manhood, and together they bequeath a noble name — the finest
heritage to many generations of men and women yet unborn.
With no wealth but his own brave, loyal heart and willing hands,
he landed on these New England shores for freedom's sake — and
for Mary — and became a self-made man.
We, his descendants, "strike anew that deep mysterious
chord of human nature which once responded to a dark, earnest,
wondering age, and which lives in us, too ; and will forever live.

DEPUTY GOVERNOR ROBINSON 23
though silent now, or vibrating with far other notes, and to far
different issues."
DEPUTY GOVERNOR WILLIAM ROBINSON

Mrs. Caroline E. Robinson
William Robinson was born January 26, 1693; he died
September 19, 175,1. He was the son of Rowland and Mary
(Allen) Robinson, and great-grandson of Governor Henry Bull.
His mother was a woman distinguished for her intelligence, firm
ness and well-rounded beauty of character. With these traits,
she richly endowed her children. Governor William Robinson
was a man of great energy and executive ability, his personal
appearance corresponding with his character, being a tall, strong,
well-developed man, of a fair and ruddy complexion. The gen
erosity of his character is shown in the fact that as executor of
his father's will, he went before the Town Council and declared
that his father had expressed a wish before he died to give to two
of his granddaughters, Mary and Sarah Robinson, orphan daugh
ters of his son John, a farm of 150 acres each. By consent of the
Town Council, William Robinson conveyed said land to his two
nieces. This was land that had come to him as a residuary lega
tee, taken entirely from his own share of his father's estate. Also
the four orphan nieces of his brother John were brought up in his
own family. His second wife had three young children by her
first husband — these helped to swell the number of his household,
making twenty children who were brought up in the old mansion.
Himself and wife, with twenty children and nineteen slaves, made
a household of forty-one persons. The plantation was like a
small village, with its barns, stables, store quarters and other out
buildings. To the considerable estate left to him by his father
he added largely by purchase. In 1734, Jeremiah Wilson sold
him for one thousand two hundred pounds, 350 acres; 1737,
Robert Hannah for four thousand pounds, "one messuage or
tenement," with 260 acres; 1737, George Mumford for four thou
sand five hundred pounds, sold him 200 acres on Point Judith;
1739, Samuel Allen, Jr. of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, N. J.,
for one thousand pounds sold to him "all that messuage or tene-

24 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
ment, together with houses, outhouses, buildings, barns, gardens,
orchards," etc., containing 8o acres, bounded north by County
road, east by Sanatucket mill, and lying near to a certain place
called Sugar Loaf Hill. (This was the western boundary of his
home farm.) In 1741, Joseph Mumford for six thousand pounds
sold him 160 acres; 1742, William Brenton and wife Alice, for
two thousand pounds, sold him 630 acres in Point Judith. In
1746, for eight thousand pounds, 230 acres more. It must be
remembered that the money paid for the land was in depreciated
currency. The sales will, however, give the exact amount, which
even then will show large sums that he expended in land. There
being no banker, the only investments possible in those days
seems to have been in land. The products of his dairy and large
farms (all under cultivation) were exported. His Point Judith
farms were used in part for raising horses — the celebrated Nar
ragansett pacers. His inventory shows eleven breeding mares
with one stallion. These horses were from stock imported by
himself. William Robinson's home was on what is now known as
Shadow Farm, the old mansion having been taken down in 1882.
This home was built before 1716 by his father, as the inventory
of his estate at that date mentions certain articles in the "old
house," flock, beds and bedding, pewter plates and pewter plat
ters, galley pots, casseroles (which were called cassions) and
other articles which seems to prove that the "old house" was the
quarters for the slaves. This "old house" was near the head of
Pettaquamscutt Cove, not far from the Manor House, which de
scended from father to son for five generations, when it was sold
in 1874 to Mr. Samuel Strang of New York. The inventory of
Governor Robinson's estate shows not only the amount of his
wealth and the extent of his dairy, but even the size of his house,
that was none too large for his numerous household. The
rooms — guest room (it was 20 feet square), six more bedrooms,
dining room (equally large), store bedroom, northeast bedroom,
store closet, kitchen, milk room, cheese room, kitchen closet,
dining room, bedroom — these were all on the first floor with cor
responding rooms above and several finished rooms in the attic.
The rooms were all large; even the basement was not small.
The storeroom bedroom had a fireplace, and it was here that was
placed the trundle bed and cradle which tells its own story. It

THE NARRAGANSETT PACER 25
was "Mother's room." The size of the dairy can be easily inferred
from the fact that there were 4060 pounds of cheese on hand at
the time of his death in September, the product of the summer;
this was valued at five hundred and fifty-eight pounds. In 175 1
a Spanish mill was valued at two pounds six shillings.
Governor Robinson's public life covered a period of twenty-
four years, and during all this time he was actively engaged in
business of the colony. He was Deputy in 1724, 1725, 1726,
1727, 1728, 1734, 1735, 1736, 1741, 1748. Speaker of the House
I73S> 1736, I74i> 1742. Deputy Governor 1745, 1746, 1747,
1748. It goes without saying that the duties attending upon these
offices were well and faithfully performed, and that he was a
man trusted and appreciated not only by his townspeople, but by
the colony. He married about 1718, Martha, daughter of John and
Sarah (Wilson) Potter, and widow of James Allen, a cousin of
Governor Robinson. She had five children, and died November,
1725. She, bom December 20, 1692. He married secondly
Abigail, daughter of William and Abigail (Remington) Gardiner,
and widow of Caleb Hazard. She, born 1700 and died May 22,
1772. They were married March 20, 1776. They had eight
children, the eldest son, Christopher, born December 31, 1727;
he married November 30, 1752, Ruhamah, daughter of Col.
Christopher and Elizabeth (Hill) Champlin.

THE NARRAGANSETT PACER
BY
Mrs. Herbert Turrell
" One sunshiny aftemoon there rode into the great gate of Manhattoes,
two lean and hungry looking Yankees, mounted on Narragansett Pacers."
— Knickerbocker, 'Washington Irving.
In importing horses into Rhode Island, William Robinson
displayed a keen insight into not his own needs alone, but into
what would prove to be an absolute necessity with the growth
of the State. When we realize the limitations of the colonists
in transportation facilities and farm equipment, we marvel at the

26 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
results accomplished. The products of William Robinson's farm
must have been considerable, for inventories show trade relations
with Spain to no small extent. The supervision of the farm was
conducted by himself, and as we know this farm contained many
acres, he must have been puzzled how to give it personal atten
tion. As Deputy Governor, his duties were most exacting in
official work, and again, the seat of government was a long,.
weary journey from home, when traveled in slow stages. In
importing horses, Governor Robinson aiiticipated his own need
and accomplished what would have been subsequently done by
another. The native Indian horse was no doubt in use, as were also
a few horses driven into the colonies from Canada, either of a
wild breed or of French import. Facilities for transporting
horses to any great extent did not exist subsequent to the days
of Governor William Robinson, although it is reasonable to sup
pose some breed of horse was brought into the country; how
ever, the writer can find no record relating to it.
The pacer horse, such as Governor William Robinson im
ported, was of Arabian origin, dating back into the earliest Span
ish history. In the English records, the Spanish pacer figures
more conspicuously than any other breed of horse. It is stated
that William the Conqueror rode a pacer and that Queen Eliza
beth's favorite "pillion" was a Spanish pacer. (Enc. Britt.)
With the introduction of heavy armor into England a
change was made in the breed of horse used. The pacer was
too delicate to carry a man heavily accoutred; the breed was
mixed, developing a horse with the quick step of the pacer and
the tough, heavy build of the horse in the north of France.
Eventually the horse commonly known as "hack" was devel
oped. For a time the pacer was lightly regarded in England, ex
cept for the ladies, and when carriages were introduced the pacer
was discarded almost entirely for saddle work. The English
used the pacer, however, to perfect the deHcacy and symmetry of
a coarser breed. If England exported horses to the New Eng
land colonies, the records are not easily available.
Upon the introduction of gunpowder into England, the
pacer comes to the front again, and we find it the favorite horse.
The breed at this time reaches its highest stage of development.

THE NARRAGANSETT PACER 27
The pacer horse has always been an aristocrat of the finest
type, and wherever found, "blood tells."
The history of the pacer horse in its southern home as the
darling of Moor and Spaniard, to the Narragansett pacer in its
Rhode Island home is like a charming romance. We see it the
pet of the court, the joy of the turf and the servant and messenger
of the colonist. The saying, "ride a pacer to a jolly death,'"
which has come to us from Spanish literature, expresses the use
and the abuse to which this "best friend" has been subjected.
It was about the year 1735 that Governor William Robinson
imported the pacer to America. The Point Judith farms were
used in part for raising these horses. His inventory shows
eleven breeding mares with one stallion. The farm is now known
as "Shadow Farm," and was the one bought by Samuel Strang
in 1874. The original home was built in 1716.
As we have seen, the activity of Governor William Robinson
demanded rapid transit ; he could appreciate the value of a horse,
swift of motion, small in bulk, and of good spirit without feeling
great fatigue. The pacer was very swift and readily took the ford,.
even where swollen by great storms.
It is surprising that the origin of the Narragansett pacer
was so little known. To Fenimore Cooper, it was a "freak of
nature." In his "Leather Stocking," his heroines ride Narra
gansett pacers, which he proceeds to account for in a footnote
to this effect : "The origin of the Narragansett pacer is unknown,
but it is probably a cross between a native horse of Narragansett
and an Indian pony." A freak of nature, he called it.
It is evident from the suggestion of Cooper that the Narra
gansett pacer played no small part in the history of the colonies.
The call to arms came, and the hearts of our forefathers were
thrilled with the hope of independence, and rapid communication
from colony to colony and State to State aroused the patriot to
action. No electric wires, no railroads; stage coaches and run
ners, slow at the best, are some of the means recorded whereby
the colonies were aroused.
The "lean, hungry-looking Yankee," mounted on a Narra
gansett pacer, entered not only the gates of Manhattoes, but into
Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, into
town after town, arousing Americans to protest against the in
justice of England. With his strong heart and willing feet.

28 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
through forest and brake, by shore and mountain, our beautiful
pacer sped to do his part in God's providence for a great nation
that was to be.
It is not unreasonable to suppose that Paul Revere, in his
historic ride, rode a Narragansett pacer, for through the close
relation of many families of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, the
fame of the pacer must have been conveyed. A matter of such
importance must have occasioned comment. In paying our
tribute to men, let us pay a slight tribute of praise to the Narra
gansett pacer. Through hostilities, savage tribes and many
hardships we follow him, ever willing, ever faithful to serve his
master. A man who owns a pacer of American pedigree, al
though like the "Morgan" horse it is almost extinct, should
decorate him with the buff and the blue, for to him no small
honor is due.

GENEALOGY OF THE ROBINSON FAMILY
OF NARRAGANSETT, R. I.
BY
Mrs. Herbert Turrell
Rowland Robinson's* children were as follows:
I. John, born in 1677; married Mary Hazard in 1703; died
in 171 1, aged 34 years. His wife died in 1722, aged 46 years.
He left four daughters, all of whom were brought up in Gov.
William Robinson's family. One of them married a Hazard,
and was the mother of one of the Stephen Hazards. Another-
married a Babcock.
2. Joseph, born in 1679; died in infancy.
3. Elizabeth, born in 1680; married William Brown in 1698.
She died in 1745, aged 64 years. Mr. Brown died in 1749, aged
72, years. They left children, Thomas Brown and others.
4. Mary, born in 1683; married George Mumford in 1703.
* In 1845 the remains of Rowland Robinson were removed from Friends Burying Ground, Tower
HiU, South Kingston, to the Wakefield Cemetery, by Atmore Robinson, a lineal descendant of his in
the fifth degree.

ROBINSON FAMILY OF NARRAGANSETT 29
She died in 1707, aged 23 years. Mr. Mumford died in 1745,
aged 66 years. They left children, James among others.
5. Sarah, born in 1685; married Rufus Barton in 1712. She
died in 1760, aged 76 years. Mr. Barton died in 1743, aged 70
years. They left children, Rowland, Rufus and others.
6. Rowland, born June 16, 1688; died in 1693, aged 5 years.
7. Mercy, born in 1690; married Col. John Potter in 1714.
She died in 1762, aged 72 years. Col. Potter died in 1739, aged
50 years. They left children.
8. William, born in 1693; married Martha Potter in 1717.
She died in 1725, aged 33 years. He married his second wife,
Mrs. Abigail G. Hazard — widow of Caleb Hazard and daughter
of William Gardiner — in 1727 or 1728. William Robinson died
in 1 75 1, aged 58 years. His second wife died in 1773, aged 76
years. Note — The following are the children of John, son of Row
land: I. Mary, born in 1705; married Stephen C. Hazard in 1727.
She died in 1756, aged 51 years. Mr. Hazard died in 1750, aged
47 years. They left children.
2. Rowland, born in 1706; died in infancy.
3. Sarah, born in 1707; married Ichabod Potter, Jr., Jan. 16,
1722. She died in 1744, aged 27 years. Mr. Potter died in 1755,
aged 55 years. They left children.
4. Ruth, born in 1709; married Joseph Underwood in 1728.
She died in 1758, aged 49 years. Mr. Underwood died in 1763,
aged 58 years. They .left children.
The children of Gov. William Robinson — eighth son of
Rowland — by his first wife, Martha Potter, were:
I. Rowland, born in 1719; married Anstis Gardiner in 1741.
"December 3, 1741, the bans being duly published in the church
of St. Paul's, Narragansett, Rowland Robinson, son of William,
was married to Anstis Gardiner, daughter of John Gardiner, by
the Rev. Dr. McSparran." (Updike's History of the Narragan
sett Church, page 188.) Mr. Robinson died in 1806, aged 87
years. Mr. Robinson died in 1785, aged 68 years. The chil
dren of Rowland Robinson were: i. Hannah, born in 1746;
married Peter Simons. Mrs. Simons died in 1773. 2. Mary,
born in 1752; died in 1777. 3. William R., born in 1759; mar
ried Ann Scott, 1784; died 1804, aged 45 years. Mrs. Robinson

30 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
afterward married Dr. John Mann and died in 1839, aged 76
years, without issue.
2. John, born in 1721; died in 1739.
3. Margaret, born in 1722; married William Mumford in
1745. She died in 1768, aged 46 years. Mr. Mumford died in
1790, aged 69 years. They left children.
4. Ehzabeth, born in 1724; married Thomas Hazard in
1745. She died in 1804, aged 79 years. Mr. Hazard died at his
homestead in South Kingstown in 1795, aged 76 years, and was
buried in the Friends old burying ground in South Kingstown.
5. Martha, born in 1725; married Latham Clarke in 1747.
She died in 1768. Mr. Clarke died in 1776, aged 60 years. They
left children: Martha, who was the second wife of John Hazard
¦of North Kingstown, and a woman of strong intellect and ster
ling character; Samuel; Louis Latham; Hannah, born April 19,
1760. Hannah married Peleg Gardiner — his second wife — Oct.
-26, 1791. Her children were: Martha Clarke, born Sept. 10,
1795, who married Rowland F. Gardiner and died Dec. 19, 1837;
Hannah Robinson, born June 3, 1798, married Robert Morey
and died June 3, 1869; Mary Ann, born Nov. 15, 1800, who mar
ried Timothy Clarke Collins and died in October, i860. The
family now have Rowland Robinson's family Bible, containing
among many other entries in his own handwriting, the following:
¦"William Robinson, died 19th Sept., 1751, aged 57 years, 7
months, 27 days;" "Martha, wife of William, died November,
1725;" "My daughter, Hannah Robinson, departed this life the
30th October, 1773, aged 27 years, 5 months, 9 days (Hannah
Gardiner Morey, daughter of Robert Morey, has now in her pos
session four silver spoons that belonged to the 'unfortunate
Hannah Robinson') ;" "Anstis Gardiner, wife of Rowland Robin
son, died November 24th, 1773;" "Mary, my daughter, died April
5th, 1777, aged 25 years, i month, 21 days;" "William, my son,
died 29th October, 1804, aged 45 years;" "My beloved brother
John Robinson, died October 5, 1739.''
6. Christopher — the first child of Gov. William Robinson by
his second wife — born in 1728; married Rhuhama Champlin.
Nov. 30, 1752; died in 1807, aged 79 years. Mrs. Robinson died
in 1783, aged 52 years. Their children were: i. Abigail, born
1754; married Stephen Potter 1772; died 1803, aged 49 years.
:2. Christopher Champlin, born 1756; married Elizabeth Anthony,

ROBINSON FAMILY OF NARRAGANSETT 31
Dec. 30, 1790; died 1841, aged 87 years. Mrs. Robinson died in
1849, aged 79 years. The children of Christopher C. and Eliza
beth Robinson were: (a) George C, born 1791; married Mary
Niles Potter 1812; died at Canton, East Indies, 1827, aged 36
years. Mrs. Robinson died in 1870, aged 75 years, 10 months
and 18 days, (b) Thurston, born 1793; married Sarah Perry
1823; died 1875, aged 82 years. Mrs. Robinson died 1874, aged
.85 years. (c) Mary, born 1794; married John Brown 1815; died
1866, aged 72 years. Mr. Brown died 1834, aged 42 years; left
children, (d) Harriet, born 1795; died 1796, aged 21 days, (e)
Rhuhama C, born 1797; married John Robinson 1821 ; died 1869,
aged 71 years. Mr. Robinson died in 1841, aged 47 years; no
children, (f) Elizabeth, born 1799; died 1799, aged 3 months
and 5 days, (g) Rodman G., born 1800; died 1841, unmarried.
(h) Elizabeth A., born 1801; married William B. Robinson 1830;
•died 1876. (i) Sally, born 1803; died 1816. (j) Elisha A., born
1804; married Mary Hull 1837. (k) Harriet, born 1807; mar
ried William B. Robinson — his second wife; died 1828. Mr.
Robinson died 1875. (1) Frances Wanton, born 1809; died
December, 1876; married Thomas Hazard Watson, son of Wal
ter. The children of Thomas H. and Frances W. Watson were:
Walter Scott, George Robinson, Caroline, Elizabeth and Thomas .
H. (m) Christopher, born 1810. (n) Albert, born 1812; mar
ried Hannah Pierce 1844; died 1856, aged 44 years. The chil
dren of Albert and Hannah Robinson were Albert C, born 1854,
and George P., born 1856. (o) William H. Robinson, born
1814; married Eliza Hazard, 1841.
7. William — seventh child of Gov. William Robinson —
born 1729; married Hannah Brown 1752; died 1785, aged 56
years. Mrs. Robinson died in 1791, aged 60 years. The chil
dren of William and Hannah Robinson were: i. Philip Robin
son, born 1754; married Elizabeth Boynton 1779; died 1799,
aged 45 years. Mrs. Robinson died in 1785, aged 26 years. They
fiad one child, Samuel Boynton Robinson, born 1785; died 1794,
.aged 9 years. 2. Hannah, born 1756; married George Brown
1774; died 1823, aged 67 years. Lieut.-Gov. George Brown died
in 1836, aged 80 years. They left a large family of children,
William, George, John and several daughters, one of whom mar-
Tied Rowse Babcock of Westerly.
8. Thomas — eighth child of Gov. William Robinson —

32 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
born 1730; married Sarah Richardson 1752; died 1817, aged 87
years. Mrs. Robinson died in 1817, aged 84 years.
9. Abigail, born in 1732; married John Wanton 1751; died
1754, aged 22 years. Mr. Wanton died in 1793, aged 65 years.
They had only one child, which was buried in the same grave
with the mother.
10. Sylvester, born in 1734; married Alice Perry in 1756;
died in 1809, aged 75 years. Mrs. Robinson died in 1787, aged
50 years. II. Mary, born in 1736; married John Dockray in 1756;
died in 1776, aged 40 years. Mr. Dockray died in 1787, aged
56 years. Their children were: i. John Bigelow. 2. James
Dockray. John Bigelow Dockray married a daughter of Wil
Ham Congdon, and was the father of John, Nancy and Mary.
The last named John Dockray married Mercy Peckham. Their
children were: John, William, James and Mary — all now living.
Nancy married William Brown, a son of Gov. George Brown.
Their children were: Mary, Nancy, John, Hannah, Edward and
Susan. 12. James, born 1738; married Nancy Rodman.
13. John, born 1742; married Sarah Peckham 1761; died
1801. Mrs Robinson died in 1775.
The children of Thomas Robinson — eighth child of Gov.
William Robinson — were:
I. William T., born 1754; married Sarah, daughter of Sam
uel Franklin of New York City; died 1835, aged 81 years. Mrs.
Robinson died in 181 1, aged 52 years.
The children of William T. and Sarah Robinson were: i.
Esther, born in 1782; married Jonas Minturn of New York.
The children of Jonas and Esther Minturn were: (a) Eliza
beth, born 1801; died young, (b) William, born 1802; drowned
in a sailboat near New York, Sept. 21, 1821. (c) Rowland, born
1804; died 1839, unmarried, (d) Caroline, born 1806; married
David Prescott Hall of New York. Their children were: John
Mumford, Rowland Minturn, Caroline Minturn, Elizabeth Pres
cott, Frances Ann and David Prescott. David Prescott Hall
married Florence Howe, daughter of Dr. Samuel G. Howe of
Boston, and his children — Samuel Prescott, Caroline Minturn
and Henry Marion, (e) Thomas, born 1808; died unmarried,
aged about 70 years, (f) Lloyd, deceased, born 1810; married

ROBINSON FAMILY OF NARRAGANSETT 33
Julia Randolph of Newport, R. I.; second wife, Anne K. Robin
son, of Ferrisburgh, Vt., whose children are named elsewhere.
(g) Frances, born 1812; married Thomas R. Hazard of Vaucluse,
R. I. Their children were: Mary, died aged 27 months; Frances,
Gertrude, Anna — the last three named all died in early woman
hood — Esther, who married Dr. E. J. Dunning of New York,
and Barclay, born in 1852. (h) Niobe, married Duncan Fer
guson of New York; had one child, Lucy, who died, aged 2
years; married, second. Ward H. Blackler of New York, whose
children were: Mary — who married Theodore Wright of Phila
delphia, and has one child — Minturn, Gertrude, who died
in early womanhood, and Edith Belliden. (i) Jonas, born 1819;
married Abby West of Bristol, R. I. Their children were: Row
land, Mary — married Charles Potter of Newport, R. I., and his
children, Charles, Mary Minturn and Aracelia — Thomas, Gert
rude — married Capt. George Sanford, U.S.A., and has one
daughter, Margaret — Madeline and James, (j) Agatha, married
Edward Mayer of Vienna, Austria, and has children John, Lloyd
and William, (k) Gertrude, married William H. Newman of
New York City. All the above named daughters of Jonas and
Esther Robinson Minturn are deceased.
2. Thomas — second child of William T. and Sarah Robin
son — attached himself to the fortunes of Aaron Burr and died
in Paris in early manhood, unmarried.
3. Samuel, unmarried; lost in a sailboat near New York
Sept. 21, 1815.
4. Sarah, married Joseph S. Coates of Philadelphia. Their
children were: Joseph H. and Sarah R. Coates. Joseph H.
married, first, Elizabeth W. Horner, who died without children;
second, Sarah Ann Wisner. Their children were: Alma W.,
Ellen W., Arthur R. and Joseph S. Coates. Sarah R. Coates
married Joshua Toomer of Charleston, S. C, and has one child,
Mary Ann.
5. Mary, married William Hunter, United States Minister to
Brazil. Their children were (a) William, married Sally Hoff
man, daughter of General Smith of Georgetown, D. C. The
children of William and Sally H. Hunter were: Walter, Mary —
married Richard H. Jones of Cumberland, Md. — Blanche, Irene,
William and Godfrey, (b) Eliza, married James Birckhead of
Rio Janeiro, Brazil. Their children were William and Katherine.

34 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
William Birckhead married Sarah King of Newport, R. I. and
has children — James, Philip and Hugh, (c) Thomas R., mar
ried Mrs. Frances Wetmore Taylor of New York City. Their
children are: William, Elizabeth, Augusta, Mary and Charles.
(d) Mary, married Captain Piers of the Royal Navy of Great
Britain, (e) Charles, Commander U. S. Navy, married Miss
Rotch of New Bedford. Their children are: Catherine — married
Thomas Dunn of Newport, R. I. — Caroline, Mary — married
Walter Langdon Kane of New York — Anna Falconet, (f)
Catherine, married William Greenway of Rio Janeiro, Brazil,
whose son was Charles, (g) John, died in youth.
6. Abby — daughter of William T. and Sarah Robinson —
married Mr. Pierce; both lost at sea.
7. Franklin, married and died in Alabama, leaving Mary,
who died while at school in Newport, R. I., and other children.
8. Nancy, married John Toulmin of Mobile, Ala., and left
one child, Agatha.
9. Rowland, married and settled in Ohio, where he died
highly respected, leaving several children.
10. Eliza, died in early womanhood, unmarried.
II. William, died in mature manhood, unmarried.
12. Emma, married John Grimshaw; died 1878. They had
a daughter, Emma, who married Benjamin Haviland and had
children — William Robinson, Gertrude, Ellen and Frances.
2. Thomas — second son of Thomas Robinson, the eighth
son of Governor William — born 1756; died young.
3. Mary, born 1757; married John Morton of Philadelphia,
1793; died in Philadelphia 1829. Mr. Morton died in Philadel
phia 1828. Their children were: Esther, born 1797; Robert,
born 1801 ; died unmarried 1848. Esther married Daniel B.
Smith 1824. The children of Daniel B. and Esther Smith were:
Benjamin R., born 1825; John, born 1828, died 1836; Mary, born
1830, died 1854. Benjamin R Smith married Esther F. Whar
ton, 1859. Their children are: Robert Morton, born i860, died
1864; William Wharton, born 1861; Anna Wharton, born 1864;
Esther Morton, born 1865; Deborah Fisher, born 1869, died
1877; Edward Wanton, born 1875. Benjamin R. Smith in
herited and now occupies as a summer residence the old home
stead of his maternal ancestors in Newport, R. I.
4. Abigail, born 1760; died at an advanced age, unmarried.

ROBINSON FAMILY OF NARRAGANSETT 35
5. Thomas Richardson, born 1761; married Jemima Fish
1783; died 1851, aged 90 years. Mrs. Robinson died in 1846,
aged 85 years. They left children: i. Abigail, married Nathan
C. Hoag. Their children were: Rachael, married, no children;
Amy, unmarried; Thomas, married Huldah Case; Huldah, mar
ried Louis Estis; Jane, married Henry Miles; Joseph, Nathan,
died young; Mary, married Daniel Clark. 2. Rowland T., mar
ried Rachel Gilpin of New York. Their children were: (a)
Thomas R., married Charlotte Satterly and had children, Wil
liam G. and Sarah R., who married William Harman. (b) George
G. (c) Anne K., married Lloyd Minturn. Their children were:
Rowland R., Agatha Barclay — married William R. Haviland —
and Frances, (d) Rowland E., married Anna Stevens.
6. Rowland, born 1763; lost at sea in early manhood; un
married. 7. Joseph Jacobs, born 1765; died at an advanced age, un
married. 8. Amy, born 1768; married Robert Bowne of New York.
Their children were: George, who died unmarried, and Rowland,
who left a daughter.
The children of Sylvester Robinson, son of Gov. William
Robinson, were:
I. James, born 1756; married Mary Attmore of Philadel
phia in 1781; died 1841, aged 85 years. Mrs. Robinson died
1856, aged 86 years.
2. Mary, born 1763; married Jonathan N. Hassard 1788;
died 1837, aged 74 years. Mr. Hassard died 1802 in the West
Indies, aged 42 years. He left children, Stephen, James, Alice,
Jonathan N., Robinson and Mary, and numerous grandchildren.
3. Abigail, born 1769; married Thomas H. Hazard 1789;
died 1818, aged 49 years. Mr. Hazard died 1823, aged 61 years,
and left children.
The children of James Robinson — ninth child of Gov. Wil
liam Robinson — were:
I. Abigail, born 1768; married John Robinson 1794; died
1805, aged 27 years. Mr. Robinson died in 1831, aged 64 years;
left children. 2. Ruth, born 1769; was never married; died in 1839, aged
70 years. 3. Mary, born 1771; married John Bowers 1792; died 1826,

36 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
aged 55 years. Mr. Bowers died 1819, aged 53 years; left chil
dren. 4. Ann, born 1772; died 1790, aged 17 years.
5. James, born 1774; died 1781, aged 7 years.
The children of John Robinson — the tenth and youngest
child of Gov. William Robinson — were:
I. Benjamin, born 1763; married Elizabeth Brown, daugh
ter of Gov. George Brown, 1801; died 1830, aged 66 years. Mrs.
Robinson died in 1855, aged 86 years.
2. Sarah, born in 1764; married John Taber 1789; died 1837,
aged 73 years. Mr. Taber died in 1820, aged 62 years; they
left children. 3. William, born 1766; married.
4. John J., born 1767; married Abigail Robinson 1794; died
1831, aged 64 years. Mrs. Robinson died in 1805, aged 39 years.
5. Sylvester, born 1769; married; died in 1837, aged 68
years. 6. Thomas, born 1771 ; died 1786, aged 14 years.
George C. — third child of Christopher, son of Gov. William
Robinson — born 1758; died 1780, aged 22 years. He was taken
prisoner in the privateer "Revenge" in 1778, carried into New
York and placed on board the prison-ship "Jersey" at the Walla-
bout, Long Island, N. Y., where he died with the prison fever,
and was buried at that place.
4. Elizabeth — fourth child of Christopher — born 1760; mar
ried Mumford Hazard, son of Simeon, 1786; died 1822, aged 62
years. Mr. Hazard died in 181 1, aged 55 years. They left no
children. 5. William C, born 1763; married Frances Wanton 1794;
died 1803, aged 40 years. Mrs. Robinson died in 1816, aged 43
years. 6. Jesse, born 1764; married Hannah T. Sands 1789; died
1808, aged 44 years. Mrs. Robinson died in 1848, aged 82 years.
7. Robert, born 1765; married Sarah Congdon 1795. She
died in 1802, aged 26 years. Married Ann Deblois 1807. Mr.
Robinson died in 183 1, aged 66 years. Mrs. Robinson, his sec
ond wife, died in 1850, aged 68 years.
8. Hannah, born 1769; married John Perry 1788; died 1849,
aged 80 years. Mr. Perry died in 1834, aged 69 years. Left
children : Robinson Perry of Wakefield, John G. Perry of Kings-

ROBINSON FAMILY OF NARRAGANSETT 37
ton, Oliver Hazard of Peace Dale, and several other sons and
daughters. 9. Matthew, born 1772; married Mary S. Potter 1797. She
died in 1801, aged 24 years. Married Mary Potter in 1802. Mr.
Robinson died in 1821, aged 49 years. Mrs. Robinson, second
wife, died in 1836, aged 54 years.
The children of William C. — fifth child of Christopher and
grandson of Gov. William Robinson — were:
I. Edward Wanton, born 1797; died 1818, aged 21 years.
2. Stephen Ayrault, born 1799; married Sarah H. Potter
1822, at Wakefield, R. I.; died in South Kingstown, April 7,
1877, aged 78 years.
3. Francis W., born 1800; died 1802, aged 2 years.
4. George C, born 1802; died 1820, aged 18 years.
5. William C, born 1803; married Abby B. Shaw 1827; died
1 87 1, aged 67 years.
The children of Jesse — sixth child of Christopher and grand
son of Gov. William Robinson — were:
I. Robert, born 1790; died 1809, aged 19 years. Mr. Rob
inson was killed by falling from the masthead of the ship "Reso
lution" of Newport, R. I., while in the harbor of Charleston,
S. C.
2. William J., born 1792; married Rebecca Ann Gould 1822;
died 1852, aged 60 years, without issue. His widow married in
1859, Isaac Jacques of Elizabeth, N. J.
3. Matthew, born 1794; married Mary D. Shields 1828;
died 1833, aged 39 years; left issue. His widow married Dr.
DeForrest of Baltimore, Md., 1843.
4. Samuel Perry, born 1798; married Alzada R. Willey
1824; died 1868, aged 70 years.
5. Edwin, born 1801; married Mary Connor 1833; died
1843, aged 42 years.
6. Mary Ann, born 1803; married Elijah Johnson 1825. Mr.
Johnson died 1875, aged 74 years; left children.
7. Abby, born 1805; married Samuel Clarke 1828; died
1847, aged 42 years; left children.
8. John Ray, born 1808; died 1818, aged 10 years. He was
drowned in the Pettaquamscutt River near the foot of Tower
Hill. 9. Sarah Ann, born 1807; married William Bailey 1832.

38 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
Mr. Bailey died 1854, aged 45 years. Mrs. Bailey died 1865,
aged 58 years. They left no children.
The children of Robert — seventh child of Christopher and
grandson of Gov. William Robinson — were:
I. Alexander S., born 1797; died 1819, aged 22 years.
2. Samuel W., born 1799; never married; died 1862, aged
63 years. 3. Robert, born 1802; never married; died 1869, aged 67
years. 4. Sarah Ann, born 1808; never married; died 1864, aged
56 years. The children of Matthew — ninth and youngest child of
Christopher and grandson of Gov. William Robinson — were :
I. John P., born 1799; died 1801, aged 2 years. He was
twin brother to Rowland.
2. Rowland, born 1799; married 1834; died 1859, aged 60
years; left children.
3. Samuel S., born 1801; married 1825; died 1874, aged 73
years; left children.
4. Maria, born 1803; died 1831, aged 27 years; was never
married. 5. Frances W., born 1804; married Benjamin Balch 1842;
died 1845, aged 41 years; left no children.
6. William C, born 1806; died 1827, aged 21 years.
7. Sarah Ann, born 1807; died 1832, aged 25 years.
8. Edward W., born 1809; married 1835; has no children.
9. Hannah, born 181 1; married Edward Larned 1841.
10. S. Ayrault, born 1814; not married.
The children of James Robinson — son of Sylvester and
grandson of Gov. William Robinson — were:
I. William A., born 1797; married Dorcas B. Hadwen 1828;
died 1872, aged 75 years. The children of William A. and Dor
cas B. Robinson were: i. Mary A., married Jacob Dunnell. 2.
James, married Anna Balch. 3. Edward H., married Grace M.
Howard. 4. Caroline, died 1845. 5. Anne A. 6. William A ,
Jr., married Marian L. Swift.
2. Edward Mott, born 1800; married Abby S. Howland;
died 1865. The children of Edward M. and Abby S. Robinson
were: i. Hetty H., married Edward H. Green. 2. Isaac H.,
died in infancy.

ROBINSON FAMILY OF NARRAGANSETT 39
3. Anne A., born 1801; married Stephen A. Chase. Mr.
Chase died in 1876.
4. Sarah, born 1804; died in infancy.
5. Attmore, twin of Sarah; married Laura Hazard. The
children of Attmore and Laura Robinson were: i. James A.,
married first, Mary E. Alger, second, Mary Ring. 2. Jane H.
3. Sylvester, died 1874. 4. George H., married Sarah Dela-
mater. 5. Anne C. 6. William H. H.
6. Rowland, born 1806; died 1819.
7. Sylvester C, born 1808.
The children of Benjamin Robinson — son of John and
grandson of Gov. William Robinson- — were:
I. George, born 1792; died 1795, aged 3 years.
2. John, born 1794; married Rhuhama Robinson 1821; died
1841, aged 47 years. Mrs. Robinson died 1868, aged 71 years;
no children. 3. George B., born 1796; married Mary R. Wells 1832. She
died 1838, aged 27 years. Married Julianna WiUes 1839. Mr.
Robinson died 1827, aged 76 years.
4. Sylvester, born 1798; married Eliza Noyes 1822; died
1867, aged 69 years. Their children were: i. Ann B., married
Nicholas Austin. 2. B. Franklin, married Caroline Rodman.
3. Hannah. 5. William B., born 1800; married Harriet Robinson 1827.
She died 1828, aged 21 years. Married Eliza A. Robinson
1831. She died 1874, aged 72 years. Mr. Robinson died 1875,
aged 75 years. His children were: i. Caroline H., born 1828,
died 1829. 2. Caroline E., born 1842, married Benjamin Sher
man 1875.
The children of John I. Robinson — son of John and grand
son of Gov. William Robinson — were:
I. James, born 1796; married Maria Gibbs 1832; died 1874,
aged 78 years. Mrs. Robinson died 1875, aged 70 years. Their
children were: i. John C, born 1835, died 1865, aged 30 years.
2. James, born 1837, died 1838. 3. Virginia, born 1839, died
1846. 4. Arabella, born 1845, married John A. Cross 1871.
2. Mary Ann, born 1798; married Mr. Shotwell 1825; died
1870, aged 71 years, leaving one child.

40 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
The children of William C. Robinson — son of William C. —
were: I. Frances W., born 1829; died 1851, aged 21 years.
2. William A., born 1834; died 1837, aged 3 years.
3. Ann Maria, born 1836; married Albert J. S. Molinard
1836. Captain Molinard died 1875, leaving two children. Mrs.
Molinard married Mr. Pendall for her second husband, 1875.
4. Edward Ayrault, born 1838; married Alice Canby 1871;
has children. 5. George Francis, born 1843; married Ellen F. Lord 1869;
has children. The children of George B. Robinson — son of Benjamin and
great-grandson of Gov. William Robinson — were:
I. Maria, born 1833; died 1848.
2. Elizabeth B., born 1835.
3. John W., born 1836; died 1837.
4. Mary W., born 1838; died 1838.
5. Hannah W., born 1840.
6. George B., born 1842; married.
7. Thomas W., born 1843.
The children of Samuel Perry Robinson — son of Jesse and
great-grandson of Gov. William Robinson — were:
I. Anna R., born 1824; died 1853, aged 29 years.
2. William J., born 1828; died 1829.
3. William, born 1830.
4. Hannah T., born 1832; died 1834.
5. Edwin M., born 1834; died 1861, aged 26 years.
6. Sarah Jane, born 1837; died 1841.
7. Alzayda R. W., born 1839.
8. Rebecca, born 1842; married Alfred Gregory, 1870.
9. Alvira Weeden, born 1843.
10. Samuel P., born 1844.
II. Kingston Goddard, born 1846.
The children of George C. Robinson — eldest son of Chris
topher C. and great-grandson of Gov. William Robinson — were:
I. Jeremiah P., born 1819; married Elizabeth DeWitt 1843.
Their children are: i. Mary N., born 1844; died 1845, aged i
year, 4 months and 17 days. 2. Jeremiah P., born 1846; married

ROBINSON FAMILY OF NARRAGANSETT 41
Margaret D. Lanman 1867. 3. Elizabeth D., born 1851; mar
ried Lewis H. Leonard 1871. 4. Harriet W., born 1853. 5.
Isaac R., born 1856.
2. Sarah H., born 1821; married William Rhodes Hazard
1851; died i860, aged 38 years.
3. Elizabeth A., born 1823; married James Stewart 1854.
4. George C, born 1825; married Mary L. Arnold 1852.
Their children are: i. George C, born 1854. 2. Louisa L., born
1856. 3. Mary N., born 1858. 4. Richard A., born i860; died
1862, aged I year and 10 months. 5. Margaret, born 1864. 6.
Anna D., born 1870; died 1871, aged i year, 6 months and 12
days. 7. Edward Wanton, born 1872.
5. Mary N., born 1827; married George G. Pearse, 1849.
The children of Thurston Robinson — son of Christopher C.
and great-grandson of Gov. William Robinson — were:
I. Morton, born 1825; married Ann E. Collins 1854. Their
children are: i. Anna, born 1855, married Sylvester Cross 1875.
2. Harriet E., born 1858. 3. Frances W., born 1859; married
Herbert Turrell. 4. Benjamin A., born 1862. 5. Morton P.,
born 1864. Harriet E. married a son of Gen. Rodman, who was
mortally wounded at the battle of Antietam.
2. Harriet, born 1828; married Samuel Robinson.
3. Benjamin, born 1832; died 1834.
The children of Elisha A. Robinson — son of Christopher C.
and great-grandson of Gov. William Robinson — were:
I. Sarah Hull, born 1838; married John Eldred of New
port, R. I., 1869. They have one son, John Robinson.
2. George I., born 1840; married Jane Porter 1864.
3. Christopher C, born 1842; married Alvira A. Blanchard
1867; died Feb. 8, 1879.
4. Elisha A., born 1845; married Abby A. Proud 1874.
5. Mary Anna, born 1847; died 1848, aged 5 months and 16
days. 6. Benjamin Hull, born 1849; died 1850, aged 6 months and
8 days. 7. Francis Warner, born 1852; married Mary Nichols 1875.
note — If errors are found in the foregoing records kindly send corrections to editor.

42 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
ROWLAND ROBINSON AND HIS DAUGHTER HANNAH.
BY
Mrs. Herbert Turrell
(Thomas R. Hazard — Shepherd Tom — in his quaint " Recollections of
Olden Times" furnishes us with the best material for the following nar
rative.) Among the early descendants of Rowland Robinson — the
founder of the Narragansett family of Robinson — no stronger
type developed than Rowland Robinson, the eldest son of Gov.
William Robinson.
Rowland Robinson, though perhaps a little too much after
the brusk order of Fielding's Squire Western, was a fair speci
men, in temper and manners, and a perfect beau ideal, in cos
tume, presence and person, of the old-time country gentleman
who constituted the semi-feudal aristocracy of Narragansett.
In person he was portly, tall and erect. His features were
Roman, slightly tempered with the Grecian type. His clear,
blonde complexion, inclining to red and undulating brown hair,
worn in a queue behind, attested his Saxon descent. When in full
dress Mr. Robinson generally wore a dark silk-velvet or brown
broadcloth coat, light yellow plush waistcoat, with deep pockets
and wide flaps resting partly on the hips, short violet-colored
velvet breeches-.buckled at the knees, nicely polished white-top
boots or silver buckled shoes, fine cambric shirt profusely ruffled
and plaited at the bosom and wrists, with white silk neck-tie to
match; the whole surmounted and set off by a looped-up tri
angular hat on his head and a stout gold-headed cane in his hand.
I have heard it said by persons acquainted with Revolution
ary data that such was the admiration inspired by the fine ap
pearance and courtly bearing of Rowland Robinson, though
then far beyond the prime of manhood, who occasionally came
to his brother Thomas Robinson's house in Newport, where
Count Rochambeau, commander of the French land forces, re
sided for some time as a guest, that many of the count's officers
sought introductory letters to Mr. Robinson, that they might
obtain access to and share in the hospitality of his home in Nar
ragansett. Many a Quaker beauty was watched with exceeding care

ROWLAND ROBINSON AND HIS DAUGHTER 43
to protect them from his "most Christian Majesty's" land forces
in Newport. In the year 1741 Rowland Robinson married Anstis Gar
diner, daughter of Col. John Gardiner, who lived in Boston Neck.
Mr. Robinson, with others, sent a vessel from Franklin
Ferry to the Guinea coast for slaves for the purpose of selecting
servants for his house and farm, and to sell the remaining por
tion which would fall to his lot. Up to the time of the return of
the vessel, the cruelty and injustice involved in the slave trade
had never been brought to his attention, but now when he saw
the forlorn, woe-begone looking men and women who had been
huddled together like beasts, disembarking, some of them too
feeble to stand alone, the enormity of his offense against human
ity presented itself so vividly to his susceptible mind that he
wept like a child,' nor would he consent that a single slave which
fell to his share — twenty-eight in all — should be sold, but took
them all to his own home where, though held in servitude, were
kindly cared for.
It has been suggested that much of Rowland Robinson's
popularity as a host was due tO' his beautiful and accomplished
family, viz. : two daughters, Hannah and Mary. His son was
spoken of as having been, in his gentle disposition, the opposite
of his father. He seems to have been singularly beloved, and
when he died (October, 1804) the whole town of Newport
mourned his loss ; it is said that strong men wept when recounting
his virtues. The death of his daughter Mary in early womanhood and
the tragic fate of Hannah greatly weakened Mr. Robinson's
mind. Many anecdotes were told of his eccentricities at this
time, all of which lend force to the idea of his having possessed
a marked character. The following shows us Mr. Robinson's
religious sympathies: "One day while in a ferryboat on his way
to Newport, a fellow passenger made some remark derogatory to
the Society of Friends, for which Mr. Robinson reproved him in
no very gentle terms. 'Are you a Quaker, sir ?' said the stranger.
'No,' was the quick reply; 'but I know and love the Quakers so
well that I would fight knee deep in blood in their defense,' which
the man knew to be no idle boast."
On another occasion he called on his sister, in a towering
rage against one of the Robinson family in Narragansett, with

44 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
whom he had quarreled, stating his grievance. "Sal," said he
(as he always called her) "the Robinsons are all rogues." "Why,
no," said she; "that cannot be so, brother Rowland, for in that
case thou, being a Robinson, must be a rogue thyself." "I be
lieve I am, Sal! I believe I am!" was the old gentleman's quick
reply. The strong love and jealous pride of Rowland Robinson, as
exemplified toward his daughter Hannah, are two of the dom
inant characteristics of the Robinson family.
Of Hannah Robinson, it has been said^ that "her personal
charms and accomplishments must have been of a character al
most exceeding belief. She was described as being rather above
the medium height, her figure just a trifle inclined to embonpoint,
of a clear complexion, delicately tinted with the rose, dark hazel
eyes, Greacean features of the finest mould throughout, sur
mounted with a faultless head of auburn hair that fell in luxuri
ous ringlets about her swan-like neck and shoulders, all of which
was made the more bewitchingly attractive by a surpassingly
lovely expression of countenance, and an incomparable grace in
speech, manner and carriage."
The parents of Hannah spared neither pains nor expense
in the education of their children; when advanced in her teens
their daughter was placed in the care of an aunt at Newport, that
she might receive instruction in the more "polite branches"
under the care of the celebrated Madame Osborne — a most ac
complished lady, whose fame as an instructor of young ladies
was not confined to Newport.
It was while studying with Madame Osborne that Hannah
first saw M. Pierre Simons, a son of a Huguenot family of some
note, who were obliged to flee from their country during the
persecutions of the French Protestants in the reign of Louis
XIV. Almost from the hour they met a sentiment of affection
sprang up in the hearts of the young tutor employed by Mrs.
Osborne and his lovely, unsophisticated pupil, which ripened
into a strong, mutual attachment. .
The lovers were aware that it would not do for one in Mr.
Simons' position in life to venture into the proud father's house
as a suitor of his daughter. Fortune seemed to favor the young
people: Hannah's uncle. Col. William Gardiner, educated his
children at home, and in looking about for a private tutor, en-

ROWLAND ROBINSON AND HIS DAUGHTER 45
gaged Pierre Simons to go with him to his Narragansett home
and occupy that position in his family. The lovers enjoydl
many opportunities of seeing each other, especially as Col. Gar
diner, who was of a kind and easy disposition, on becoming-
aware of the love which existed between his beautiful niece and
her former tutor, sought rather to promote opportunities for
interviews between the lovers than otherwise.
The mother's suspicions were aroused, and Hannah con
fided to her the secret of her love.
After trying for months, in vain, to persuade her child to
discourage her affianced lover, and finding that nothing would
induce her to dismiss him, Mrs. Robinson forbore further opposi
tion. Thus encouraged by the mother's tacit consent, if not
approval of his suit, it was mutually arranged by the lovers that
Pierre should occasionally walk over from Col. Gardiner's of
an evening, and upon the appearance of a signal light in Han
nah's window approach the house and secrete himself in a large
lilac bush which grew beneath it, where love messages might be
easily passed. In fact, so emboldened did the lovers become b-y
the unbroken success that attended their stratagem, that they
finally arranged for occasional meetings in Hannah's room; her
mother lending her presence and countenance to the dangerous
adventure, rendered all the more critical because of its being the
undeviating practice of Hannah's father to bid her "good night"
before he retired, even if it required his going to her own room
or elsewhere. It was necessary to have a convenient place in
which Hannah's lover might retreat on untoward occasions.
Such a place — a cupboard — was in the room.
Though not grown to mature womanhood, Hannah, as
might be readily surmised, had many admirers ; among them was
a William Bowen of Providence, who was ardently attached to
the fair girl and earnestly sought her, with her father's full ap
proval, in marriage. Hannah, however, graciously declined his
attentions, and that he might not indulge in hope imparted to
him in confidence the fact that her affections were engaged to
another, which confidence he kept inviolate.
Dr. Joshua Babcock of Westerly, Narragansett, was a gen
tleman of refinement and wealth, at whose house Benjamin
Franklin used to stop.
Updike in his History relates charming anecdotes of this

-46 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
distinguished man. Following is one: While Franklin was
stopping at Dr. Babcock's, Mrs. Babcock asked him on one occa
sion if he would have his bed warmed — as was the custom in
these early days. "No', madam, thank'u," he replied, "but if
you will have a little cold water sprinkled on the sheets, I have
no objection." Another story belonging to this period is one
now familiar to many of us without our having known its origin:
Dr. Franklin happened to arrive at a tavern near New London
on a cold evening, where he found every place about the blazing
wood fire occupied; the doctor called upon the landlord to feed
his horse a peck of raw oysters; the oysters were carried out,
followed by the curious guests. The landlord soon returned
and told the doctor, who, by this time, was comfortably ensconced
in an arm-chair in the warmest corner, that the horse refused to
eat the oysters. "Poor, foolish beast," said Franklin; "he don't
know what is good; bring them to me, and see if I will refuse
them!" Dr. Babcock's eldest son, Col. Harry Babcock — Crazy
Harry — was a brilliant and extraordinary man. It is further
suggested by the historian that his biography, written by one
who has the requisite data, would form a curious and instructive
record of the customs and manners of his times.
"Crazy Harry" Babcock was perhaps never subdued by
female charms but once. Two anecdotes told of him are of in
terest: Before the Revolutionary War he went to London, and
on the night of his arrival attended a play at the Covent Garden
Theatre. There being no seat vacant, the colonel stood in the
passage-way; a man seeing his tall, gaunt figure, standing erect,
with a big slouch hat on his head, touched his shoulder and told
him to uncover. Col. Babcock thereupon took off his hat, and
reaching up to a chandelier near by hung it over one of the
lights. A murmur of disapproval ran through the hall, and the
police were about to eject the rude intruder from the theatre,
when someone present called out, "Col. Harry Babcock!"
Upon this announcement the performers ceased acting their parts
to join in the uproarious applause that greeted the presence of the
far-famed hero. A short time after this Colonel Harry received
an invitation to the palace and was introduced to the royal family.
When the Queen, in accordance with usage, offered him her hand
to kiss, the gallant colonel sprang from his knees to his feet..

ROWLAND ROBINSON AND HIS DAUGHTER 47
briskly exclaiming, "May it please your Majesty, in my country
it is the custom to salute, not the hands but the lips of a beauti
ful woman," and seizing the Queen by the shoulders, impressed
upon her lips a loud and hearty smack!
Rowland Robinson, chancing once to meet Col. Babcock
on Little Rest Hill (now Kingston), asked the eccentric colonel
to go home with him and stay the night. "Ah, ha!" said "Crazy
Harry," "so you want me to see Hannah, that I've heard so
much of, do you? Well, I will go, but don't expect me to fall
in love with her, as so many fools have done." As was the
custom in those days, they both rode on horseback, and when
they came near McSparran Hill, one of the longest and prob
ably the steepest hill in Rhode Island, the ground being covered
with ice at the time, Mr. Robinson cautioned his friend against
the danger of descending on a smooth-shod horse, and advised
him to dismount and lead his beast down the descent. When
Mr. Robinson was in the act of dismounting, "Crazy Harry"
suddenly exclaimed, "Now, Mr. Robinson, I will show you how
the devil rides," and putting spurs to his horse, went down the
steep declivity on a full run.
When they arrived at the house the colonel was in high glee
at the prospect, as he said, of seeing "the prettiest woman in
Rhode Island," these words being spoken in a loud, jocular tone,
just as they entered the door of the room where Miss Robinson
was sewing. With a slight flush on her cheeks, and a look of
surprise, she arose with her customary dignity and grace to re
ceive her father and welcome his boisterous guest, whose eyes no
sooner fell upon the beautiful woman than the rough-spoken
hero seemed to have been suddenly overcome by some charmed
spell. As Miss Robinson, on being introduced by her father,
extended toward him her hand, Col. Babcock reverentially took
it gently in his, and gazing in her face with a subdued look of
wonder and admiration, he dropped on his knee before her, and
with tremulous voice, softly and slowly said: "Permit, dear
madam, the lips that have kissed unrebviked those of the proud
est Queen of earth, to press for a moment the hand of an angel
from heaven." Scarcely less flattering was the compliment paid
by an old Quaker preacher: "Friend, thou are wonderfully beau
tiful!" His daughter's rejection of many suitors aroused Mr. Rob-

48 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
inson's suspicions. Chancing late one evening to step suddenly
out of the front door, Mr. Robinson caught a glimpse of his
daughter's arm reaching down from the window above, just as
she was about to drop a billet into the extended hand of her
lover. Fortunately for Pierre, he escaped from Mr. Robinson's
buckthorn cane, but not before Mr. Robinson recognized the
young teacher of music he remembered to have seen at the house
of his brother-in-law — William Gardiner.
Frantic with rage, he upbraided his daughter for throwing
herself away upon a wretched "French dancing master." The
poor girl answered not a word, but remained mute under all her
father's reproaches. "If she walked," says Updike, p. 189, "her
movements were watched; if she rode, a servant was ordered to
be in constant attendance"; in fact, Hannah was never permitted
to be alone. On account of Mr. Robinson's rabid and unrea
sonable opposition to his daughter's wishes, and because of the
rigid measures adopted with Hannah, nearly the whole neigh
borhood became interested in the lovers' behalf, and almost
every connection of the family was ready to assist in forwarding
opportunities for their interviews. The life of anxiety and worry
Hannah was subjected to, finally began to affect her health.
With the proffered aid of friends, the poor girl planned to elope
from her father's house, and it was not long before an occasion
presented itself.
It was the custom in those days for .wealthy families of
Narragansett to entertain on an extensive scale. A ball was
given by Mrs. Lodowick Updike, who was a sister of Mrs. Row
land Robinson. It would have been a breach of etiquette were
not some of Mr. Robinson's family to attend; on the occasion it
was arranged, with many misgivings on his part, that his two
daughters, Hannah and Mary, should go to the ball and stay
the night with their aunt. When the morning of the day of
Hannah's departure — perhaps forever — arrived, the struggle to
separate herself from all that was dear from her earliest recollec
tion was sad to contemplate. Still Hannah maintained an out
ward appearance of composure until the moment came to take
leave of the household. After bidding Phillis the cook, and
Hannah her maid, an affectionate farewell, she threw her arms
about her mother's neck and sobbed as if her heart were break
ing. Still the high-spirited girl — the victim of what in the end

ROWLAND ROBINSON AND HIS DAUGHTER 49
proved to be a misplaced affection — persevered in her resolution
to remain faithful to her vows — mounting from the stone horse
block her splendid Spanish "jennet" (Narragansett pacer),
Hannah and her companions rode away.
It was fortunate that Hannah took leave of her father at an
earlier hour, for her filial and tender love for her father would
have betrayed in her emotions her design — to make this journey
from home the one to her lover. On Ridge Hill, a thickly
wooded spot, Hannah and her companions encountered the lover
with a closed carriage, into which the affianced bride hastily
stepped and was driven rapidly away, on the road to^ Providence,
in spite of the frantic appeals of Prince, the attendant. Miss
Simons — Pierre's sister — assisted Hannah with a necessary
wardrobe, and with the aid of the pastoral services of a minister
of the Episcopal Church, the lovers were married.
When Mr. Robinson learned of his daughter's elopement
with the "French dancing master" he so despised, he was, for a
time, completely beside himself with rage, and offered a large
reward to anyone who would make known to him the person or
persons who aided his daughter's escape, but wholly without
success. After her marriage Mr. Simons took his bride to reside
for a time with his father. Here Hannah remained for some
months until her husband obtained a professional situation in
Providence, when he removed his wife to that city, where she
lived for several years up to the time she went home to die.
Mr. Pierre Simons, though of pleasing person and seductive
manners, proved to be an unthrifty and unprincipled man — as
we might suspect — who, finding that his wife was discarded and
likely to be disinherited by her father, began not long after her
marriage to treat her with neglect, and through dissipated habits
almost entirely deserted her.
Continuing to love her worthless husband, notwithstanding
his cruel treatment, the poor woman's heart broke and she be
came a hopeless invalid.
With the exception of her wardrobe and her little dog,
which was sent to her by her mother, Hannah received no as
sistance nor recognition for some time whatever from her home.
Upon learning the pitiable condition of her suffering daughter,
Mrs. Robinson, through her son William and others, provided

so THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
for her most pressing material wants. It was in vain, however,
that she pleaded with her incensed husband to permit her to be
brought to the tender care and comfort of her father's home.
Notwithstanding the opposition of the father, there was still a
soft place in his proud and wounded heart for her memory to
nestle in. Mrs. Robinson observed that when he returned home
after an absence, in case Hannah's cat was not in sight, he would
wander abstractedly from room to room until he encountered
it, when, without seemingly noticing the animal, he would sit
quietly down. He would stealthily feed Felis from his own
plate, and on one occasion Mrs. Robinson found the sorrowing
father, suffused with tears, pressing the dumb favorite of his dis
carded child to his bosom, Hannah's favorite horse was also
caressed when Mr. Robinson thought no one was near to ob
serve it.
When news arrived of Mrs. Simons' rapid decline, Mr. Rob
inson began to manifest symptoms of serious alarm, and told the
mother that Hannah might come home, if she would reveal to
him the names of those who assisted in her elopement, but on
no other condition, let the consequences be what they might.
, On being informed of her father's proposition, Hannah wrote
an affectionate letter, full of devoted tenderness, but finally re
fusing to betray a confidence reposed in her. On receiving his
daughter's letter, Mr. Robinson read it eagerly with apparent
satisfaction until he reached the last paragraph, when, tossing
the letter contemptuously to his wife, angrily said, "Then let the
foolish thing die where she is."
As the accounts of Hannah's alarming condition reached
Mr. Robinson, it became evident that a terrible struggle for
mastery was going on in the wretched father's breast. The con
flict at last became unendurable, and one day, pushing from him
a plate of untasted food, he arose from the dinner table and
ordered his horse to the dooir, and telling his wife not to expect
him back for a day or two, rode rapidly away. The next fore
noon he reached his daughter's house, and riding up to the door
without dismounting, rapped on the door -with the head of his
cane. The door was opened by his daughter's maid, Hannah, who

ROWLAND ROBINSON AND HIS DAUGHTER 51
was born in his house a short time after her young mistress and
called after her name. Overjoyed to see her master, she hastened
to her mistress' chamber with the glad news of his arrival.
Hannah was too ill to leave her bed, but sent entreaties to
her father to come to her. "Ask your mistress," said Mr. Rob
inson, "whether she is ready to comply with her father's wishes,
that if she is, he will come to her; but on no other condition!"
Not finding it possible in her noble nature to betray her friends,
Hannah again denied her father. Without saying an intelligible
word, he rode back, without refreshment, to his friend Lodo
wick Updike's, where he had passed the night before, and away
to his sad home in the morning.
But a day or two elapsed after his return from the first visit,
when Mr. Robinson again started on the road to Providence.
These visits he continued to repeat at intervals of two or three
days only, for several weeks. In every instance he would ride
up to the door of the house where his sick daughter lay, and
without dismounting rap at the door with his cane and simply
say, "How is Hannah?" and on receiving an answer turn the
head of his horse and ride away.
Miss Belden of Hartford, and Mrs. Simons' uncle, William
Gardiner — the friends who assisted her elopement — on learning
the sad dilemma, counseled Hannah the next time her father
visited her house to reveal to him the names of the parties
implicated. Thus absolved, Hannah sent word that if he would
come to her bedside she would tell all. Trembling with emo
tion, Mr. Robinson dismounted and hurried to the comfortless,
wretched chamber of his sick daughter.
He had formed no -conception of the extremity to which his
poor child was reduced. As he approached the bed and took
her hand, thin almost to transparency, in both of his and looking
into the faded face, with naught remaining of her former ex
quisite beauty, the floodgates that had withstood the promptings
of his better nature gave way, and the long pent-up affection cf
the father's heart burst into one uncontrollable tide of tenderness
and love. No wish or thought remained to wring from his poor
Hannah the coveted secret, but falling on his knees by the bed
side, bathed the pale, cold hand of the dying child with tears and
wept aloud.
After he had somewhat regained his composure, he handed

52 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
several pieces of gold to the maid, standing in tearful silence by
the bed of her beloved mistress, charging her to get everything
necessary for her mistress' comfort until his return, and tenderly
kissing his broken-hearted child, Mr. Robinson left for his home
in Boston Neck, where he arrived late at night.
In those early times, when roads were rough and four-
wheeled carriages almost unknown, an indispensable household
article was a litter for the sick. Immediately after Mr. Robin
son arrived at his home, he summoned from their beds four
strong men, and ordered them to proceed with the litter in his
pleasure boat to Providence, and there await his arrival. The
next morning at break of day Mr. Robinson himself started on
horseback, attended by Prince and a led-horse for his daughter's
maidservant. The invalid was informed of the arrangements that had
been made for conveying her to Narragansett, by which it was
proposed to stop at her Uncle Updike's the first night, and, if
her strength permitted, to reach home the next day. At nine
o'clock the next morning the whole party were slowly winding
their way toward the homestead in Boston Neck. They arrived
safely at Mr. Updike's with less fatigue to the poor invalid than
was feared. There the party rested for the night.
It was in the lovely month of June, when the rose, the syrin-
ga and wild honeysuckle and sweet clover were all in bloom; a
shower the night before had made everything fresh and spark
ling in the sun's full beams. As the mournful party moved for
ward, ever and anon the small native wood animals darted across
the path — all nature seemed to be welcoming Hannah home.
When the spot was reached on Ridge Hill, where the faithful
Hannah had met her lover and bid adieu tO' her sister Mary, who
had died, she covered her face with both hands and seemed to
be weeping. When Prince was asked what Mrs. Simons did on this occa
sion. Prince answered that, "Missus Hannah didn't do nothin'!
She eny just put both hands over her face and cried! That wer
all!" Old Alexander Gardiner, Sr., was to entertain the party for
a short period of rest. The old man, being aware of the coming
of the guests, had dressed himself in his "go-to-meetin' " or
"roast meat" or i. e., Sunday dinner suit of yellow nankeen

ROWLAND ROBINSON AND HIS DAUGHTER 53
breeches with waistcoat to match, and a semi-military blue coat,
ornamented with a long row of silver ' Spanish dollar but
tons in front. He stood in his door to welcome their approach
by removing his imposing cocked hat and making three low
bows, first to the poor lady in the litter, next to Mr. Robinson, and
lastly to the attendants. After the party rested for an hour or
so, they proceeded on their way. The old familiar scenes
aroused Hannah at every step: the birds in the hedge with their
half-fledged young; soft, rustling sounds of an unusual nature
elicited special interest, and many delays were occasioned. As
the sun declined, Mr. Robinson tenderly suggested to his sick
daughter the danger to be apprehended from the evening air,
and the need of haste, and it was not until after the booming
evening gun from Fort George in Newport harbor had met and
mingled its roar with the dirge-like note of the fern owl, that
always begins its mournful song exactly as the sun goes down,
that the reluctant invalid was willing to- leave the rock on Mc
Sparran Hill, where they had halted. Casting one long, wistful
look toward the still roseate west, and murmuring to- herself, "It
is the last time," Hannah motioned her attendants to proceed.
As the party drew near the house, which was not until late
in the evening, they were met by the whole family. The poor
invalid, now too weak to respond to the tender greetings, was
lovingly carried in her father's arms and placed in her own
chamber and bed, and everything done for her comfort which
mortal love could suggest. A marked change had taken place
in her condition. The long journey and the excitement which
attended proved too much for her weakened vital powers, and
before midnight a raging fever set in — in the delirium she re
verted to the days when her lover vowed everlasting love and
beguiled her from her home — the years of sorrow were blotted
from her memory. She called wildly on her 'lover's name, that
he would come and defend her from her now, alas, wretched
father's wrath and vengeance.
At about the hour of midnight, a whip-poor-will, called by
the Indians "muck-a-wiss" — come fo me — perched on the eave
of the house opposite the lilac bush, and sung its mournful song
of "Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will."
The ominous cry of the bird penetrated the delirium of the
poor brain. Pausing, and listening for a few moments she ex-

S4 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
claimed, "Hark! mother, do you hear the death angel calling?
He is out in the lilaic tree, mother! He has come to take me
away and marry me, mother! It will be a sad wedding day,
mother, but not so sad as that other, dear mother!" Then, turn
ing her attention to a withered flower on her bosom, she said,
"He told me, when he gave it to me, that we must call it not life
everlasting, but love everla.sting! Lay it with me in my grave,
mother, that I may take it to the land where life is everlasting,
and where love never dies."
As the sun rose in the morning, though weak and helpless,
she called for the trinkets and different articles of her wardrobe,
and distributed them with her own hands. This done, with
feeble, outstretched arms, she turned to her father and mother
and pressed a last kiss on their lips ; her agonized father, kneeling
beside the bed, held her extended hand in his. Before she
breathed her last, she cast her eyes upon her mother with an un
utterable expression of affection, and then, fixing them on her
father, she continued to look lovingly and steadfastly in his, as
if she would convey to him a message of her undying respect and
love, until they closed in death.
The old nurse. Mum Amey, raised her eyes from the face of
her dying mistress, and with a look of devout admiration ex
claimed, "De angels is come."
Dr. Robert Hazard, the family physician, expressed his be
lief that the death of his lovely cousin was due to a deep-seated,
consuming sorrow. Old nurse Mum Amey, when asked a few
days after the funeral, "what ailed her young mistress when she
died?" she answered, "Nothin' ail' Missus Hannah. Dis world
wer eny jes' too hard for her, an' de poor chile die ob de heart
break." One pathetic incident was that of the refusal of Hannah's
little dog, Marcus, to be enticed from his mistress' grave. It
also refused to eat or drink; but the poor thing died from sheer
starvation in a cavity it had scratched, and from day to day
deepened in the ground, just beneath the doorway of her tomb.
In this grave of the affectionate brute's own digging it was found
one morning dead by Mr. Robinson, and was there buried by its
master's own hands, after being carefully wrapped in the linen
case from off the pillow on which its mistress' head last lay.
Some days after the last sad ceremony, Mr. Pierre Siimons

lEREMIAH POTTER ROBINSON 55
returned to Providence, where he learned of his wife's death. A
regard for decency, if not remorse of conscience, prompted him
to call at his father-ip-law's, to be present, if permitted, at the
removal of the body of Hannah to a newly erected tomb. Mr.
Robinson received him courteously, but after asking him to par
take of the hospitality of the house, while he remained his guest
he never after spoke to him until the morning his daughter's re
mains were removed, and then only to notify him briefly of his
intention in that respect.
Mr. Updike represents Hannah's father, Rowland Robinson,
as possessed of a relentless, unforgiving spirit. This does great
injustice to his character. Though impetuous and overbearing
in temper it may be, it was far from vindictive. The writer sees
a true descendant of the first Rowland, and the characters, both
of father and daughter, were strong, dominant and enduring.
United to a firm will and integrity of conscience was the magnetic
charm of a fine personality, to be found in our own day in the
character and personality of scores of Rowland Robinson's and
Mary Allen's descendants.

JEREMIAH POTTER ROBINSON

Mrs. Herbert Tui^rell
Jeremiah P. Robinson, great-great-great-grandson of
Rowland Robinson, was born August 18, 1819, at Tower Hill,
in the "Church House."
Mr. Robinson began life in Newport, R. I. In 1836, at the
age of sixteen, he went to New York, where he was employed
by the firm of P. & A. Woodruff, and after a few years attained
a partnership in the business. The name of the firm later was
changed to A. Woodruff & Robinson, and then to J. P. & G. C.
Robinson. His business desk stood for almost half a century on
nearly the same spot that business is now transacted on what is
practically the site of the house which he entered as a boy.

S6 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
About the year 1843, Mr. Robinson began to look with much
interest upon the growing city of Brooklyn, and soon purchased
large blocks of real estate on the Brooklyn river front, improving
them by building upon them warehouses and piers. He was
thus among the pioneers of the great warehouse system of that
city. A few years later, with William Beard, he became inter
ested in the water front in South Brooklyn, and began the work
of planning and constructing the great Erie Basin and the adjoin
ing basins, building piers and warehouses, until at this time there
is a wharfage and dockage of several miles where vessels are
loaded and unloaded.
It is the largest and most comprehensive dock system in the
world. Mr. Robinson was ever watchful of the rights of labor
ing men, and in his business projects much care was taken to pay
each laborer liberally for extra service, the result being great
faithfulness to the interest of their employer. Mr. Robinson was
one of the prominent supporters of the great East River Bridge
enterprise, and as a bridge trustee gave intelligent attention to
all the details of its progress and management. He honorably
filled the position of president of the board of trustees through
the most trying periods of the work. He married May 23, 1843,
Elizabeth DeWitt of Cranberry, N. J. (From the Hazard Family
Caroline Robinson.)
Desiring a little more intimate touch with the life and char
acter of a man so important in the development of the great
borough of Brooklyn, the writer learned the following facts:
Without an education other than that provided by a country
school Mr. Robinson began his career. Early in life he devoted
much of his leisure time to books, making a specialty of Shake
spearean study and dramatic art. At a time when Shakesperean
drama was presented by its best interpreters, he was a devoted
patron, and developed for himself a literary taste almost scholarly.
In personal appearance Mr. Robinson was a splendid repre
sentative of the race, both in features and figure, and in general
character a man conspicuous among men.
Some members of the Narragansett family of Robinson have
reached a height of over six feet three, and most of them are
noticeable, especially those of the past generation, for their height
and magnificent proportions.
Mr. Robinson was a man who valued life; never a moment

GEORGE CHAMPLIN ROBINSON 57
was wasted, but from sunrise to sunset his splendid health per
mitted him to accomplish more than the usual share of work
allotted to man. Unusually tender and attentive to the close
ties which bound him to his family, they looked upon him as
more than father and as more than friend. He also possessed
the pride of birth which belongs to the Robinson family — a pride
that urges its members to be something and to do something in
their day and generation.
Mr. Robinson's sudden death, August 26, 1886, was a shock
to a devoted family and a great loss to his immediate community,
where he lived a marked figure, socially, morally and intellectu
ally, and in the larger circle of business enterprise his loss was
sincerely lamented.

GEORGE CHAMPLIN ROBINSON
BY
Mrs. Herbert Turrell
George C. Robinson of Wakefield, R. I., was born in South
Kingston, R. I., January 26, 1825. His boyhood days were
spent on the farm belonging to his grandfather, Jeremiah Niles
Potter. At an early age he went into business in New York
City, and later became a member of the well-known firm of
Woodruff & Robinson. Upon the dissolution of this firm he
formed a partnership with his brother, Jeremiah Potter Robin
son, and with him and Franklin Woodruff was identified with
the development of the Brooklyn water front and warehouse
system. For many years Mr. Robinson resided in Brooklyn and was
a member of Plymouth Church.
In Mr. Robinson's social relations he identified himself with
the New England Society of New York, the Long Island His
torical Society and of the Art As,sociation of Brooklyn. In the
charities of Brooklyn he was a liberal patron.
Mr. Robinson married when a young man Mary Lyman

S8 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
Arnold, a daughter of the late Gov. Lemuel Hastings Arnold of
Rhode Island.
On his retiring from active business, Mr. and Mrs. Robin
son returned to their native State and settled in Wakefield, where
their beautiful country home was located.
It was impossible for a man of Mr. Robinson's activity to
withdraw entirely from the business world, and after beautifying
his own home in Wakefield, which stimulated the community to
improve properties in the village, he gave much of his attention,
until he died, to raising the standard of Narragansett Pier hotel
property. Many hotels in this place were old and unattractive
until Mr. Robinson built the Gladstone Hotel. To-day the
greatly improved condition of the famous pier, and general pro
gressive spirit of property-owners, due to the impetus inaugu
rated by him, has brought this section more than ever to the
popular attention.
It would seem that George C. Robinson inherited not only
the progressive spirit of Rowland Robinson — his forbear — but
very much of the gentle, Quaker spirit of Mary Allen.
The first time the writer met Mr. Robinson, though quite
young, she was particularly impressed by his courtly bearing —
affable, without condescension; self-possessed, without con
sciousness. Ih dispensing the hospitality of his home, there was a dig
nity and gtace of manner that in later years, when the hair had
silvered, reminded one of the old aristocrat of colonial days,
much of whose spirit must have been transmitted to this man.
Mr. Robinson was a very reticent man, and adverse to being
conspicuous, which was in harmony with the genuineness and
simplicity of his character. His death a few years since was
keenly felt by his townspeople, to whom he had been a helpful,
loving neighbor, but he was a loss more especially to the un
fortunate poor, to whom he was a friend and benefactor.
The influence of Mr. Robinson's life will be felt many gen
erations to come.

ATMORE ROBINSON OF WAKEFIELD 59
ATMORE ROBINSON
BY
Mrs. Herbert Turrell
Like an artery through which passes some of the best blood
of this nation runs the main street of the little village of Wake
field, R. I.
In its earliest history, when not much more than a saddle
path, marked out by the Narragansett Indians as their trail to
the sea, it was the highway over which passed Washington,
Lafayette, Rochambeau, Benjamin Franklin and many other dis
tinguished men, as they partook of the hospitality extended to
them by the old families of South Kingston. The village has
its town pump, its mill, old bridge, quaint church, winding by
paths and ancient trees to inspire a Hawthorne.
The village mentor and miser and haunted house were not
wanting, as tales of old villagers testify.
The family names of Watson, Hazard, Wright, Champlin,
Robinson, Perry, Gardiner, names conspicuous in the enterprises
and policies of the world, are to be found, with their homesteads
on or not far from this village center.
In the heart of this village on the main thoroughfare lived
Atmore Robinson, son of Sylvester, and great-grandson of Gov.
William Robinson, who chose as his field for activity his native
village. Born in 1804, he made his start with many men who
made the nation in its commercial and political importance what
it is to-day.
Like his forbears, Mr. Robinson had the spirit of progress,
and early in life studied the banking system. How much he
was influenced in his choice by his brother, Edward Mott Robin
son — father of Hetty Green — we cannot say; probably the elder
brother shaped somewhat the choice of Atmore. For many
years he was identified with the finance of South Kingston, and
founded the Bank of Wakefield.
Mr. Robinson in character was quaint and interesting.
Bishop Clark of the Episcopal Church was a close personal
friend of Mr. Robinson, and when visiting Wakefield in his cleri
cal capacity, often made his home with his friend. These occa
sions were opportunities for long discussions on religious themes.

6o THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
Mr. Robinson upheld the Quaker views, often writing sermons.
which were delivered from the village pulpit and afterward dis
cussed with the townspeople, they not knowing their author.
Notwithstanding his retirement, Atmore Robinson was an
exceptionally well-posted man and, like all of the Robinsons,
showed a strong tendency to letters. Without question, he was
an important factor in the progress of South Kingston. He died
August 2, 1890, leaving a family. His sons, James and George
H., are well known in the business and social world, especially
the name of George H. Robinson, a member of the firm of
Gorham & Company, silversmiths.

HETTY (ROBINSON) GREEN
BY
Mrs. Herbert Turrell
Because of an acute sense of personal responsibility, we of
this day and generation are too inclined to be prejudiced, either
for or against an individual, without the proper sort of data on
which to base our judgments.
To the individual who demands facts upon which to estab
lish their opinions, the following statement in reference to a fore
most woman of the century, whose private history is so little
known, is refreshing.
(From the New York City press of May, 1906, following
San Francisco disaster.) "The city treasury, as is known to
financiers, is governed by a remarkable system of law which
forces it to borrow for ten months in the year.
"With the aid of Mrs. Hetty Green, the richest woman in
America, Controller Metz has been enabled to beat the financiers
of Wall street and save the city thousands upon thousands of
dollars. "When the city treasury was in dire need of immediate funds,
Mrs. Green had broken the market. Interest rates tumbled be
cause she refused to press the city; when the Wall street banks

HETTY (ROBINSON) GREEN 6i
were demanding high rates, she charged the lowest possible rate
of interest. " 'She is a grand little woman,' said Deputy Chamberlain
Campbell. 'We can always rely on her. If she has the money
when we need it, we can get it from her.' "
A few years ago, Mrs. Green was asked to tell the world,
especially to advise young women, how she — a woman — devel
oped her wonderful genius for finance. She first gives us a very
tender picture of her invalid father, to whom she was devotedly
attached, Edward Mott Robinson, once so active in the whaling
industries of New Bedford, Mass., but then in the prime of
mature manhood, stricken.
When a young woman, it fell to her lot to fill a son's place
to a helpless father. The ships of Edward Robinson touched at
many ports, and it was necessary for him to know the credit of
the world, and his daughter Hetty was called upon to advise
him on these points. This necessitated constant research, and
from day to day the two together would read the reports of the
world's finance. Thus, at the period of life when the brain is
active and receptive, and with an inherited tendency to finance,
Hetty Robinson accumulated a knowledge far and beyond that
of many financiers of her day. As his feebleness increased, in
terfering with his own activity, he leaned on his devoted daughter
more and more to keep in touch with his investments. Summed
tip, her advices were: "Choose your vocation in life; let no op
portunity pass for knowing, in its minutest detail, all that con
cerns its interest; take infinite pains to become informed, and
keep busy."
On the death of Edward Mott Robinson, his daughter Hetty
inherited his large fortune, estimated at several millions. His
son, Isaac H., having died in infancy, Hetty was his only living
child to whom to bequeath his accumulated fortune, in which she
had been an important factor.
Can we not understand, in the very nature of things, that
inheriting a large fortune from the industries of her father as a
-nucleus, combined with her marvelous knowledge of finance,
Hetty Robinson must have become what she is to-day, one of
the foremost living financiers?
Her simple tastes and habits are not due to any studied plan
of economy, or to be conspicuous in any way, but are attributable

62 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
¦ to the fact that, born of strict Puritan ancestors, she has inherited
no luxurious tastes, and, as a girl, had no time to form extrava
gant habits or to follow prevailing fashion in dress or in living;
her habits are entirely in keeping with her birth and breeding.
When away from business cares, which is extremely rare,
and with relatives — social life tnust be sacrificed, and no doubt on
this side her character is undeveloped — Mrs. Green is compan
ionable and attractive. If she knows of the world's criticism
(which is doubtful), she has more than enough common sense
and humor to appreciate inconsistencies and jealous criticism.
Few women could endure the ridicule to which she is subjected
without an abiding purpose in life; she is too busy to call a halt
to answer her critics, were she inclined to do so.
Hetty (Robinson) Green from young girlhood has never
drifted, but has set her sails straight for fKDrt, and we can be con
fident that such a man or woman will not miss the mark, nor
have an unworthy one.
A history is yet to be written of this phenomenal woman,
certainly one of the greatest in virility and dominance of charac
ter of Rowland Robinson's descendants, if not one of the greatest
Americans of Colonial pedigree.

MORTON ROBINSON, M.D.
BY
Mrs. Herbert Turrell

Dr. Alexander Wilder, a distinguished man in the educa
tional world, said on the death of Dr. Robinson: "Permit me to
pay a tribute to the memory of a man whom I knew but to
esteem, and whose career was an honor to his family, his social
and professional circle, the city where he spent so many years
of his life, and the State in which he was born."
Morton Robinson was the son of Thurston Robinson and of
Sarah Waterman Perry, and born in South Kingston, R. I., March
IO, 1825. He received early instruction as was common at that

MORTON ROBINSON, M. D. 63
time and was a student at the Wakefield Academy. He inherited
the family trait for active professional life, and began the study
of medicine at the earliest opportunity and took his degree in
1854. In the native village of Morton Robinson lived the Sweet
family, famous for their surgical skill. When Morton was a
young man, one of his companions was Jonathan R. Sweet, a boy
who astonished the natives with his wonderful ability in setting
fractured linjbs. No stray animal was safe; Jonathan Sweet was
looking for stray animals of all sorts, and if they were missing for
a few weeks, it was because the young fellow was trying his hand
at simple fractures, compound fractures, dislocations, etc. Not
only did he become skilled in bone setting, but his knowledge
and use of simple herbs was remarkable. No time for school!
When Dr. Robinson called Jonathan from his native village to
join him in the practice of medicine, he could scarcely write his
own name. Under the careful tuition of Dr. Robinson, Dr.
Sweet obtained a degree in surgery, which qualified him to prac
tice his profession legitimately and reap the fame, as a bone setter,
he so richly deserved. Until Dr. Sweet's death, which occurred
several years before that of Dr. Robinson, these two men were
inseparable. Unlike in every taste and accomplishment, except
that of their profession, they seemed always to be in perfect har
mony, due, no doubt, to the remarkable kindness in the disposi
tions of both men.
Dr. Wilder says of Dr. Robinson: "He was a careful as
well as faithful physician, eager to gain all possible knowledge to
assist him in his profession; he possessed great original powers,
and was as acute as independent in his views on all subjects."
Before Newark, N. J., had a hospital, the Pennsylvania Rail
road Company engaged the firm of Sweet & Robinson to attend
to all accidents in that city, and when the Central Railroad of
New Jersey was built, they were engaged by this road as well.
The reputation of these men extended throughout the State, and
the successful treatment of cancer by Dr. Robinson became so
well known, victims of this horrible disease from distant States
sought his help.
Dr. Robinson in his profession displayed the skill and ver
satility peculiar to the Perry family. The following is an ex
ample: Dr. Sweet's son was thrown from his horse while riding,

64 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
and killed. His body was dragged for some distance over a
cobbled pavement and badly mutilated; especially, the head and
face were beyond recognition. This boy was a great favorite of
Dr. Robinson's, and his death was a terrible shock to him. Not
withstanding the emotion he must have felt, he so carefully re
stored the head and face with wax, even to imitating the freckles,
so perfectly that the distracted mother never knew the actual
conditions. Dr. Robinson would weep like a woman (or hunter) over the
misfortunes of poor Rip Van Winkle, or over a sick dog — but
in cases calling for the greatest emotion his nerves were like iron.
When the Italians were first brought to this country as laborers
to any extent, many located in the rapidly growing city of New
ark, N. J. As a student, Dr. Robinson became interested in them
immediately, and in time, because of his loving service, they called
him "padre." The poor Italians knew that Dr. Robinson would
give their sick attention and counsel them in their peculiar diffi
culties. Dr. Robinson's office was located in that part of the city by
which hundreds of mechanics passed to and from their work, and
although a man who, in personal appearance as well as intel
lectually and morally, was greatly their peer, he was as humble
as any poor laborer who passed his door. The poor women,
compelled to work at heavy machinery, as rriany women in New
ark are, in the many industries for which this city is noted, coun
seled with him as with a father. At one time the laboring people,
in spite of protest, nominated him for Mayor. His was not a
winning party!
When the Civil War broke out he promptly offered his serv
ices to the State, and for some months was employed as medical
examiner of recruits. In June, 1863, he went to the front as
first assistant surgeon of the 37th Regiment of New Jersey Volun
teers. An old army man recently met the daughter of Dr. Robin
son, and like many of these old heroes, "an infinitesimal of war,
a passer at the last hour, standing in the twilight of the tomb, and
half borne away at certain times by the deep pulsations of eter
nity," told the stories of "war times" as if he were actually listen
ing for Reveille. Without either knowing, altogether, of whom
he spoke, he said: "I tell you, the worst was at Petersburg;

MORTON ROBINSON, M. D.

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THE BEACH — NARRAGANSETT, R. I.

INDIAN ROCK — NARRAGANSETT, R. I.

ELIZABETH ROBINSON

MAIN STREET — KINGSTON, R. I.

MRS. HETTY ROBINSON GREEN

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SYLVESTER ROBINSON

GEORGE C. ROBINSON

MORTON ROBINSON, M. D. 65
many a poor fellow fell into the ditches filled with mud; how it
did rain! And the worst of it was they were hard to get hold
of. But I tell you, we had a surgeon in our regiment, long legged
from the hips and over six feet tall (his legs looked as though
they were on hinges), with a boily jaw and a set face; he pulled
many a poor fellow out and took him to his own tent. I saw
him splashing, over knee-deep in mud and water to reach one of
our boys, with shells bursting all around him. One hit his tent,
and, as if the Almighty meant to help hiin, instead of bursting,
burrowed into the ground. I tell you, if that shell had burst, we
would have lost one of the best men in the whole army; how we
loved him! Lots of the poor wounded fellows got well."
Something of this was sounding familiar to the listener, and
she said, "Who was your surgeon?" "Why, Dr. Robinson of
Newark." The daughter took the old soldier by the hand — now
a poor, feeble fellow, with nothing but his memories to keep
alive an interest in the world about him, and said, "my father."
In 1854 cholera visited New York. Dr. Robinson, hearing
the voice of duty, left his bride of a few weeks to do what re
quires more nerve and integrity of purpose than many physicians
display. As a student of the world's history, Morton Robinson accu
mulated an exceptional amount of knowledge, for his day, of the
Jewish race, having obscure data at his tongue's end; he con
tributed to magazines and newspapers, from time to time, the
result of his research; he was a contributor to several medical
periodicals also and, still adhering to the proclivities of his youth
— when he was called "the handsome fisherman" — that of fishing
and gunning, wrote valuable scientific articles for publications
devoted to these sports.
Dr. Robinson was a direct descendant of John Howland
and Elizabeth Tilley — Pilgrims — and through his mother, Sarah
Waterman Perry, was allied to the famous Perry family. He
was also a lineal descendant of many distinguished families of
New England, names still conspicuous as among those of the
best Americans.
In 1854 Morton Robinson was married to Ann Eliza Col
lins, who is a descendant of the noted Collins family of New
Jersey. He had very little interest in the social life of his city,
but delighted to gather about him groups of admirers, eager to

66 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
hear his brilliant dissertation on some favorite theme. While a
profoundly religious man, he was exceedingly reticent in speak
ing on a subject so personal, except it were in connection with
his interest in the Jewish people. Many distinguished men were
his intimate friends, and yet he preferred a comparatively obscure
life with his little coterie to any social advantages his friends
could offer. To his family. Dr. Robinson often seemed austere
and exacting, so strict were his ideas of a man's obligation to his
community. About three weeks before his death he expressed a wish to
see his native land once more. As physician, he knew that he
could not live longer than a few weeks at the most; in fact, he
told within a few hours when the disease should prove fatal. If
he could fish and smell the salt air of Narragansett once more, he
would ask nothing further of life. By a passionate love for his
native land, he was braced to do what seemed to his family, who
had watched his years of suffering, an heroic undertaking.
A tent suitably equipped for an invalid was pitched on the
shore of Salt Lake (now Narragansett Lake) near Point Judith.
Here he could .see across the bay and hear the roar of the surf as
it pounded onto the rocky coast. Here also his kinsfolk, for
whom he felt a devoted attachment, could visit him, and for the
last time probably, hear him discourse on his favorite themes.
One of Dr. Robinson's theories, for the first time verified, accord
ing to the writer's best knowledge, was that after a great Seis
mic disturbance on this continent the Gulf Stream should show
serious affection. The reader will remember that a few weeks
following the California earthquake, navigators in the Gulf of
Mexico reported that for the first time, so far as known, the
waters were showing phenomenal characteristics. Instead of fol
lowing the course usual at that time of the year, the current was-
flowing in an entirely opposite direction. This was according to
the theory of Dr. Robinson, and the writer believes that, were it
not for his modesty in these matters, he could have given to the
scientific world valuable material.
By moving in slow, easy stages, with the aid of carriages,
litters and rolling chairs, he succeeded in reaching his tent,
from which his family never expected to see him return
alive. A few days after he was settled, a September gale raged
along the Narragansett coast. "Did he flinch?" Not he! His

GILBERT STUART 67
eyes snapped and his fingers tickled to get hold of the line and
hook, for the good fishing which was bound to come after the
storm, and yet too sick to leave his bunk. His daughter visited
his tent one day, and there lay the sick man, like a great hulk,
but with a fish-line in his hand, nicely adjusted according to
direction, to catch the faintest nibble; when the fish had good
hold, he directed his valet (a man of nerve) to help him "pull the
fellow in," he knew it was a big one.
Who would believe that here lay a dying man, never free
from intense pain for a moment. Every bone and muscle in his
strong face set with the intensest purpose, and yet, a look in the
eye told the story — he would live or die, but he would once again
come into communion with the spirits of his youth ; if to die, then
with but little care to his dear ones, to be laid to rest in his native
soil and by his fathers, whom he so nobly loved.
The family persuaded Dr. Robinson after a week or so to
return to his home in Newark, not one but feeling they were
tearing him from his real home, where he had hoped to die, with
the smell of the salt spray in his nostrils and the mist from the
sea dampening his white locks. After a few days, quietly, con
fidently, he died, with a last request that he be laid in the bury
ing ground at Wakefield.
His last words bearing upon his life were: "I have made
many mistakes, which I can leave to the judgment of my Creator,
but I never remember to have committed an immoral act."
Dr. Morton Robinson died November 3, 1893. He was in
direct line from Rowland Robinson and Mary Allen.
"If it be well to be well descended, he had a fortunate begin
ning and liberal endowment."

GILBERT STUART

Gilbert Stuart, the celebrated portrait painter, was a
native of Narragansett. His father came from Scotland, and here
married an Anthony, one of the Anthony family, allied to the
family of Robinson.

£8 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
Gilbert was born near Pettaquamscutt (Narrow River) where
his father lived. In 1775 he went to England and became a
pupil of Benjamin West. He spent several years in Ireland, and
then returned to his native country for the express purpose of
painting the portrait of General Washington.
The history of this famous man of Narragansett may be
found in the following histories: Knapp's American Literature
and Dunlap's History of the Art of Design.

GEORGE ROBINSON
OF WATERTOWN, MASS.,
AND
WILLIAM ROBINSON
OF DORCHESTER, MASS.
BY
Charles Nutt.
Editor of the "Worcester Spy," Worcester, Mass.

^

Y mother's maternal grandmother was a Robinson.
I married a Robinson. My ancestor was George
Robinson of Watertown; my wife's was William
Robinson of Cambridge. My great-grandmother's
name was Patience. I like that name. When
some of the younger members of this bunch of
Robinson families have occasion to use a female
name for christening, desiring, of course, a name
somewhat uncommon, because there are so many
Robinsons, I hope they will have Patience. Within about a
fortnight such an occasion has come to the household of my
wife's brother, and I have some hope that there will be another
Patience Robinson.
I have not been married long enough to make up my mind
as to which of these Robinson families had the better blood.
Later I should be in a position to give the descendants of either
George or William some useful information. I have been mar
ried long enough, however, to have five children, in whom the
blood of these two Robinson lines are commingled. Even the
neighbors approve of the mixture, so I can give my testimony
safely in praise of this new strain of Robinsons.
Your good secretary asked me to write a paper on the
descendants of William Robinson. That, I must remind you, is
my wife's ancestor, and while I looked up that line a few years
ago to see if I could find anything suitable for use as an emer
gency argument during a Caudle curtain discussion, I feel fully

70 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
as able to write about the no less distinguished Robinson family
to which I myself am related by consanguinity, if you please.
I hope there is nothing against the George Robinson crowd.
I found nothing. They were distinguished both for poverty and
piety, and one dear old great, great aunt died in the poorhouse.
The dread of the poorhouse is not, however, confined to the
descendants of George Robinson. It is a characteristic of New
England as pronounced as the New England conscience that we
hear so much about. The William Robinson family, I tell my
wife, is no less distinguished by poverty than the George Rob
inson family. I don't know about the piety. Perhaps it is
against the rules here to talk religion. I find in my researches
fewer Unitarians than I should have been pleased to find. In
fact all the individuals in both families, except those of the
present generation, were orthodox. But whether Unitarian or
Orthodox, all of us to-day I hope are Puritans, modified, re
formed and refined to suit the demands of our own times.
We should never meet together without a tribute to the
virtues of our forefathers, to their courage in settling a new coun
try, to their love of God, their clean lives and their republican
form of government.
A paper to be read at a meeting like this should not, I sup
pose, be like those chapters of the Bible which one reads only
when obliged to in order to make a complete reading of the
entire volume, so I have sent my paper in the form of dates to
that painstaking and persistent Robinson who is gathering our
archives and digesting dates for his daily food. I am glad that
I could supply a few vacant places in his records. I spent two
days, I think, on a big bunch of blanks he sent me. Only a man
of infinite learning and patience could handle successfully the
vital statistics of a group of prolific and growing families that
you represent. I haven't met him, but I know the finger marks
of genius in his genealogical work. I know what it takes to
write genealogy. I have just completed a little book of my own.
You should take off your hats to Charles E. Robinson when
ever his name is mentioned.
While I am speaking of the records, I want to urge every
member of this association to do more than merely send to the
historian the information he requires. I beheve that every
American family should get together and hereafter keep records

GEORGE AND WILLIAM ROBINSON 71
of their ancestors. As far as possible, each family should have
in a book the record of ancestors in all the lines back, certainly
as far as the immigrants. I found the task of getting the infor
mation for my family delightful and educating. The work is
not complete, and it never can be. Some missing date may be
found. Some missing name revealed by study and research or
mere luck may open up a new field for investigation and discov
ery. So much is in print now that genealogy is not the slow,
costly and discouraging work it was even one generation ago.
Starting with the names and dates kept in the old Bible of your
grandparents, it is a simple matter to trace your ancestral lines
back to the first comers — back to the period 1620 to 1650.
I think it worth while to know what blood flows in our
veins and what blood does not flow there. I have nothing to say
to the man or woman who devotes attention to some distin
guished line to the exclusion of others. I have nothing to say
to those who investigate ancestors to discover claims to property
or relation with famous men. We owe the same debt to the
obscure and humble as to the famous and wealthy ancestors.
After all, the family average of virtue and ability, and even of
property, is no greater in one than another of these grand old
New England families.
It seems to me rather barbaric not to know one's forefather.
We show shameful ignorance of the history of our country not
to know where our ancestors settled and built their homes, where
their children were born, where the family graves are located,
where the men fought the Indians. The Sons and Daughters
of the Revolution are doing for revolutionary ancestors what
they and you and I ought to do for those brave men and women
who preceded and followed the heroes of '76.
If we take pride in our race, if we are proud to be Americans
and glory in the deeds and men of New England, why not know
why ? Why not know the names and birthplaces of our own fore
fathers ? Why not be able to give documentary proof, not only
that we had ancestors in the Revolution, but that we had fifty or a
hundred ancestors in the Massachusetts Bay colony? Why not
be able to point out the spot in Braintree, Watertown, Salem or
Sudbury, Plymouth or Deerfield, where the first, the second, the
third and other generations of our forefathers bought the good
fight that the Revolution might be fought successfully, that the

72 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
America of the twentieth century might lead the world? I pay
no greater tribute to my ancestors at Plymouth, at Dedham, or
at Londonderry, than to my father who led a colored regiment
in the war for the Union, or to his father who did humble service
in the second war with England. A chain is no stronger than
the weakest link. Get the chain of your ancestry as complete
as possible, not to gratify your pride, but to obey that command
ment that we Americans have never obeyed in the fullest sense :
Honor Thy Father and Mother.
I hope the homesteads of the first Robinsons, anyhow, will
be suitably marked whenever they are identified. I know that
the present owners of the old farms will be glad to consent.
And every Robinson descendant in the future will feel more
direct and personal interest in his race and the Robinson fore
fathers if he can visit their former home, see the stone walls they
built, the very land they cleared, and, perhaps, some traces of
the dwelling house itself.. We love New England more, I think,
because nearly every field was wrested from the arms of the
forests by the hands of our own ancestors.
It was but yesterday. We are not an ancient people. The
land is still in its early youth. What is a hundred years? We
ought to know more of the early towns as well as of the men
and women. Two hundred or three hundred years should not
obscure the memory or an ancestor.
It is right for us to leave behind us better records for the
future than our fathers kept for us. They relied too much on
memory. They depended on the elders to remember what their
fathers should have recorded.
Where are the heirlooms of the eariier generations? They
are very rare. Things of value like silver and fine furniture,
books and utensils, were not numerous even in the families of
the well-to-do. These things wore out. They were not pre
served for the sake of their associations. Each generation has
worn out or destroyed the mementos and chattels of the preced
ing. We are doing the same thing to-day, whenever an old
relative dies and an old home is broken up. Our own houses
are too full, and often the whole furnishings, all the household
goods, are sent to the auction rooms tO' furnish the homes of
various Italian .folks and others who esteem usefulness above
antiquity and cheapness above all else.

GEORGE AND WILLIAM ROBINSON 73
I have another suggestion to make, and in this case as in
the other I have followed my own advice before I have offered
it to others. Let one room be devoted to the memorials and
furnished with heirlooms as far as possible. Whether it be the
sitting room, dining room, guest room (I ought to say spare
room), whether parlor or library, get together the scattered
things you inherited or received from your parents or remoter
ancestors. Put the braided rugs of your grandmother on the
hardwood floor of your villa. They will not look out of place
when the highboy and spinning wheel are put in place. Hang
the oval picture frames that look so out of place with your wed
ding gifts of gilt and oak. Frame the Revoliitionary commis
sions and old letters with glass on both sides of the paper. Hunt
the garret over for the old samplers and quaint family registers.
Polish up the old furniture you had put in the attic because it
looked inartistic when side by side with the new piano.
Keep apart the old and the new. Such a room should
contain the precious family relics and mementos, the old wedding
gowns, Bibles and books. It will prove an unfailing source of
interest and occupation. Additions will suggest themselves, and
changes will be made necessary as new heirlooms come.
Label your antiques. Label everything. Let the grand
daughters of the future, when showing the things you have left,
be able to tell their age and some of their history. It is especially
wise and considerate to write on the back of every photograph
at least the name of the person. If this custom of concentrating
the antiques and heirlooms became general, what an added in
terest for visitors all New England homes would present ! What
a vast number of lost and forgotten treasures would be brought
to light! I expect a reprimand from your worthy secretary for writing
so little about the famous William and his own progeny, but I
shall ask you to remember that I am living in the same house
with six descendants of William, while on the other hand my
wife is living with six descendants of George. That is six of
one and half a dozen of the other.
Now then, would it be discreet to choose for the subject of
my paper the descendants of one rather than the descendants of
the other?

II.

THE FATHERS. WHERE WERE THEY?

Mrs. Ann Augusta Lakin
Bennington, N. H.
HAVE often asked this question, but like an echo,
it comes back to me. Where were they? The first
in my line of ancestry that I have any knowledge
of was Peter Robinson, yet it is but little that is
known of him. We know that he was twice
married and by the first marriage had two sons,
Simeon and Douglas. Who their mother was, or
where they were living at. this time, is unknown
to any of the descendants. It is thought by some
that he was then living at Douglas, Mass., but there is no men
tion in the history of the town of any one by the name of Robin
son, still records show there were Robinsons living in Douglas
and adjoining towns.
That Peter was once living in Douglas is shown by the
record of the "Marriage Intention" of Peter Robinson and
Rebekah Perkins, May i8, 1752. No record of the marriage
has been found, neither do we know how long he remained there
or whither he went. That he afterwards lived in what is now
Hudson, N. H., appears on the assessors' records of the town.
By the second marriage there were several children, but I
do not know the order of their birth. Their names were Amos,
Andrew, John, Peter, Rachel, Polly and Sarah. Several of the
descendants of Andrew, Peter and Sarah I knew personally.
Andrew Robinson married Sarah Eastman, and lived for a
time in Greenfield, N. H. Sarah Robinson married John
Grimes. The history of Hancock, N. H., makes mention of this
man as the first settler in Hancock. He also resided for a time
in Greenfield, N. H.

THE FATHERS. WHERE WERE THEY? 75
Peter Robinson, Jr., came from Hudson, N. H., and settled
in Antrim, N. H., about 1799.- Some of his descendants are
living there at the present time. He had three sons and one
daughter. Of this family, I became acquainted with one of the
sons (Reuben) who often visited at my grandfather's.
Peter Robinson, Jr., was a soldier in the War of the Revolu
tion. He was in the battle at Bennington, and heard Gen.
Stark's famous address to his soldiers: —
"Boys, there are the redcoats. They are ours to-day, or
Mollie Stark this night will sleep a widoxv."
Of the two oldest sons of Peter Robinson, Sr., Simeon re
mained in Hudson and died there. Of his descendants I know
but little. One of his sons. Rev. Isaac Robinson, was settled
overthe church in Stodard, N. H. Here he spent his life in the
service of the Master and lived to preach his half-century ser
mon. His wife was insane many years. They had one son and
three daughters. The son died at the age of sixteen years.
Two of the daughters became insane, the youngest dying in the
Insane Asylum at Concord, N. H., where she had been confined
for many years. One of the daughters married a physician, I
think, and lived in New York. Fearing insanity, she seldom
made long visits at her father's, remarking "she would be as
insane as the other members of the family if she remained with
them." I am under the impression that she finally became
insane. Rev. Isaac Robinson was a self-educated man. So great
was his thirst for knowledge that when at work in the field plow
ing he would fasten his book to the plow handles so that he
might read and study while at work. He applied for admission
to college, but upon being examined was told that his education
was equal to any of their teachers, and it would of no use for
him to enter. He was a frequent visitor at my grandfather's,
and I knew him and members of his family. Often, when a
child, I have sat hours and heard him and my grandfather talk
of their relatives in Hudson. Could I have known then the value
these things would have been to future generations, I might now
be able to give you a complete history of this branch of the
family. Another one of the descendants of Simeon Robinson with
whom I was acquainted was his grandson, David, son of David

76 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
Robinson and a nephew of Rev. Isaac Robinson. He was a
merchant in Nashua, in what was then called Belvidere. I spent
a part of one winter in his family, attending school at the Nashua
Literary Institution. He was twice married. His first wife was
Sophia Caldwell. She died in September, 1842. He married in
1844, for his second wife, Lydia Huntooti of Unity, N. H. She
died May 27, 1862, leaving one son, who married Emily Jane
Marshall of Nashua. They had two children, Willie F., who
resides in Nashua, and Lena, who died August 3, 1873.
In 1784, Douglas Robinson, brother of Simeon, and my
great-grandfather, came with his son Samuel, then a lad of eleven
years, from Hudson, N. H., following marked trees until they
arrived at a place known at that time as "Society Land," but now
Greenfield, N. H. Here they spent the winter. Later, Samuel
Robinson bought land and removed his family from Hudson to
Greenfield. He was married in Buxton, Me., November 12,
1772, to Sarah Haseltine, who was born in Haverhill, Mass.,
December 31, 1749, a daughter of Timothy and Anna (Hancock)
Haseltine. Both Mr. and Mrs. Robinson spent the remainder
of their life on the farm in Greenfield. He died there March 8,
1821, and she on the 6th of January, 1833. They had eight
children. The eldest, Samuel Robinson (my grandfather), mar
ried December 28, 1797, Olive Austin, a daughter of Jonathan
and Hannah (Charles) Austin, born in Methuen, Mass., Novem
ber 21, 1774. He was born in Nottingham West, September 6,
1773, and settled on a farm near the paternal home, where he
died March 12, i860. His wife died in the month of June, 1864.
There were eight children, three sons and five daughters; all are
now dead. The children were:
I. Hannah, b. Dec. 19, 1798; d. an infant.
2. Sarah, b. Sept. 8, 1800; d. at Chaua, 111., March 24, 1875;
mar. John Ober.
3. Isaac, b. Jan. 15, 1802; d. at the age of fifteen years.
4. Miles, b. March 6, 1803; d. at Greenfield, N. H., in 1871;
mar. Almira Bailey.
5. Hannah, b. May 10, 1804; d. at Greenfield in 1870; mar.
James S. Burtt.
6. Warren, b. Nov. 11, 1806; d. at the age of ten years.
7. Rhoda, b. March 11, 1808; d. at Greenfield, N. H., in
1876; mar. Samuel Fisher.

THE FATHERS. WHERE WERE THEY? 77
8. Anna Hancock, b. May 15, 1810; d. at Hancock (now
Bennington), N. H., in 1869; mar. David Dale in 1837, and had
one child, Ann Augusta, who mar. in 1868 Taylor D. Lakin,
who d. at Greenfield, N. H., in 1898, leaving three children:
Winfred Taylor, who mar, Luella G. Merrill and resides at North
Chelmsford, Mass.; Mary Ann Augusta, who mar. George M.
Foote, and resides at North Chelmsford, Mass., and Lilla Dale,
who mar. Archibald L. Rogers, and resides at Greenfield, N. H.
The second child was Moses Robinson, who settled on a
farm adjoining his father's and died in 1841. He married Lucy
Burnham. They had nine children, all now dead.
Benjamin Robinson, the third child, settled on the bank of
the Contookook River, near his brothers. He married Esther
Greeley, an aunt of Horace Greeley, founder of the New York
Tribune. He was the owner of mills here, which later were car
ried away by a freshet. They had eleven children, all born here
in Greenfield, N. H. Two died with spotted fever in 1815. The
others lived to be quite aged and one, I think, is living now (1904)
in Iowa. After the loss of his mills he sold the farm and lived
for a few years in Hancock, N. H. From there he removed to
Alstead, N. H., where he remained until age compelled him to
lay aside all work and seek a home with his children. He died
in Manchester, Wis., December i, 1857.
William Robinson, the fourth child, settled on a farm just
across the river in Hancock, N. H., where he remained during
life. He died April 15, 1849. He married Elizabeth Fletcher.
They had five children, all now dead except one, born October
28, 1808, who has now reached the age of ninety-six. A grand
son is now living on the home farm. Two railroads cross each
other near his buildings.
Elizabeth Robinson, the fifth child (there is no date given
of her birth) died in 1808, was married on her death-bed to Elijah
Wilson. Douglas Robinson, the sixth child, born in 1785, married
Hannah Butler. They lived on the home farm with his parents.
He died of spotted fever in 181 5. There were four children born
to them, all now dead, the last one dying recently in California,
at the age of ninety-three.
Sally, the seventh child and a twin sister of Douglas, mar
ried Daniel Gould, resided in Greenfield, N. H., and died there

78 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
in 1841. They had eight children. One is still living and one
died the 4th of this month (August, 1904) at the age of eighty-
three. John Robinson, the eighth and youngest of the family, was
born in 1790. He married Elizabeth McLaughlin and settled in
Hancock, N. H. They had twelve children, all born in Han
cock. He removed to Oppenheim, N. Y., where he died July
21, 1868. The children, so far as I know, are nearly all dead.
The descendants of Douglas Robinson are scattered from
the Granite Hills of New Hampshire to the Rocky Mountains,
and even to the Pacific Coast. Only three are left in the neigh
borhood where he first settled. One each in the fourth, fifth
and sixth generations.
Thus have I given you a brief outline of this branch of the
Robinson families to which I belong, but in tracing back to the
first settlers I must close as I commenced, The fathers! Where
were they? 1

JOHN ROBINSON

OF KITTERY AND CAPE ELIZABETH

Mrs. Caroline T. (Edward R.) Barbour

John Robinson,' b. Kittery, Me., d. Mar. 11, 1771, at Cape
Elizabeth, m. Dec. 10, 1722, at Kittery.
Sarah Jordan, b. 169S, at Kittery, d. Nov. 23, 1786, at
Cape Elizabeth.
HE annals of the historic town of Cape Elizabeth
contain names no more prominently identified
with her past than those of Jordan and Robin
son. During the eighteenth century two families
of the last named settled within the limits of the
town, a third in Falmouth, and a fourth in
the adjacent town of Windham; each of which
had one, or more whose given name was
John; but the first to come to this locality was
John Robinson of Kittery.
From the pages of church and state the few scattered
threads that have been collected may serve some searcher in the
future, to weave 'a web of interesting history, that will include
the great number of isolated Robinsons, who are not yet in their
proper places. The union of the two pioneer families was con
summated December lo, 1722, by the marriage in Kittery of
John Robinson with Sarah, daughter of Samuel and grand
daughter of Rev. Robert Jordan, whose romantic life is so viv
idly portrayed in the "Trelawney Papers."
At Robert's death, all his landed possessions were divided
between his widow and six sons, each of whom received one
thousand acres, except Samuel. His share was eleven hundred,
to compensate for the poverty of the soil as compared with the
others. Samuel left Cape Elizabeth 1675 and settled in Kittery,
dying there 1720, and his inheritance from his father at Pond

8o THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
Cove, Cape Elizabeth, was in turn divided between his wido-vv
and three children, the youngest of whom was Sarah.
And so, when this newly wedded couple started out on life's
journey as man and wife, it was to take possession of her prop
erty at Pond Cove.
This cove is on the easterly shore of Cape Elizabeth, about
five miles from the city of Portland — then known as Falmouth —
and near the southern extremity of the cape; deriving its name
from its proximity to Great Pond, which is some distance inland
from the sea, and its waters flowing out in a creek near by.
Their neighbors in this unsettled country were kinfolk and
old acquaintances, Noah Jordan, a nephew of Sarah's; Nathaniel
Jordan of Falmouth; John Miller from Kittery; Paul Thompson,
and not a great distance away Daniel Robinson, who in 1724
married Abigail Jordan (a cousin) in Kittery; an obligation re
quiring all landholders to stand by each other in peace or
in war. They felled, hewed, and fashioned their log houses,
planted orchards and cleared the fields we see to-day, sloping
to the sea in verdure clad.
The ancestry of John Robinson has been a subject of much
study and labor. To substantiate family tradition is, in some
instances, an arduous undertaking, and so in this we authenticate
nothing. Mr. Nathan Goold, Portland's historian and a de
scendant of John Robinson, gives permission to quote him as
follows :
"John Robinson who married Sarah Jordan was no doubt
son of John the tanner, or John who worked on Ft. William
Henry at Great Island in 1723, selling articles to the Ft. as late
as 1744. Perhaps they were one and the same. I think our
John was a grandson of Stephen of Oyster River (Dover. N. H.).
He was received as an inhabitant Mar. i, 1666, and was a tax
payer at Exeter, N. H., in 1662. He had a brother Jonathan,
and probably lived at Exeter and removed from there to Dover.
These Robinsons I presume to be the descendants of John Rob
inson of Haverhill, Mass., who Savage thinks was father of
David, Jonathan and Stephen.
"John of Haverhill was the emigrant ancestor of this family
and a blacksmith by trade, living at Newbury, Mass., and in
1640 with eleven others struck the first blow toward erecting a
settlement in the woods of Pentucket (Haverhill.) They went

CELLAR OF JOHN ROBINSON HOUSE

JOSHUA ROBINSON HOUSE

POND COVE — CAPE ELIZABETH. VIEW FROM JOHN ROBINSON HOUSE.
I

CLIFF AT POINT COVE

JOHN ROBINSON OF MAINE 8i
there between June ii and Oct. 7, 1640, naming the place soon
after for Haverhill, Essex Co., Eng., in honor of the birthplace
of their minister. Rev. John Ward, who came over 1641.
"The first birth in the town was a son of John Robinson
who lived three weeks. The second birth was a son of John
Robinson, also, who lived but one week. In 1645 he was a
landholder there, but in 165 1 he bought a house lot in Exeter,
N. H., and was entered as a citizen there in 1652.
"In Oct. 1664 he was on a committee to lay out highways.
Oct. 21, 1675, he was shot dead by the Indians, John Sampson,
Cromwell and Linde, in ambush, the bullet passing completely
through the body. His son who was with him escaped, and
alarmed the settlers."
Presuming this to be the line of John Robinson of Kittery,
we have:
JOHN ROBINSON' OP HAVERHILL,
EMIGRANT. SHOT BY INDIANS.
David^, Stephen^, Jonathan^, of Oyster River.
John^, the tanner.
John* of Kittery, mar. Sarah Jordan.
The family of John and Sarah Robinson were probably all
horn at Pond Cove — as in the old First Parish record of bap
tisms some are given, and the others are found on the town
books. Mary, bap. 1728; marriage intention to Jeremiah, third son
of Col. Ezekiel and Hannah (Doane) Cushing, July 23, 1749.
Col. Cushing was a prominent man and had large interests in the
town and in Falmouth at that time. Apollos, bap. 1728.
Charles, b. July 4, 1731; Joshua, b. 1738.
Jeremiah was born October 7, 1729, and was a mariner.
He died before May 7, 1784, at Long Island, Casco Bay, leaving
iive children: Sarah, m. 1769, John Miller.
Eunice, d. unm.
Hannah, m. 1780, Stephen Tukey.
Phebe, m. 1782, Edmund Higgins of Scarboro'.
Apollos Robinson m. Elizabeth Gates, whose granddaughter
Ivois (Cushing) Dunlap, became the second wife of James Russell

§2 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
Lowell. Apollos died July, 1843. Elizabeth died March, 1827.
Children: Charles, d. June 3, 1797.
Nathaniel, d. February, 1815.
Leonard, d. August, 1833.
Charies, d. May, 1823.
Of Apollos, the second child of John and Sarah Robinson,
we learn but little. He probably died unmarried. In 1757, he
with his brothers Charles and Joshua were enrolled with the
training soldiers under command of Capt. Domlnicus Jordan.
We have no record of his death.
The marriage of Charles Robinson with Hannah Cushing
is recorded in 1755, but there are no known descendants from
them. In May, 1773, an account against him was sued and an
attachment placed on forty-three and one-fourth acres of land —
his part in the estate of his father John, in common and undi
vided between him and his brother Joshua and sister Mary Cush
ing. Apollos is not mentioned. We now come to Joshua, the
fourth child and the one from whom the Robinsons have de
scended in - a direct line from John. Being the youngest, he
naturally had the home, farm and care of the parents — and it
was probably soon after his mother's death, in 1786, that the
log house was abandoned and the present "Robinson house"
erected. This is not positively known, but the present occupant,
Mr. Charles H. Robinson, has preserved it in its ancient form,
with the old heirlooms and furnishings of a century or more ago.
Here, overlooking the cove where the storm king rules in
winter and the fleet of our nation sails proudly past on summer
seas, the ninth in descent from John' the emigrant cherishes with
pride and affection the handiwork of his ancestors. The cellar
of the log house John Robinson built can yet be seen, and easily
reached by a farm road leading from the highway of the present
Robinson home, back toward the forest. The illustration shows
the large granite foundation stones, still in place — surrounded by
thorn bushes, and overgrown with vines and wild flowers.
Joshua was twice married. His first wife Sarah was a
daughter probably, of John Miller, whose farm adjoined. Their
marriage occurred November 6, 1764, and she was the mother
of his ten children. When the Revolutionary War was declared,
Joshua left his fields and prepared for service, which although

JOHN ROBINSON OF MAINE 83
brief, testified to his loyalty — and is a precious legacy to his many
descendants. He enlisted May 12, 1774, in Capt. David Brad-
ish's company. Col. Phinney's regiment, being thirty-six years
of age at the time.
After the death of his wife Sarah he remarried December 19,
1793, to Catharine (named in deeds Ketura) daughter of James
Maxwell of Cape Elizabeth, who survived him by several years.
He no doubt chose wisely in this marriage, as a great-grand
daughter has in her possession the original deed given by James
Maxwell to his daughter, dated July 6, 1782, in which he leaves
her his entire property with the exception of wearing apparel^ — •
in consideration of twenty-five years' service and affectionate
care on her part.
She was living in 1816. He died March 25, 1813, and his
son Joshua, Jr., styled Joshua 3d on legal papers (to distinguish
him from Joshua son of John of Gloucester b. 1756) had the
home farm, his wife being a niece of his stepmother, Catharine.
CH. OF JOSHUA AND (SARAH MILLEr) ROBINSON.
I. SAMUEL, b. April i, 1766, mar. Catharine Clark Dec. 4,
1788, settled in Durham, Me., 1794; died there Sept. 25, 1842.
She d. Sept. 8, 1830. Had twelve children:
I. Samuel, b. 1789, mar. Phebe Wagg, had four daughters.
2. Apollos, b. October, 1790; d. 1852, unm.
3. Joshua, b. June, 1792, d. 1877; m. Eleanor Dyer; six
children: Joshua, Frances, Martha, William, Samuel, Augustus.
4. Sarah, b. June, 1794, d. February, 1836; mar. Samuel
Stackpole. 5. Eunice, b. February, 1796, d. Sept. 22, 1876; m. William
Thomas, Jr.
6. James, b. January, 1798, d. July 29, 1873; m. Susan, dau.
of Charles Barbour of Gray. She d. Dec. 26, 1876; ten children:
William B., Betsey, Charles, Mary L., Catharine, Clarissa A.,
James, Susan E., Lewis C, Mary.
7. Jane, b. November, 1799, d. December, 1855; mar. Ed
mund Dow.
8. Catharine, b. October, 1802, d. September, 1830; married
Joshua Mitchell.
9. Hannah, b. February, 1804, d. September, 1881; mar.
Rev. John Miller.

84 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
IO. Mary, b. April 17, 1806, d. May, 1868; mar. Abner
Waterhouse. II. William B., b. January, 1809, d. October, 1878; mar.
Huldah Dyer.
12. Charles, b. December, 181 1; mar. Pamelia Bowie.
II. SARAH, b. Feb. 25, 1768, mar. July 15, 1787, Seacomb
Jordan of Cape Elizabeth, and settled in Durham; she d. 1827;
he d. Aug. I, 1825; eight children:
I. Apollos, b. Dec. 24, 1788, d. 1827; mar. Sarah Miller;
six children. 2. Rhoda, b.  , d. 1832; mar. Henry Moore; had
children. 3. Eleanor, b.  , d. 1856; mar. Samuel Skinner; no
children. 4. Noah. ^
5. Rufus.
6. Mercy. I d. young.
7. Elizabeth. |
8. Mercy. J
III. JOHN, b. Dec. 24, 1770 (perhaps the John who in
Durham Aug. 28, 1794, mar. Mary Parker).
IV. MARY, b. March 24, 1772.
V. EUNICE, b. March 27, 1774; mar. 1793, William
Thomas. VI. JAMES, b. July 13, 1776; mar. Sept. 11, 1800, to Sally
Mitchell. VII. CHARLES, b. Aug. 27, 1778.
VIII. JOSHUA, JR., b. June 15, 1781; mar. Aug, 3, 1805,
Mrs. Betsey Fulton Soule, a dau. of Hannah (Maxwell) Fulton of
Topsham; widow of Bradbury Soule of Freeport and a niece of
Keturah Maxwell's. He died Nov. 11, 1866; she d. Oct. 29,
185 1 ; seven children:
I. Apollos, b. Feb. 17, 1806; d. unm. May 31, 1873.
2. Agnes M., b. April 12, 1807; d. unm. February, 1886.
3. Charles, b. Aug. 11, 1809; mar. Sept. 27, 1836, Emily
Cobb. He d. Nov. i, 1888; she d.  ; six children: Wil
liam C, Elizabeth F., Rebecca C, Emma L., Charles H. (present
owner of the old home) ; Mary A., d. 1892.
4. William, b. June 5, 1811, mar. Mary A. Wescott; d.
Lewiston, June 10, 1881; two children: Josephine, Marietta.

JOHN ROBINSON OF MAINE 85
5. Lucinda, b. Sept. 5, 1813; d. unrn.
6. James Maxwell, b. Dec. 29, 1815; mar. Nov. i, 1842,
Elizabeth Wescott; he d. July 26, 1889; two children: Anger, d.
inf., E. Malcom.
7. Rhoda, b. April 22, 1819; mar. Mr. Brainerd; d. in Bos
ton; one child. Alma.
IX. JANE, b. April 26, 1783.
X. HANNAH, b. March 28, 1785; mar. Dec. i, 1803,
Thomas Wilson.
Reference has been made to other Robinson families living
here during the period of which we write. Daniel, who married
at Kittery 1724 Abigail Jordan and came to the cape soon after,
was perhaps a brother of John's. In 1757 Daniel Jr. and Jere
miah were enrolled with the training soldiers, and some of
Daniel's descendants went to Durham with the Robinson emigra
tion. In 1840, a Daniel Robinson was living there at the age
of eighty-six years. These may trace their descent from him.
FROM DURHAM RECORDS !
Ann Robinson mar. Samuel Jordan of Cape Elizabeth. He
was b. 1753.
Jedediah Robinson and Polly Nichols mar. in Durham Nov.
6, 1794. Conjecture has failed, equally with investigation, in regard
to John Robinson, b. Cape E. 1752, d. Webster, Me., March 28,
1840; mar. Cape E. Feb. 29, 1776, Martha Jordan, b. 1756, d.
Webster, Oct. i, 1848. They lived at the cape until 1790, when
they removed to W.; two children born at Cape Elizabeth:
I. Martha, b. 1778, mar. James Jordan.
*2 John, b. 1785, mar. 1798 Lucy Standiford; John d. 1845;
six children. He was at one time a preacher, and has descend
ants in this country, but frequent requests for information have
elicited no response.
Was he a son of John and Mehitable (Woodbury) Robinson,
or a descendant of Daniel ?
Capt. John Robinson of Gloucester, Mass., who settled here
at the time of his marriage to Mehitable Woodbury — in 1738 —
and assuming that his eldest son, Ebenezer, was b. about 1740,

•Jordan Memorial gives his birth and mar., but n.o date of latter. Town records
give date of mar., but n6t of birth. Evidently a mistake in one, and perhaps both.

86 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
there is an interim of sixteen years between his birth and that of
the two other sons, whose births are recorded as Joshua, b. 1756,
Samuel, b. 1758, with no other children. Among so many un
accounted for, it seems probable that a number of those whose
names follow may be found to be their children, and others, of
Daniel and Abigail (Jordan) Robinson.
FROM CAPE ELIZABETH RECORDS :
Mar. July 17, 1748, David Robinson and Rebecca Randall.
Mar. Nov. 22, 1754, Jedediah Robinson and Elizabeth
Simonton. Mar. int. March 31, 1753, Rebecca Robinson of Falmouth
and Thomas Edgecomb of Biddeford.
Mar. in 1765, Elizabeth Robinson and Joseph Jordan (he b.
1750.) Mar. int. July 13, 1771, Elizabeth Robinson and John Gat
chell of Royalstown.
Mar. Sept. 2, 1776, John Robinson and Molly Skillings.
Mar. int. Oct. 12, 1782, Sarah Robinson and Josiah Alden
of Gorham; descendants living there.
Mar. March 10, 1785, Mary Robinson and James Miller.
Mar. Feb. 18, 1787, Joshua Robinson and Mary, dau. of
John and Isabella Jordan.
Mar. March 5, 1797, Stephen Robinson and Catharine Saw
yer of Cape Elizabeth. Stephen removed to Gardiner (?) Had
four children:
Mary, b. Oct. 27, 1797.
Joanna, b. May 6, 1799.
Hannah, b. May 13, 1802.
Betsey, b. Sept. 29, 1804.
About 1780, a Stephen Robinson and wife Content came
here from Berwick and settled in Windham, Me. Being Quak
ers, the Friends' church record furnished what is known regard
ing the children, six in number:
Patience, b. Berwick, June 25, 1778.
Stephen, b. Berwick, June 16, 1781.
Timothy, b. Berwick, Aug. 30, 1784.
John, b. Berwick, March 22, 1787.
Miriam, b. Berwick, Sept. 24, 1794.
Lydia, b. Berwick, June 3, 1794.

JOHN ROBINSON OF MAINE 87
On the same record is the family of John (styled "John the
tanner") and wife Tabitha, who came from Dover, N. H., settled
at Windham, four children:
Timothy, b. Dover, April 17, 1767.
Mary, b. Falmouth, Nov. 26, 1768.
Nathan, b. Falmouth, Aug. 15, 1771.
Reuben, b. Falmouth, Aug. 30, 1774.
Note that each have a son Timothy. It is remarked that the
Robinsons have a preference for the name of John, and it seems
manifest in nearly every family who came this way. Many of
them, too, were mariners. Among the number was Capt. John
Robinson, b. Bristol, R. I., July 7, 1758, mar. Mary Packard, b.
Bridgewater, Mass., May 3, 1761, and came to Portland for a
permanent home. At the present writing the exact date of this
event is not known, nor the place of birth of all the children.
There were eleven.:
I. Azel, b. May 30, 1781.
2. John (Capt.), b. Jan. i, 1783, d. Sept. 15, 1859, Portland;
mar. Jan. 28, 1808, Portland, to Mary Titcomb, b. 1788, Portland;
Mary Titcomb d. June 18, 1869, Portland; had eight children.
A great-grandson is Thomas A. Robinson, collector of taxes,
Norwich, Conn.
3. Daniel, b. Aug. 29, 1784, d. March 17, 1854, Portland;
mar. Oct. 19, 1808, Portland, Isabella Jordan of Portland, b.
1785; five children.
4. Martin, b. July 22, 1786, d. Aug. 22 1804.
5. Mary, b. April 3, 1788, d. Feb. 13, 1873.
6. Zebiah, b. May 23, 1790, d. May 19, 1885.
7. Sally, b. March 9, 1792, d. Aug. 17, 1849.
8. Abiel, b. Nov. 29, 1794, d. May 29, 1875.
9. Nahum, b. Feb. 6, 1796, d. September, 1819.
10. Abigail, b. July 20, 1798, d. June i, 1876.
II. Martha, b. Dec. 19, 1801, d. March 13, 1876; mar. March
20, 1823, Enoch Tobey of Portland, b. July 17, 1779.
Nineteen years before, Maine was separated from Massa
chusetts (1801) the Commonwealth passed a resolve to apportion
to all who honorably served in the Revolutionary War 200
acres of land, or an equivalent of twenty dollars. Many Maine
soldiers did not avail themselves of the offer, and fifteen years
after the separation the Maine Legislature passed a resolve that

88 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
all who had not benefited by the Act of the Commonwealth
should receive 200 acres of land, either in No. 2 Indian Purchase,
Penobscot County, or Letter D, in the Second Range of town
ships, Washington County.
In February, 1836, and March, 1838, further resolves be
came acts, to benefit the officers, soldiers or their widows and
800 made application for land. Many could not prove a three
years' service as required, and to meet these deserving cases an
additional resolve was passed March, 1836, whereby they were
to receive fifty dollars. Three hundred appHed. The names of
the Robinsons found in this application are:
John, enlisted Scarboro, d. Limington, Feb. 14, 1826; widow,
Deborah, Limington.
John, enlisted Watertown, Mass., d. Sebago, Feb. 20, 1827;
widow, Phebe, Sebago.
Samuel, late of Portland, enlisted Cape Elizabeth, d. sea,
Aug. 21, 1806; widow, Betsey, Portland.
Wilham, enlisted York, d. in service 1782; widow, Sarah,
York. Jeremiah, private Adam's 33d Regt., placed on roll Dec. i,
1818, d. November, 1825.
Andrew, enlisted Cushing. Applied for pension Aug. 8,
1832, being seventy-three years of age. Served nine months as
private under Capt. Benj. Plummer. Wife Mehitable received
pension after his death.
John, enlisted Cape Elizabeth, was sergeant in Capt. Sam'l
Dunn's company, Col. Phinney's regiment. From the preceding
genealogical notes, it can readily be seen that there were several
John Robinsons on the cape, of suitable age to serve, at that time.
He may have been a son of John of Gloucester. Among the
long list of pensioners found on the books of the firm of Brad-
for & Harmon, claim agents, but one Robinson appears, viz.
Samuel, before mentioned.
The field for investigation is a large one in regard to the
Robinsons in Maine. The work has but just begun — to clear
away and make ready for the laborer. What little has been
accomplished may in the future aid our historian, and if many
lie in unnumbered graves, unnoted on history's page, it is a sat
isfaction to know that a few have been found by laborious
endeavor, to grace the volume of the Robinson family.

ABRAHAM ROBINSON

HIS DESCENT AND HIS DESCENDANTS

Will A. Robin.son
Of Gloucester, Mass.
S will be seen from the title, the purpose of this
paper is twofold : to show the probability of the
descent of Abraham Robinson from the Rev. John
Robinson, and to cite a few of the many families
that are unquestionably his descendants.
Our first proposition will undoubtedly call
forth criticism at the very outset : for we know full
well the study which has been devoted to the sub
ject by those of our number, who, void of all
prejudice, have given to us, in their most excellent papers before
this association, all the facts they have been able to obtain
in relation to Rev. John Robinson's family. But has not the
information furnished been negative rather than positive? Has
it not dealt more with what has not been proven by history, than
with what is traditional, and possible of verification? Believing
this to be true, we enter upon our task.
Tradition has it that, after the death of Rev. John Robinson,
his widow with two sons, Abraham and Isaac, came to America.
The Leyden records of the year 1622 give the family of Rev.
John Robinson as follows:
Wife: Bridgett, or Brigetta White. Children: John, born
1606; Bridget, born 1608; Isaac, born 1610; Mercy, born 1612;
Favor, born 1614; J*acob, born 1621, Feb. 17.
From this record, it will be seen that the sons were given
Bible names: John, Isaac and Jacob. The first daughter was
named Bridget, for the mother, and John was probably named
for the father. The suggestiveness of this naming must be ap
parent, so that the query naturally arises, if an Isaac and a Jacob,
why not an Abraham preceding these? If there are any cases

90 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
in the record of the genealogy of the Robinson family where the
son Isaac was not preceded by Abraham, they are the exceptions
and not the rule. I have yet to find the first exception. The
fact also that the name Jacob is not so frequently used, lends
strength to our supposition that, where Isaac was followed by
Jacob, he was without doubt preceded by an Abraham, in token
of patriarchal succession. But if this be true, where can we
place him, the Leyden records being silent in the matter?
According to the record, John was born in 1606, or when
his father was thirty-one years old. Now, an older son may have
preceded John named Abraham, or a second son may have been
born, to whom was given this name. In the Leyden records we
have only the year of birth given, not the month and day; thus
John may have been born in the first part of 1606 and Bridget in
the last part of 1608, or nearly three years apart, which would
allow the birth of a second son between.
It is quite possible that there was an older son named Abra
ham, who may have been absent from home when the census
was taken in Leyden in 1622 ; for the Leyden record is a census
record, and not a record made at birth. It would not be strange,
therefore, if omissions occurred, or if children were not enume
rated in the census on account of absence from home.
With this possible, or, as we believe, probable fact estab
lished, that Rev. John Robinson had a son Abraham, have we
any proof that he or other members of the family came to Massa
chusetts ?
Mr. Charles E. Robinson, in his excellent paper read before
this association in 1900, makes the following statement:
"Isaac Robinson, at the age of twenty-one, came over from
England in the ship 'Lyon' in 163 1 for Massachusetts. He was
the son of the Rev. John Robinson of Leyden, and the ancestor
of all the Robinsons in America, who are descendants of the
Rev. John, as there is no evidence that his widow and other chil
dren ever came over to this country, as has been claimed by
several writers."
A paper by Rev. William A. Robinson, D.D., read at the
same gathering, contains the following:
"Of the six children of John Robinson, two sons, John and
Isaac, are known to have come to Plymouth, Mass., in 1630."
Further, some of the encyclopaedias state that one son.

ABRAHAM ROBINSON 91
others, that two sons of the Rev. John Robinson came to Amer
ica. Sometimes the names of the sons are mentioned, sometimes
they are omitted. Mrs. Webber, referred to below, states that
the name of the son of John Robinson, who settled in Agassquam,
and who was father of the Abraham Robinson whom we call 2nd,
is not known.
In the disagreement of such trustworthy authorities, what
are we to believe?
The son Isaac can easily be traced in America, but of a son
John we find no mention. We do know, however, that at this
time an Abraham Robinson settled in Gloucester. In the ab
sence of absolute proof to the contrary, therefore, are we not
permitted to believe that the Abraham, who settled in Gloucester
at this time, may have been the son of the Rev. John, especially
as tradition favors this conjecture ?
The following are statements made by descendants of Abra
ham Robinson regarding their descent from the Rev. John
Robirlson: Mrs. Mary C. Sever, now living in Cambridge, Mass., July,
1904, has furnished me with a copy of a paper written by Rebecca
Webber, wife of Samuel Webber, former president of Harvard
College from 1806 to 1810. It is entitled, "Descendants of Rev.
John Robinson." "By one of their number."
I will read the following extract:
"When the 'Pilgrim Fathers' of Nevvr England left Holland
to seek an asylum in America, where they might enjoy liberty of
conscience, they left behind them their 'vrenerable pastor, the Rev.
John Robinson, who promised to join them next year, but was
prevented by death from fulfilling his promise."
"About two years after the landing of the Pilgrims they were
followed by Mr. Robinson's widow and two sons. These con
tinued in the colony at Plymouth till the year 1626. Early in
the spring of that year one of the sons, with several other per
sons, left Plymouth to explore the bay in order to find a suitable
place for a fishing station. They landed at Agassquam, since
called Cape Ann, where, finding a commodious harbor and plenty
of building material, they concluded to set up a fishing stage
there, make preparations for removing their families from tb.e

92 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
other side of the bay, and establish a permanent settlement at
that place."
"Very soon after they settled there with their families, Mr. Rob
inson had a son born whom he called Abraham. He had four other
sons, Zebulon, Samuel, Johnathan and Stephen, and one or more
daughters. Abraham married young and had twelve children;
three sons, John, Stephen and Andrew, and nine daughters, two
of whom died young; the other seven were married and left fami
lies — Elwell, Davis, Butman, Williams, Soames. Mr. Abraham
Robinson lived to the age of 102 years, much beloved and re
spected by his friends and acquaintances for his piety and strict
integrity." "It was engraved on his tombstone that he was the first child
born of English parents on that side of the bay."
The following is an extract from an obituary published in
Gloucester, Mass., at the death of Mrs. Susan Robinson Stevens:
"Mrs. Susan Stevens was born in this city (over the Cut) and
is the only survivor of the seven children of Jonathan Robinson,
who married Anna Batting Jan. 16, 1756, and died Jan. 30, 1821.
She is therefore a lineal descendant of our early settler Abraham
Robinson, through the line of his son Abraham, the first child
born to English parents on this side of the bay, who is said to
have reached the extraordinary age of 102 and is unquestionably
descended from Rev. John, the minister of the Pilgrims at Leyden."
Abigail Robinson, widow of Ezekiel Robinson, descendant
of Abraham, went from Gloucester, Mass., to Gardner, Me., to
live with her son Ezekiel. She died Nov. 20, 1820, aged 80.
Ezekiel had a brother Daniel, born in 1776, who lived to the age
of 90. The Rev. T. B. Robinson, nephew of Daniel, said regard
ing his uncle, that "his life was devoted to study and extensive
reading, and that he felt sure of his descent from the Pilgrims."
Polly Riggs of Rockport, Mass., died July 13, 1865, at the
age of 95 years and 6 months. She was in the line of Stephen
Robinson, seventh child of Abraham 2nd. She claimed, with a
good deal of emphasis, to Mr. Babson, Gloucester's historian, in
1861, at the age of 90 years, that she ¦ivas a descendant of Rev.
John Robinson.
Mr. Benjamin Robinson, now living in Gloucester, another

ABRAHAM ROBINSON 93
descendant of Stephen Robinson, says that it has been the com
mon belief of his ancestors that they were descended from the Rev.
John Robinson.
Further, this is the common belief and declaration of all
branches of the Abraham Robinson family.
Now it would seem that such traditions and authorities ought
not entirely to be ignored. Accordingly, we, the descendants of
the first Abraham Robinson, cling tenaciously to the belief that
we are connected with the Rev. John Robinson, and shall con
tinue our research until every vestige of doubt is removed, or the
contrary established without question.
We now turn to the descendants of Abraham Robinson. It
would be impossible, on account of numbers, to mention many
of these, but it is our purpose to cite a few of the families that are
unquestionably descended from him.
According to the Gloucester records, Abraham Robinson
settled in Annisquam (Gloucester) in 1631. His wife was Mary,
who outlived him many years. He died Feb. 23, 1645, leaving
a son Abraham. Mrs. Webber says \n her paper, previously
quoted, that he also left three other sons, but the Gloucester
records are silent on this point. From a deposition found on
record in Salem, Mass., Abraham 2nd declares, Feb. 25, 1721,
that he is 77 years of age. This places his birth in 1644, one
year prior to his father's death.
Abraham 2nd married Mary Harrandaine, by whom he had
twelve children. Omitting month and day they were born:
Mary, 1669; Sarah, 1671 ; Elizabeth, 1673; Abigail, 1675; Abra
ham, 1677; Andrew, 1679; Stephen, 1681; Ann, 1684; Dorcas,
1686; Deborah, 1688; Hannah, 1691; Jane, 1693.
There has been no record found of his death, but it is a com
mon saying that he lived to the age of 102 years. The latest
deed recorded bearing the names of Abraham and of his wife
Mary, is dated Jan. 20, 1721. His wife, whom he is supposed to
have outlived at least twenty years, died Sept. 28, 1725. The
latest date which I have been able to find in connection with
Abraham 2nd is Feb. 23, 1727, when he made a conveyance of
property to Benj. Lane. He was at this time 83 years of age.
• Mary, widow of Abraham, married William Brown ; and out
living him, married Henry Walker. I make mention of this fact,
for, at his death, which occurred Aug. 20, 1693, he left a will,

94 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
which is an interesting document, as it clearly establishes rela
tionships which otherwise might be doubtful. The original of
this will, on file in Salem, Mass., is well preserved, the ink being
as bright as when it was first written. The inventory of the will
is as follows:
Buildings, orchard and tillage land  £ 120
Sixty acres Marsh  300
One hundred and fifty acres of Pasture more or less . . 300
Wearing apparel, beds & Bedding* books  24.10
Old chests, chains and wooden ware, 2 guns and
sword. Pot & Kettle and other iron ->vare  4.10
Iron tackling for husbandry  3
English Corn  6
Indian Corn  12
80 Sheep  38
Horse, bridle & saddles  5
3 Oxen  16
10 cows  38
3 steers  13
2 steers  8
Bull  3.10
3 young cattle  6
4 calves  2.10
swine  15
Hay and a tow-comb  7
Total  £922.10
In this will, Henry Walker gives to his granddaughter
Sarah, 20 pounds when she shall become eighteen years of age;
"unto Andrew Robinson that now liveth with me 20 pounds,
when he shall attain the age of twenty years; and unto all the rest
of my son Abraham Robinson's children, two pounds ten shil
lings a piece to be paid when they become of age." This will
was written Aug. 29, 1693. The "Sarah," "Andrew" and "the
rest of my son Abraham's children" must have been his step-
grandchildren and the children of Abraham 2nd.
Time will permit of only a brief reference to the twelve chil
dren of Abraham 2nd. '
Mary, Urst child of Abraham 2nd, married John Elwell.
Sarah, second child of Abraham 2nd, married John Butman,

ABRAHAM ROBINSON 95
who was lost at sea, October, 1715. They had six children:
Jeremiah, born June 30, 1690; Mary, born 1697; Hannah, born
1700; John, born 1703; John, born 1708, and Samuel, born 1711.
Jeremiah married Jan. 6. 1713, Abagail Stevens. .From this
union was born a son, Jeremiah.
Mary married John Babson 1715. He died 1720, and his
widow Mary (Butman) Babson married a second husband, Jabez
Marchant. They had a son, Daniel, born Nov. 18, 1721, who
married Hannah Woodbury 1744; they had a son, William, born
Feb. 17, 1754, who married Hannah Wheeler. They had a son,
Epes, born in 1780, who married, 1803, Sally Rowe Thomas.
They had a daughter Mary Ann Marchant, who married Hugh
Parkhurst. They had a daughter, now living, who married
Fletcher Wonson. Epes Marchant had also a son George, who
had a son George, Jr.; and George, Jr., had a son, the Hon.
George E. Marchant, ex-Mayor of Gloucester, Mass. The last
two are now living.
The descendants of Sarah Robinson are more numerous in
Gloucester than those of any other child of Abraham 2nd. They
include the Wonsons, the Marchants, the Burnhams, several
Smith families, other than those hereafter mentioned as de
scended through Abraham 3d, the Parkhursts, the Shutes and
many other leading families of Gloucester.
Elizabeth, third child of Abraham 2nd, married Timothy
Somes, Jr., December, 1695. From this marriage are descended
members of the Somes, the Mansfield and the Low families of
Gloucester. Abigail, fourth child of Abraham 2nd, married Joseph York,
Jan. 10, 1700. They had six children: Abigail, born 1701 ; Ruth,
born 1703; May, born 1705; Sarah, born 1707; Joseph, born
171 1 ; Richard, born 1713.
Abraham 3d, fifth child of Abraham 2nd, married Sarah
York, Feb. 10, 1703. They had a son Andrew Jr. (more properly
second), who married Martha Gardner Jan. i, 1736. They had
Jonathan, born April 21, 1742, who married Anna Batting, July
10, 1765. From this union are descended the family of the late
H. R. Stevens of Boston, Mass.; the families of the late Daniel
Smith, William T. Smith and Samuel E. Smith, with their later
descendants, the Smiths, the Rusts, the Days, and the McLarrens
of Gloucester, Mass.; the family of the late William Hayden,

96 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
located at Alton, 111., at Springfield, 111., and at Buffalo, N. Y.;
and the family of the late John RobinsiDn, who lived to the age
of 86 years, two sons of whom, the Hon. David I. Robinson, ex-
Mayor of Gloucester, and William L. Robinson, are now living,
and one daughter, Mary E.
Besides Andrew, who was the fifth child, Abraham 3d had
seven other children: Abraham 4th, Jane, Samuel, Sarah, Mary,
John and Jonathan.
From Abraham 4th, through his grandson Ezekiel, are de
scended many of the Robinsons of Maine, among whom were
several ministers, the author of the "Maine Farmer's Almanac,"
and many other persons of note.
From Samuel are descended the Riggs family of Gloucester.
From the last Jonathan are descended the Bray, the Roberts,
the Rust and the Parsons families of West Gloucester, a suburb
of Gloucester, Mass.
Andrew, si.vth child of Abraham 2nd, became a man of con
siderable note. He is the one styled in all the records as Capt.
Andrew Robinson. He married Rebecca IngersoU, and their
descendants are quite numerous; Rebecca Smith, who married
Samuel Webber, former president of Harvard College, already
quoted as the author of a paper claiming descent from Rev. John
Robinson, comes from this line, as does also the late James Free
man Dana, professor in Dartmouth College. Descendants of
Andrew are found also in the State of Maine.
Capt. Andrew Robinson built and first gave the name
"Schooner" to one of Gloucester's fishing craft. The following
poem by an unknown author best describes this event, and .^lsJ
welds another link in the chain of circumstantial evidence of suc
cession from Rev. John Robinson.
"LAUNCH OF THE FIRST SCHOONER"
"by COMMON TATER"
Andre-w Robinson builder true,
In the quaint old days of yore,
» Laid many a keel that swept the sea.
From Cape Ann to Bay Chaleur;
All day the tireless builder wrought;
Rib and plank and spar and mast.
All were placed 'neath the master's eye;
"Work well done is sure to last,"
Quoth Andrew Robinson.

ABRAHAM ROBINSON 97
Andrew Robinson laid a keel ;
Soon arose a different craft
From those Cape Ann had sent to sea.
And the village people laughed.
"She '11 slide off like an egg-shell 'n fill
As quick," growled old Ezra Lane;
"She '11 go off like a duck, you'll find,
And ride the stormiest main,"
Quoth Andrew Robinson.
The day of the launch brought crowds galore.
To see that curious sail,
"Neither ship, brig nor shallop she,
Robinson's folly — sure to fail."
The builder smiled ; 'mid sturdy blows
The new craft glided to the sea,
"Look how she scoons!" cried Goody Day;
"Then a 'schooner' let her be,"
Quoth Andrew Robinson.
While Cape Ann "schooners'' ride the sea.
Little is known of the brave
Bviilder of by-gone days, and few
Could even point out his grave.
Yet the better for us, perchance.
If, from out the misty past,
We take his motto to our hearts : —
"Work well done is sure to last,"
Quoth Andrew Robinson.
Mayhaps the Leyden pastor taught
His children that legend old;
Mayhaps 'twas passed from sire to son
And by humble firesides told.
On Fancy's wall the picture stands :
The builder by the schooner's mast ;
O'er ringing cheers we seem to hear: —
"Work well done is sure to last,"
Quoth Andrew Robinson.
Andrew Robinson had eleven children; one boy, Andrew,
and ten girls. His descendants are numerous.
Stephen, seventh child of Abraham 2nd, married Sarah
Smith, and as second wife, Elizabeth IngersoU. From the first
union are descended the families of Benjamin Robinson, Mrs.
Emma Saunders, the late Betsey Ann Reed and the late Mary C.

98 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
Fait of Gloucester; also the family of Polly Riggs of Rockport,
previously referred to.
Ann, eighth child of Abraham 2nd, married Samuel Davis.
They had nine children: Lydia, born 1705; Samuel, born 1707;
May, born 1709; Isaac, born 1711; Hannah, born 1713; Samuel,
born 1715 ; James, born 1717 ; Joseph, born 1722 ; Ann, born 1724.
Dorcas, ninth child of Abraham 2nd, married Jonathan
Stanwood. Deborah, tenth child of Abraham 2nd, married John Stan-
wood; from these two unions are descended the Stanwoods of
Gloucester. Hannah, eleventh child of Abraham 2nd, died unmarried at
the age of twenty-six.
Jane, twelfth child of Abraham 2nd, married John Williams,
April 4, 1720. They had seven children: John, born 1721 ; Evan,
born 1722; May, born 1724, died 1727; John, born 1726; May,
born 1728; Abraham, born 1733; Elizabeth, born 1735.
The brevity of this paper has prevented the naming of but
a few families who are descended from Abraham Robinson, who
settled in Gloucester in 163 1. At least one thousand of the
population of Gloucester, Mass., are descended from this early
settler. It has not been our endeavor in this paper to prove that
Abraham Robinson was the son of the Rev. John Robinson; nor
again to give a complete list of the descendants of Abraham Rob
inson. The first task, with our present information, is impos
sible of performance; the second, though not impossible, would
require more investigation and research than the author of this
paper can devote to the subject. Our only purpose has been to
emphasize the possibility of a coimection between Abraham and
the Rev. John, and to trace his immediate descendants in such a
way that our paper may be of service to those descendants of
Abraham who may desire to trace their descent. Our belief that
we are descended from the Rev. John Robinson is based on
traditional authority, and on the fact that trustworthy writers on
the subject disagree. Our genealogical information has been
gathered, during the past twenty years, from many reliable
sources, but principally from the records of the city of Gloucester,
and from wills and deeds recorded in Salem, Mass.

JOHN ROBINSON
OF EXETER, AND SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS

Mrs. Harriet H. Robinson,
Of Maiden, Mass.

'  And these were they who gave us birth.
The Pilgrims of the sunset wave,
Who won for us this virgin earth.
And freedom with the soil they gave.
' The pastor slumbers by the Rhine,
In alien earth the exiles lie,
Their nameless graves our holiest shrine,
His words our noblest battle-cry ! "
O. W. Holmes,
" Robinson of Leyden."
I.
F history may be called "tradition verified," surely
it may be claimed that genealogy also finds its
origin in family tradition, which, .to a certain
extent, can be found to rest upon well-remembered
facts and family records.
It is at least thirty-five years since I began to
collect the material found in this paper; and now,
since the "Robinsons and their Kin Folk" have
begun to gather themselves together, I feel it to
be a duty that I owe to them, to give the facts I have accumu
lated concerning one branch of their family line. I do this the
more willingly because I believe in "keeping the traditions of the
elders," and also in verifying them so far as p»ossible.
In entering upon my husband's branch of the family —
(William S. Robinson, whose pen-name was "Warrington") — it
¦will be necessary to give some details of the source of much of
my information, and to state that it is to his mother, Martha

ICO THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
Cogswell Robinson, that I am indebted for remembering what
had been handed down to her as to the facts relating to the Rob
inson family, to which, by descent, she also belonged. I am
also indebted to her for the preservation of family documents,
indentures, deeds, and other relics, now in my possession, and
which came to her as the widow of the last surviving son of his
branch. The indentures are those of Cain, 1754; Jeremiah, Jr.,
1758, and Bradbury Robinson, 1767 — all "cordwainers."
Mr. Robinson's mother was a member of our household in
the last years of her life, and was fond of relating family history,
and I may as well say here that it was through her often repeated
stories "by word o' mouth," and afterwards recorded, that I was
enabled after she died (Nov. 24, 1856) to complete her ancestry
in the Cogswell line, through all its ramifications, from the first
American ancestors, John Cogswell and Thomas Emerson of
Ipswich, Mass., down to her own time; and also that of the
Robinson line, from Dr. Jeremiah, son of John' Robinson of
Exeter, her husband's own grandfather, who died March i, 1801,
aged eighty-one years* Mother Robinson was born March 12,
1783, so that it was not so far back but that she could remember
the important points in her family history, as they were told to
her. Right here, I will take occasion to acknowledge my in
debtedness to my own mother, Harriet Browne Hansonf, and
her oldest sister, both of whom lived to a great age, for the in
formation which led me to look into the history of their family
of Browne, to. trace it to the first American ancestor, Nicholas
Browne of Lynn and Reading, and to make the connection down
to my own time. Almost every statement made by my mother
and her sister I afterwards proved by town records and church
histories, and by wills and deeds at Cambridge, Mass. Even the
story they told that their grandfather, William Browne of Cam
bridge, "once sold land on which some of the colleges at
Cambridge were built," — and which I thought at the time might
be a tradition not to be verified, I did verify later by the deed
which I found at the Cambridge Registry of Deeds, and which
showed that "William Browne of Cambridge, carpenter, sold to
Thomas Brattle, Esquire, of Boston, treasurer of the society
known as 'the President & Fellows of Harvard College in Cam-

*N. E. H. Gen. Register, Oct., 1885, July, 1890.
t '' Nicholas Browne, and some of bis descendants

JOHN ROBINSON OF EXETER loi
bridge aforesaid,' a certain parcel of land containing 60 acres
of upland and swamp, &c." Dated Sept. 20, 1705. Thus much
concerning the value of family tradition and "old wives' tales."
And now to return, and (though I know that here I tread
on dangerous ground), relate Mother Robinson's story, just as
it was told to me, of the first Robinsons who came to America.
She said, in substance: "The Robinsons were of English blood,
and were descended from the Rev. John Robinson; there were
three brothers that came over and landed at Plymouth, one of
whom, at least, did not stay there long, but made his way to the
cape." "What cape?" I asked, thinking she must mean Cape
Cod. She answered : "No, the other cape," meaning Cape Ann,
I concluded, though perhaps she did not know it by that name.
Neither did she know the name of the Robinson who made his
way to Cape Ann, nor any other particulars, as she did of
her first Cogswell ancestor. She had told my husband this story
many times, and in talking the matter over with me he said:
"What a man is, is of much more importance than who his an
cestors are." He never expressed any doubt, however, as to the
truth of his mother's story. Mother Robinson often showed me
the relics that had "come down in the Robinson family." Among
these relics, perhaps the most important clue is a Delft plate,
which had been handed down from father to son, and had come
to her at her husband's death. This she first showed to me be
fore I was married, in 1848. Other relics are a large chest of
good old English oak; a well-worn oak pestle and mortar; a low
boy; a stuffed arm-chair (Eunice Robinson, 1740); and a King
James Bible, always called "the Robinson Bible." This Bible
is a Dublin edition of 1714. On a fly-leaf is written: "Emerson
Cogswell, his book, given to him by his mother, Eunice Robin
son (Cogswell), to be given to his son Emerson Cogswell after
his decease. Concord, Dec. 1799." This son was Emerson
Cogswell the third, and last*.
Eunice Robinson outlived the two Emersons, her son and
grandson, and she gave the Bible to her granddaughter, Martha
Cogswell Robinson, who in 1855 gave it to her son, William''
Stevens Robinson. After his death, it passed into the possession
* The name of "Emerson ' came into the family in 1700, with the son of William Cogswell and
Martha Emerson, his vrife. She was the daughter of Thomas Emerson, of Ipswich. Ralph Waldo
Emerson and William Stevens Robinson derived a common ancestry from John CogsweU, 1635 (" of
Welch descent " — Mother Robinson) and Thomas Emerson, 1641, both of Ipswich.

102 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
of his only son, Edward* Warrington Robinson, and in 1893 it
went to Colorado in the old oak chest.
The lowboy is of solid mahogany and has been handed
down, from father to son, to each successive "Jeremiah" for his
name, since early in the seventeenth century.
The most important document is a letter written by Zabulon
Robinson* to his brother Jeremiah^ Robinson of Concord, Mass.
By this letter I was enabled to make the connection from Zabu
lon back through his father Jeremiah* to his grandfather John^,
his great-grandfather Jonathan^ to his great-great-grandfather,
John^ of Exeter, whose will is dated July 7, 1749. It also led me
to look in the right direction for the information which I obtained
from town histories, church records and the old Norfolk County
records at Salem, Mass., which had not then been published.
Let me now return to our Mother Robinson's story of the
first Robinsons of her family who came to this country.
First. "They were descendants of the Rev. John Robinson,
and were of English blood." The Rev. John Robinson and his
family were of English blood (North of England).
Second. "There were three brothers who came over and
landed at Plymouth; one of them did not stay there, but made
his way to the cape." Thus far our Mother Robinson's story.
Now let me refer to well-known facts and dates, according
to the best authority.
The Rev. John Robinson and his wife, Bridget White, were
the parents of three sons: John^, born 1606; Isaac, born 1610;
Jacob, born 1616. They landed in Plymouth 1631.
The second son, Isaac, is accounted for. He stayed in
Plymouth, lived there and in Duxbury, Scituate and Barnstable,
where he is supposed to have diedf. But "nothing is known of
the other two brothers" after they left Plymouth and, with others,
went away to "Cape Ann, to find a better fishing station." All
these facts, now pretty well established, will serve to corroborate
our Mother Robinson's story.
Supposing the dates of the births of John and Jacob to be
correct, John's age would be about twenty-five in 1631, and
Jacob's about fifteen, so that the latter would be not much more

* See page 113 for Zabulon's letter. t See History of Scituate.

JOHN ROBINSON OF EXETER 103
than a boy when the party started on their venture round the
unknown shores of Cape Ann, which was considered at that time
as almost boundless*.
We have good reason to think that John's^ first stopping
place was Gloucester, where he rested, and that there his fellow-
voyagers were left, as we find no record of any who went on with
him; also that he may have confided to their care his young
brother Jacob, who had left Plymouth with the party and, with
John^, has never been accounted for. But there was an Abra
ham Robinson who came to Gloucester about that time, who
always claimed to be the son of the Rev. John Robinson. May
we not suppose Abraham Robinson to be the lost Jacob ? If not,
who else can he be? I see no reason to doubt his story, as he
was certainly old enough to know and remember who his father
was. If his name had remained "Jacob" no one would doubt
his word. A very likely solution of this mystery may be found
in the supposition that when John^ was intending to leave
Gloucester, he (with an elder brother's care over Jacob), may
have thought it best to place him with some good friend, rather
than to have him undertake so hazardous a journey. And then,
too, Jacob may have inherited his father's ill-health, since he
died at twenty-nine years of age; and this was an added reason
why he should be left behind. The change of name from "Jacob"
to "Abraham" can be explained by the fact that that such changes
are often made when a child is adopted, or taken into a familyf.
Abraham Robinson is found living in Gloucester "as one of the
early settlers," and he died there February 23, 1645, at twenty-
nine years of age. And since he was not John^ of Exeter (who
will be accounted for later), it is more than "probable" that he is
"Jacob," under his new name, "Abraham."
In his history of Gloucester, Mr. Babson says of this Abra
ham Robinson: "a traditionary account of a respectable charac
ter affirms that this individual was a son of the Rev. John Robin
son," and, in speaking of Dr. Samuel Webber's paper (written
by his mother and left in the possession of the N. E. H. S.), he

* In the charter of Jan. 1, 1623, to " Robert and Edward Winslow and their associates," it was
stated that " a certain tract of groimd in New England * * * in a known place commonly called
Cape Anne," they had free "liberty to fish, fowle, hawk, etc., in the lands thereabout, and in all
other places in New England."
t This is particularly true if the faniily had lost a Httle son of that narae, and wished to perpetuate
the name, as the name " Abraham " was in fact perpetuated even to the fourth successive generation.
See Brochure, No. 2, page 50.

I04 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
adds, with regard to Abraham Robinson: "the material part ot
this statement has always appeared to bear the impress of truth."
I saw this paper before it was published by Mr. Babson, and
was much impressed by it. For, while Mrs. Webber might have
made a few errors as to dates, she seems to have been substan
tially correct with regard to the descendants of Abraham Rob
inson, second.
Abraham Robinson, second, married Mary Harraden. Of
this marriage there were twelve children, the date of whose births
are all recorded*. He died about 1740, at a great age; she in
1725*. The numerous descendants of their children are to be
found among the best-known families in the country. They at
least are not "mythical," although their first ancestor, Abraham,
is sometimes called so.f
Two of the descendants of Abraham, second, married into
the Giddings family, and it is in their line that the name of
"Bridget" (no doubt in memory of Bridget White, the Rev. John
Robinson's wife) has been perpetuated, almost to my generation,
as was also the pecuhar name of "Zabulon." Two items with
regard to Abraham Robinson, second, may be recorded. In
1708, he received a common right in the house his father built,
and in which he died February 23, 1645*.
N. B. — The latest mention of Abraham, second, is in March, ,
1730, when Deborah, widow of Joseph York, had "set off to her
one-third part of a house and land at Eastern Point, to be for
her use after the death of Abraham, senior." Abraham "senior"
was Abraham Robinson, second, as he had a son named Abra
ham. May there not be a clue here for this line to- follow?
And now we will follow the trail of that John^ Robinson,
who is known to have "left Plymouth after a little while," to fol
low the shores of Cape Ann, and we will enter the domain of
authentic records, as found in the authorities that will be men
tioned.

* History of Gloucester
t If Isaac Robinson, the second son of the Reverend John Robinson, had for some unexplained
reason changed his name, say to " Ephraim," there would have been the same doubt as lo his identity
as there has been hitherto in the case of " Abraham." No matter what he himself might have asserted,
Isaac could never have proved his identy, nor his relationship to the Reverend John Robinson. He
said he was his son, and so did Abraham, and this ought to be as good evidence in the one case as in
the other. It is a curious liistorical fact, that a similar incident happened in Isaac's own family. He
and his second wife had a son named Israel, baptized October 6 1651 whose name was changed to
Isaac in 1668 when he was 17 years of age

JOHN ROBINSON OF EXETER 105
IL
The first trace of John* Robinson, in authentic records, is
found in Newbury, in 1640, to which place he had, without doubt,
come in his "small vessel over a stormy sea, and with scant
knowledge of that day," from Gloucester round the shores of
Cape Ann. It is pleasant to think of him, this pioneer path
finder, traveling in this simple way towards an unknown destina
tion, stopping at places where earlier Pilgrims had landed,
Scituate, perhaps, where it is recorded that he came in 1640 with
Francis Crocker, "purchased land, but did not remove thither;"
Ipswich, then an outpost on the journey; passing by Boston
Harbor, its rugged and inhospitable entrance and its bare tri-
mountains, little foreseeing that it would sometime be crowned
with the gilded dome of the State House of all Massachusetts;
and so on along Cape Ann until he came to the "sandy mouth"
of the Merrimack River, where he found a landing for his good
craft at "Ould Newbury" (first settlement 1635). Here we find
him recorded in 1640*, where his name appears among the twelve
Newbury men who settled Haverhill (Pentucket). John* Rob
inson's name is on the town books of Haverhill, 1640, and in 1645
he was one of "thirty-two landholders." In 1650, forty-three
freemen in the town subscribed themselves as "in favor of the
project of laying out the bounds of the plantation," and in 1651
twelve men were chosen, and the name of our pioneer pathfinder,
John* Robinson, heads the list, and the way was laid out by them
from "Haverhill to Excetter."f
There is no record of John's* marriage, but the name of
"Elizabeth his wife" appears signed to a deed of February 9,
1661, and also June 24, 1667; and in 1676, as co-administrator to
his will with his youngest son, David. John* died Septem
ber 10, 1675. Their children, recorded in Haverhill, aref:
I. John, born 1641, lived three weeks. 2. John, bom 1642, died
young. 3. Jonathan^, bom May 16, 1645^. 4- Sarah, born Jan.
8, 1647, fiisd May 15, 1648. 5. David, born March 6, 1649. 6.
Elizabeth, born March 7, 165 1.

*'* Newbury charted in 1627. Charter granted to Sir Henry Rowell, John Endicot and others, and
extending from a line three miles north of the Merrimack River to over three miles south of the Charles
River, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean."
t History of HaverhiU.
X Jonathan is caUed in this Tst the son of " gon," but it must be " John," as there are no other
Robinson births recorded until after 1664. This may be an early instance of " fonetic " speUing

io6 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
John* Robinson's name appears on the town books of Exeter
as one of the first settlers, between 1640 and 1680*, and on Octo
ber 23, 1652, he was chosen "as one of the overseers of work on
the meeting-house"; October 16, 1664, he was on a committee
"to lay out highways where they should judge convenient."
Extracts from deeds from 1649 to 1674 will show the where
abouts of John* Robinson of Exeter during that timef. In 1649,
John* Robinson — "it was acknowledged by him that Daniel Lad
had bought 6 acres of accommodation of him which the town
(Haverhill) had granted him." In 165 1, "John* Robinson of
Haverhill, bought a dwelling house and land in Exeter. August
5, 165 1, John* Robinson (also spelled Robison) of Haverhill,
conveys to Thomas Lilfurth of Haverhill 'my accommodation
in Haverhill,' viz.: 10 acres to my houselot, 6 acres of which were
given to me by the town . . . also my house, etc." Ac
knowledged in court at Salisbury, February 9, 1661. Signed:
John* Robinson ("Robison.") Elizabeth Robison. (mark). In
1654, he held some property "including land granted me by Exe
ter," of James Wall of Hampden, and sold the same to Henry
Robie. In 1654, "John* Robinson of Haverhill bought a dwell
ing house and land in Exeter, of Edward Gyllman,— 'Mr. Per
mit's house.' " March 4, 1655, John* Robinson bought of Joseph
Merrie of Hampton, in New England, a "dwelling house with 25
acres of land lying unto ye fall's river, bounded by Mr. Stanian's
ground lying in Northward side, and Robert Tuck on the South
ward side." In 1660, he owned "some land in Exeter, part of
which he sold to John Ffulsham." (Folsom?) In 1667, John*
Robinson of Exeter, in the county of Norfolk, planter, sold to
Sam'l Leavitt a dwelling house and barn and 7 acres of land
in Exeter, "by the falls," Signed, John Robinson and Ehzabeth
his wife (mark) and seal, June 24, 1667. Witness: Jonathan^
Robinson (his mark).
The inventory of his estate shows him to have been a planter,
or a farmer, as we should say.
His last recorded sale of property is in 1674, when "John*
Robinson sold to Moses Gillman of Exeter, the dwelling house I
bought of Edward Gylman which was sometime Mr. Permit's

* BeU's History.
t O. N. C. Records, at Salem, Mass., a part of which have been pubUshed in the Essex Antiquarian
within a few years.

JOHN ROBINSON OF EXETER 107
with the houselot, and other lands." February 24, 1674, entered
June 24, 1675* (a few months before his death).
The record of John* Robinson of Exeter as a public man
may, so far as known, be summed up as follows: He "was one of
the grand jury held at Salisbury (the shire town) February 12,
1653; also '64, '68 and '74; was on the trial jury at Salisbury,
February 11, 1654, and 1667; "was chosen to end small causes,
1668; was allowed by the court to keep a ferry at Exeter, and to
have a penny for a passage." (No date.)
The following scant tribute to the character of John* Robin
son is found in Bell's "History of Exeter," as copied from the
bi-centennial address of the Hon. Jeremiah Smith : "Among the
persons who united their fortunes with ours during the first cen
tury (1600), the men who bore the heat and burden of the day,
we find the names of Gilman, Robinson and many others."
No will can be found, but there is an "inventory of the
estate of a Jno.* Robinson of Exeter, county of Norfolk, will
probated July 7, 1749," which states that he "deceased this loth
day of ye 9th month, 1675." At the court held at Hampton
Fallsf in 1676, "Elizabeth Robinson and David were appointed
joint administrators of ye estate of Jno.* Robinson, late of Exeter,
deceased." David is also spoken of as "joint administrator with
his mother, the estate to remain in the hands of the administra
tors during the life of the widow Robinson and then to be divided
amongst the children according to law." The last recorded sale
of his property is in December, 1678, when "David and Elizabeth
Robinson, administrators to the estate of Jno.* Robinson of Exe
ter, sold to John Sinkler of Exeter, 2 acres of upland in Exeter.''
With regard to his name as spelled (carelessly) in some in
stances "Jno.," the best authority which I have consulted is of
the opinion that his name should mean John* instead of Jona
than-; and when the fact is considered that at the date of his
death, and earlier, there was no other John Robinson living in
Exeter, there is certainly nothing to conflict with this opinion^.

*0. N. CR. t Unpublished O. N. C. R. at Salem. Copied by H. H. R.
X It is said that during the French and Indian war, " a John Robinson, a blacksmith, who had
removed from Ha-verhill to Exeter in 1657, was on his way to Hampton with his son, when some lurk
ing Indians fired upon them and shot the elder Robinson dead. The son escaped." There is also an
account preserved, that a Goodman Robinson of Exeter was killed in King PhiUp's war.
The French and Indian war began in 1690 and ended seven years later. King PhiUp's war
began in 1675 and in 1676. " Barber's Mass. Historical Collection."
But neither of these can be our John Robinson, since they are not accounted for either before or
after the dates mentioned. "Goodman ' was no doubt some old man, spoken of as " Goodman " after
the EngUsh and John Bunyan style, just as we would now say " grandpa " or '* old man Robinson."

io8 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
We will now turn to Jonathan^ Robinson, the son of John*
(jon), born May i6, 1645, who would be thirty years old at the
time of his father's death. Bell's history of Exeter gives the
name of Jonathan^ Robinson as second on the town books of
Exeter, the first being that of John* (his father), between the
years of 1640 and 1680. The date of John's* name is April 20,
1652. The date of Jonathan's^ is March 3, 1673. There are
several deeds to show that he lived in Exeter, both before and
after his father's death. June 24, 1667 (at twenty-two years of
age), he witnesses the Leavitt land sale, signed by "John* and
Elizabeth Robinson, his wifef." In 1674 he buys land of Jona
than Thwing. In 1672 he was chosen tithing man, among the
first elected in the town. In 1680 his name appears in the Mason
Land Suit, in 1698 as one of the reorganizers of the church and,
the same year, he was "one of the twenty-six subscribers to the
covenant and confession of faith." October 26-29, 1696, he fur
nished the garrison (King William's war, 1690-1713), and in 1710
he was one of a scouting party in pursuit of Indians. And if he
died shortly after this time, as seems to appear in the deed, it
would make him about sixty-two or sixty-three years old at the
time of his death.
There is no further mention of this Jonathan^ Robinson in
any authority which I have consulted, excepting in a record from
the office of the Secretary of State of New Hampshire, where
was found the following deed, which, as my most reliable au
thority informs me, "seems to take the place of a willj."
March 6, i7io-'ii, Jonathan^ Robinson of Exeter deeded
property to his wife, who is not named, and to his children
Joseph^, John^, David^, James^, Jonathan", Easter' and Eliza
beth^, also to Lidia, daughter of his son John. (N. H. Province
Deeds, Vol. 9, p. 65.)
John' Robinson, the son of Jonathan^, was born in Exeter,
September 7, 1671. His father died in i7io-'ii. This would
make John' about thirty-nine years of age when his father
died. John's' last will is dated July 7, 1749. Thus he would
be, at the time of his death, about seventy-eight years old.
Certainly there is nothing in the foregoing dates to conflict
with the statement that John' Robinson was the son of Jonathan''

t See page 106
X My most reUable authority is Miss Etha L. Sargent, clerk in the office of the Secretary of State
at Concord, N. H., who has furnished me with copies of deeds, wills, and other valuable documents.

JOHN ROBINSON OF EXETER 109
of Exeter, and the grandson of that John*, who "flayed
the trail" from Newbury to Haverhill and from Haverhill to
Exeter*. It may seem strange to the casual reader that no more ex
tracts have been given, either from town or church records, and
that I have been unable to state where any of the 'above Robin
sons and their families were buried. In Beh's history, however,
I found a solution of the mystery, the cause (I will not say the
reason) for this strange hiatus in the history of the family. He
says: The second oldest "place of burial in Exeter became dis
used in 1696, when the new meeting house was erected." . . .
"The yard surrounding the meeting house was then devoted,
after the English fashion, to burials. For a long period most
of the leading men . . . were interred there. ... It re
mained in use for probably almost a hundred years, when early
in the present century (1800), on the sole authority of a few of
the leading men of the town, all the tombs and headstones were
removed from the yard, or leveled to the ground and covered
with earth . . . and all marks of the tenants beneath were
substantially obliterated. . . . On what ground this appar
ent act of vandalism was justified, we cannot imagine.' And,
the author continues, "the loss which it caused to the antiquary
and investigator of family history is well nigh irreparable."
I believe that a few of these graves were rescued, notably
that of a Thwing family, who erected a fence around their lot.
Let us hope that those "leading men of the town" who coun
tenanced this act of vandalism, by which "the grassy barrows of
the sleeping dead" were thus leveled, were none of them descend
ants of the early English Christians. These lost epitaphs on
"their nameless graves" might tell us so much of the clos
ing history in the lives of many of the founders of New
England !
The history of Exeter, so valuable in other respects, has no
record of John* of Exeter, of Jonathan^ his son, nor yet of John',
son of Jonathan^, though certainly two of these, if not three, were
men of note, and there shoidd be records to be found, somewhere,
besides what I am able to give. They were all members of the

*In the "Appendix on the Robinson Family (N. E. H. G. Register, July, 1890), I made the
statement that it was Jonathan Robison of Exeter (instead of John) who died Sept. 10, 1675. But
after years of research and upon reUable authority I am now well assured that the above statement int
tbe text is correct. H. H. R.

no THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
New England Church, the church of the Puritans, at that time,
and yet it is said that those early church records are not "avail
able." Were they also buried in that desecrated churchyard by
those "leading men," who thus forever obscured the record of
the lives of those who had preceded them*?
Here let me say one word about the difficulties incurred in
finding the material for such a genealogy as this. When I first
read Zabulon's letter (which I shall come to presently), I thought
at once that "Pembroke" was in Massachusetts — being so near
Plymouth. But finding nothing there, I put a query in the Bos
ton Transcript, asking about a town in Norfolk County, Massa
chusetts, called "Exeterf." The answer came at once from sev
eral sources (and here let me thank the writers), that Exeter was
in Norfolk County, New Hampshire. Also, not to enter into de
tails, I leamed, among other valuable facts, that, in 1680, the
original county of Norfolk ceased to exist, and that the old Nor
folk County records were kept at Salem, Mass. These records
had not then been published, but I gave them a thorough search,
and in reading the story of this division of these "old Norfolk
County towns from Massachusetts," I am tempted to side with
those sturdy pioneers who were so reluctant to be severed from
Massachusetts soil that they opposed the scheme, feeling, no
doubt, that to make the division would, in a sense, deprive
them of their birthright. And I would not wonder if our John*
Robinson were among these dissenters. Biit they were defeated
by the more astute politicians, and thus were prevented from
living and dying in the "commonwealth" to which they had chosen
to come, and to which they still held their allegiance. Ah! if the
Old Norfolk County had not been carried bodily into New
Hampshire, its records might have been preserved intact, in some
accessible locality, where searching for them would not be, as it
is to-day, the despair of genealogists! But more prosperous
times are coming for future researchers. Our sister State has
moved in the right direction. In 1905, its Legislature enacted a
law "to secure, for the purpose of safety, record and ready refer-
'*' I refrain from adding more, for I remember that in my own native city of Boston "The Old
Granary Burying Ground," where my grandfather, Seth IngersoU Browne, who fought at Bunker
HiU, lies buried, was long since encroached upon by Park Street Chinch and the Boston Athenaeum,
and that the "South Burying Ground," where my own father, WiUiam Hanson, was buried, is in part
obUterated by the St. James Hotel and the Boston Conservatory of Music. Is there any good
reason for such acts of vandaUsm ?
t See letter, page 113.

JOHN ROBINSON OF EXETER m
ence, every record, or part of record, or scrap of personal history
connected with the births, marriages and deaths that have taken
place in this State." Let us hope that, included in this admir
able work, the "Old Norfolk County Records," now in Salem,
Mass., and mostly unpublished; the "New Hampshire Province
Deeds," and other scattered material now held by the Rocking
ham County Probate Court and by the State of New Hampshire
itself, will be gathered together iasome safe and substantial build
ing. And if a custodian is wanted, no better one can be found,
to my liking, than my "reliable authority" and invaluable help
in this work, whom I have already mentioned.
The will of John' Robinson, which now follows, will give the
assurance that here, at least, I stand on no debatable ground;
and in entering it, I feel somewhat as Farmer Thomas Dustin of
Haverhill must have felt when, in 1697, he placed seven of his
eight children behind him and so fought his way to safety. So
I, with the numerous descendants of John' Robinson, even be
yond the seventh generation to sustain me, can go on and bravely
face my critics — if I have any — assured that here, at least, I tread
on no disputed ground. III.
There is no record to be found of the birth or death of John'
Robinson of Exeter, but his will shows the probable date of his
death; and the reader will see that there is no discrepancy in
dates to warrant any doubt as to the statement that he was the
son of Jonathan^ and the grandson of John*. To recapitulate:
John* Robinson of Exeter, died September 10, 1675. Jonathan^
Robinson of Exeter, died, or signed "substitute for a will," March
6, i7io-'ii. John' Robinson of Exeter last will is dated July 7,
1749, and is as follows:
THE WILL OF JOHN= ROBINSON OF EXETER, JULY 7, 1749.
"In the Name of God Amen I John Robinson of Exeter in
the Province of Newhampshire in New England Gentlemen being
in health of body and of perfect mind and memory, Thanks be
given to God: But knowing it is appointed unto all men to die,
do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament', That is
to say, Principally and First of all, I Give and Recommend my

112 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
Soul into the hands of God who gave it; and my body I recom
mend to the Earth to be buried at the discretion of my Executor
hereafter named: And as touching such worldly estate where
with it has pleased God to bless me for this life. I Give Devise
and dispose of the Same in the following manner and form.
Imprs My Will is that my Just Debts and Funeral Charges shall
be paid and Discharged by my Executor hereafter named.
Item. I give to my Dearly beloved Wife Mehetable Robin
son the Improvement of one halfe of My Dwelling House Barn
and Orchard, and of all my land lying in Exeter upon the North
erly Side of the way going to Hampton Town, Known by the
Name of my home place by estimation Fifty acres, be it more or
less, as long as she Remains my Widow: I Likewise give her the
Improvement of all my Household Goods During her Natural
life, and what Remains of them at her Decease I Give to my two
Daughters Lidia Morison and Sarah Palmer. I Likewise Give
her all my Stock of Cattle horses sheep and swine to be at her
own Dispose — ^and the silver Tankard —
Item. I Give to my son John Robinson besides what I have
already given him Five shillings New Tenor —
Item. I Give to my son Jonathan Robinson besides what I
have already Given him Five shillings New Tenor —
Item. I Give to my son Jeremiah* Robinson besides what
I have already given him Five Shillings New Tenor —
Item. I Give and Devise to my son Daniel Robinson his
Heirs and assigns forever the one halfe of my Dwelling house
Barn and orchard and of all my land lying in Exeter upon the
Northerly side of the way going to Hampton Town Known by
the Name of my home place by estimation Fifty acres be it more
or less immediately after my Decease And the other halfe of my
Dwelling house Bam and orchard and the other halfe of my
Fifty acres of land before mentioned after his mother's Decease
or upon her marriage, n. b. — I likewise give him all my Unen-
sils for Husbandry and all my money. Bills Bonds and Book
Debts so far as shall be necessary to Defray my Just Debts
Funeral Charges and Legacies and what Remains after they are
Discharged, he Shall Return to his mother. I Likewise Give
him my great Coat and my Tools.
Item. I Give to my Daughter Lidia Morison Fifty pounds
in Bills of the old Tenor.

JOHN ROBINSON OF EXETER 113
Item. I Give to my Daughter Sarah Palmer Fifty pounds in
Bills of the old Tenor.
Item. I Give to my Daughter Mary Follensbeys Children
Fifty pounds in Bills of the old Tenor  to be equally
divided between them —
Item. I Give to my Grandson Jonathan Cauley one hundred
pounds in Bills of Credit of the old Tenor: And my Will is that
all my Legacies shall be paid within Twelve Months after my
Decease. Item. I give to my Wife Mehetable Robinson all my estate
not mentioned and disposed of in my Will.
Finally. My Will is and I do hereby appoint my son Daniel
Robinson sole Executor to this my Last Will and Testament.
Hereby Revoking, Disanulling, and making void all former Wills
and Testaments by me heretofore made In Witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand and seal this Seventh Day of July
Anno Domini One Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty Nine
Signed, Sealed & Declared by the Said John Robinson to
be his Last Will and Testament in Presence of us Woodbridge
Odlin, John Dean, Richard Smith Jur John Robinson. [Seal]
The word of and the word Devise on the other side were
Interlined before Signing.
Province of Newhamp, August ye 22d 1755. Then the Will
Proved by John Dean and Richard Smith Jur according to
Common form before the Judge.
Copied from original will, No. 2145. Recorded, Probate
Records, Vol. 19, page 353.
The letter of Zabulon Robinson, which follows, is a good
object lesson to those who are interested in family history. It
has been invaluable to me, not only as an interpreter of his grand
father's will, but also as a proof of the identity of his own family
and other information concerning several generations.
Extracts from the letter of Zabulon Robinson:
"To Mr Jeremy Robinson*, att Concord, Massachusetts
State, Per favour of Dr Adams.
Dear Sir: it has been a Long Time Since I saw you. Many
a day and Date has Past. I hant seen your face since the year
1766, if I remember Right, a long time. Indeed it seems to me

114 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
somewhat Unnatural. I received a Letter from you last Octo
ber, Dated Septr 26. You wrote that you and family was well,
and Likewise the rest of our brethren & Sisters. I was Very
Glad to hear from you and your family with the rest of our
Kindred, for I seldom Ever Heard from any of you, Living at
some Distance from our main Post road. You Likewise Give
me Account in your Letter of the death of our sister Cogswell",
her Dicing Very suddenly, Therefore i think such near & other
Daily Instances of mortality ought to mind us of our
change. . . .
"I think that our near Kindred on the father's side' are most
all deceased, but two left, Uncle Jonathan* in the Town i live in
& uncle DanieF of Exeter. On the mother's side, but one alive
(his mother's name is unknown) Aunt Williams^ of Hampton
falls. . . .
"You hant mentioned anything Concerning our honored
mother-in-law', what's become of her? I shud be very Glad to
hear from her and her welfare if alive. . . .
"Your sister' has Had Seven Children, all alive, I suppose,
all at Home but one, furthermore ile thank you if you can send
me an account of my father's death. Day and date and Age. . . .
"times is Very poor in our Parts, business Exceeding dull.
Money very scarce. None for Tradesmen.
"Be kind enough to Give a Little Intelligence of Master Mc
Clearys Faimily'? Zabulon Robinson.
"Pembroke, February the 16 Day, 1787."
On the margin is written, in another hand, "Oct 19, 1771,
My father decest."
Notes of explanation to Zabulon's letter:
I. "Mr. Jeremy" Robinson," brother of Zabulon, both sons
of the first wife of Dr. Jeremiah* Robinson.
2. "Our sister Cogswell" was Eunice Robinson Cogswell,
Jeremiah and Zabulon's half sister. She was the first wife of
Lieut. Emerson Cogswell.
3. Dr. Jeremiah* Robinson^ father of "Jeremy" and Zabulon.

"Uncle Jonathan," son of John'.
"Uncle Daniel," son of John'
"Aunt Williams" is unknown.
"Our honored mother-in-law" was Eunice Amsden Rob-

JOHN ROBINSON OF EXETER 115
inson, second wife of Dr. Jeremiah* Robinson and mother of
Eunice Robinson Cogswell, Zabulon's half sister.
8. "Your sister" — Zabulon's wife^ name unknown; nor could
anything be found about the "seven children."
9. "Master McCleary"— unknown, unless he is the Samual
McCleary, Jr., who signs the indenture of Cain Robinson, 1770.
Susannah Cogswell, daughter of James Cogswell and niece of
Jeremiah" Robinson, married a Mr. McCleary. She died in
Westboro in 1894, "at the advanced age of almost ninety-seven."
She was a well-known patriot during our Civil War, taught
school at the South, and was obliged to fly for safety in 1861, and
spent her last dollar on the journey. Horace Maynard, Member
of Congress from Tennessee, is of her branch of the Robinson-
Cogswell family.
It will be easy to read between the lines of John's' will and
surmise that "Mehetabel" was not the mother of the older mem
bers of the family, for the father "portioned them ofif"; but that
she was the mother of Daniel, who has the lion's share of the
inheritance. And besides, if Mehetabel had been the mother of
the older ones, the probability is that there would have been no
need for that antediluvian provision in the will, "as long as she
remains my widow."
The family name of John's' wife is unknown. The children
mentioned in the will are:
I. Lidia, m. Morison.
2. Sarah, m. Palmer.
3. Mary, m. Follensbey (children of)
4. Jonathan Cauley (grandson).
5. John.
Of the above heirs nothing is to be found in any record.
6. Jonathan, lived in Pembroke, N. H., Feb. 16, 1787.
7. Jeremiah* (see later.)
8. Daniel, sole executor of the will, lived in Exeter Oct. 19,
1767, when he bought of his brother, Jeremiah* Robinson of
Westford, Mass., physician, his right "into a certain pew in the
old meeting house at Exeter, which pew formerly belonged to
our honored father John' Robinson, late of Exeter." Daniel's
estate was settled about 1783, but there are no records in Con
cord, N. H., after the Province Period, March, 1771. Jeremiah*
There are many deeds on record to show his identity, and the

ii6 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
different places in which he lived from 1733 to 1771. The first
deed is from John' Robinson of Exeter, June 12, 1748, about a
year before his father died. This deed was to "Jeremiah* Robinson
of Marlboro," but was not recorded until July 17, 1762, and then
to "Jeremiah Robinson of Haverhill, Mass., physician." Other
deeds show that he lived in Littleton 1733, Marlboro 1747, Hav
erhill 1762, Westford 1767. The last recorded deed is July 17,
1762, already mentioned, which reads:
"Jeremiah* Robinson of Westford, Mass Bay, physician,
for twenty shillings sold to Daniel Robinson of Exeter, yeoman,
his right info a certain pew in the old meeting house, which
formerly belonged to our honored father John' Robinson of
Exeter." Province Deeds.'
The name of Jeremiah's* first wife is unknown, except for
this item, found in the church records at Littleton: "Lidia, wife
of Dr. Robinson, admitted to full communion in the church at
Littleton before 1747." His record as a physician while in West
ford is- brief and touching. In 1767, the town voted "not to pay
Dr. Jeremiah* Robinson for doctoring the town poor." He died
there October 19, 1771.
The children of Jeremiah* and Lidia his wife were: i. John,
b. Dec. 26, 1733. 2. Mary, b. Nov. 13, 1735. 3. Olive, b. Sept.
10, 1737. 4. John, b. Nov. 11, 1739. 5. Jeremiah", b. April 4,
1742. 6. Zabulon, b. Feb. 9, 1743 — all born in Littleton, Mass.
Of the first four children of Jeremiah* nothing is known.
For fifth, Jeremiah", see later. Sixth, Zabulon: He was a sol
dier in the Revolutionary War in Capt. McConnel's company of
Pembroke, Mass., May 4, 1777. He has no known descendants.
Jeremiah's* second wife was Eunice Amsden of Marlboro,
born July 27, 1720, married October 14, 1746, died in Concord,
Mass., 1801, aged eighty-one*. Their children were: 7. Thomas
Amsden, born in Littleton, May 23, 1747. 8. Thomas, born in
Littleton, Oct. 27, 1748. 9. Eunice, born in Marlboro, Oct. 13.
1750; married Lieut. Emerson Cogswell, 1733, died in Concord,
Mass., Sept. 11, 1786. 10. Bradbury, born in Marlboro, Aug. 8,
1752, married Abigail  ; two daughters; indentured to John
Aish of Boston, Oct. 22, 1777; will dated Charleston, i799t-

? Concord Church Records.
t April 23, 1775, depositions were taken by authority of the Provincial Congress of men who were
eye-witnesses of the Concord fight on the 19th of April, 1775, and Bradbury Robinson and two others

JOHN ROBINSON OF EXETER 117
II. Cain, born Sept. 15, 1754, named for Robert Cain, a family
friend; indentured to Jeremiah" Robinson, Jr., his half brother,
Sept. 13, 1770. He moved to New York State. 12. Lydia, born
Aug. 14, 1757, married twice; no issue. 13. Winthrop, born July
23, 1760; d. young. 14. Winthrop, born Aug. 12, 1763.
Jeremiah", the fifth child of Dr. Jeremiah* and Lydia, his
first wife, was indentured to John Aish (signed by Robert Cain)
August 22, 1758, "a cordwainer."* He married Susannah Cogs
well, sister of Lieut. Emerson Cogswell (who had married her
husband's sister), October 13, 1767. He died in Concord, Mass.,
July 16, 1815. She died in Mariboro, December 18, 1836. Their
children were:
I. Susannah, m. John Caldwell, April 8, 1783.
2. James, "killed at the horse-sheds" when "a boy."
3. Mary, m. Louis Richards, a refugee (with his mother)
from France, during the French Revolution. They were the
parents of nine children, and their oldest was named Bridget.
Louis Richards and his family moved to Maiden, Mass., in 1806.
4. Eunice Cogswell, born 1775, married Daniel Stevens, Jr.,
of Marlboro, July 20, 1797, died Feb. 20, 1844. They had eleven
children. 5. William'', "a hatter," born in Concord, Mass., April 21,
1776, in the house occupied by the poet W. E. Channing in 1854.
Married Martha Cogswell, daughter of Lieut. Emerson Cogs
well, Nov. 4, 1804. He died in Concord, Dec. 12, 1837. She
died in Concord Nov. 24, 1856, and their gravestones are in
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. They were what is called "double
cousins. "t
6. John, born 1779, "drowned in the North River" July 20,
1795-

of Concord testified that they saw " near one hundred of regular troops, being in the town of Concord
at the north bridge in said town. * * * And they were taking up. said bridge when about three
hundred of our militia were advancing toward said bridge * * * when, without saying anything
to us, they discharged a number of guns on us, which killed two men dead on the spot, and wounded
several others, when we returned the fire on them, which killed two of them, and wounded several,
which was the beginning of hostilities in the town of Concord." Bradbury Robinson was sergeant of
a Concord company under Capt. Abishai Brown, April 20, 1775. " Shattuck's History of Concord,"
pages 349, 352.
* I have his awl, which, held in his good right hand, had kept in comfort, if not in luxury, his
large family of ten. Surely in his case the " awl " was mightier than the " gun " that he used on the
19th of April, 1775.
t *' The children of one or more brothers and sisters who marry sisters or brothers having three
quarters of the same blood, are double cousins to each other." — Shattuck Memorials. N. E. H. G. R.

ii8 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
7. James, born in Concord; Lived in Lynn; married and
had two children, one named Algernon Sidney.
8. Jeremiah, born in Concord, 1782, died Sept. 21, 1797.
9. Lydia, born in Concord, married Benjamin Burditt, July
2, 1805. One of their children, Benjamin Augustus, was the
founder and leader of the celebrated "Burditt's Boston Brass
Band." Has descendants.
10. A daughter, died young.
Jeremiah" lived in Boston in 1770, moved to Concord, Mass.,
about i774-'5 and lived near the "Hill burying ground," in which
he is buried. He was a "minute-man" at the Concord fight April
i9j 1775- While "at the bridge," his wife, Susannah (Cogswell),
with her brick oven heated, was busy cooking food for the sol
diers when they should return from the bridge, when, looking
out of "her window, she saw some of the British "regulars" com
ing down over the "burying hill" towards her house. The gun
was behind her door, as was usual in that troublous time, and
she made ready to defend herself. All they wanted, however,
was food, which she gave them through her window as they
waited outside, she meanwhile standing ready within to defend
herself in case they attacked her. Later, when she heard that
the "regulars" were coming, she went straight to the "meeting
house opposite her own house, took the communion plate,
brought it home and hid it in her soft-soap barrel, in the arch
under the great chimney, where it lay hid till the 'red coats' left
Concord." The husband of Susannah Robinson's sister Eunice (Lieut.
Emerson Cogswell) may well be mentioned here, as the children
of both families intermarried, and were therefore "double cous
ins" to each other.
Lieut. Emerson Cogswell was a direct descendant of John
Cogswell and Thomas Emerson of Ipswich, Mass. (1635). He
moved from Boston to Concord, Mass., about i77i-'3, and was
¦ a Concord "minute-man" and second lieutenant under Capt.
George Minot in 1776; and, in 1778, as lieutenant under Capt.
Francis Brown of Lexington, he served in the army in Ma=-sa-
chusetts and Rhode Island to the close of the Revolution. He
was a member of the " committee of public safety," one of the
founders of the "sociail circle," of Concord, Mass., in 1778, and
was one of the two last survivors of the original twelve mem-

JOHN ROBINSON OF EXETER 119
bers.* His final recorded appearance as a soldier is July 30, 1778,
when he was "drafted from Capt. Minot's company for six weeks'
service in Rhode Island under Brig.-Gen. Sullivan." He was
generous to a fault, and one of his last acts of misplaced friend
ship was to become a bondsman for one Brown ("Old Joe
Brown": Mother Robinson), who ran away to Wellsburg, Va.,
leaving Mr. Cogswell to be responsible for his debts. To meet
this obligation, he sold what remained of his once large landed
property to "Captain" John Saflord of Hamilton, March 18, 1799,
and paid the debt (as his stepdaughter, who saw the transaction
remembered), "in buckets of specie." The money received for
this sale was $1,440.00. The deed was signed by "Emerson
Cogswell and Elizabeth Cogswell." She was his third wife, and
was the widow Buttrick, nee Batemanf. Thus the last of his
property, both inherited and acquired, passed into alien hands.
Emerson Cogswell was a leading man in public affairs, and
many deeds at Cambridge, from i77i-'92, show that he held con
siderable landed property. One of his best gifts to the town of
Concord was on January 28, 1795, where, in a deed of land he
had sold to John BrooksJ, was this agreement : There shall be a
"passage-way of 14 feet between that land near the dwelling
house of Emerson Cogswell and said John Brooks ... so
that their servants and families may pass and repass freely." And
thus, for one hundred and eleven years (1795-1906) this has been
a favorite path to and from the old meeting house. For though
it was not the path to his meeting house, he wanted others, who
did not agree with him in religious belief, to find an easy passage
way to the meeting house of their choice. This meeting house
(now Unitarian) was then Trinitarian, under "Parson Ripley."
Mr. Cogswell was what was called a "Restorationer," or "Univer
salist." He owned and lived in the "old block" in Concord

* Emerson Cogswell died May 13, 1808; Jonathan Fay died Jan. 1, 1811. Shattuck's History of
Concord. t It is through the descendants ot his third wife that Emerson Cogswell is (at this date, 1906) the
tnost fully represented. Her three Cogswell daughters were; Eliza* Ann, m. John Sweetser, one son
hving; Mary*, m. first John Corey, second Stephen'' Pierce, eight children, one of whom, John, was in
the 6th Massachusetts Regiment in the Civil War; Eunice^, m. Richard Whitney of Winchendon, Mass.,
ten children. Among them may be mentioned: Emerson, the eldest, a graduate of Yale, d. unmarried,
1851; Edwin, d. 1870, has issue: Frankhn Oscar, Uving in Boston 1906, unmarried; Richard Man
ning, the youngest .son, served in the Civil War, 21st Massachusetts Regiment, and died in Zan
zibar, unmarried. Her two Hvmg daughters are: Sarah Jane, m. Baxter Whitney, living in
winchendon, Mass., three children living: Eunice Matilda m. John G. Folsom, hving in Winchendon,
four sons living.
X Deed at Cambridge, Feb. 9, 1795.

120 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
which stood near the old meeting house until a few years ago,
when "a certain rich man" removed it, thereby destroying, no
doubt, the historic arch which had preserved that sacred com
munion plate. But the old elm tree that he planted, in the
seventeenth century, near his house, had roots too deep to be
'disturbed, and as it had no commercial value, it stands there
yet, as a monument to his memory.
This "old block" had sheltered a truly patriarchal family.
Lieut. Emerson Cogswell had three wives, and there were at
least seven sets of children in his house at one time. Some of
his children married and lived at home, and from time to time
the "old block" was enlarged to accommodate their growing
needs. His mother, Mary (Pecker) Cogswell, kept school for
the children, and Eunice Robinson, his first mother-in-law,
widow of Dr. Jeremiah' Robinson, who owned the Bible, helped
"do the dishes." Two of his third wife's children married his
children, while his daughter Martha married his sister's son
William'*; and her youngest child, William' Stevens Robinson,
was born there in the "old block." Is it any wonder that in
some of the earlier town records of Concord Emerson Cogswell
is called "a gentleman," while in some of the later ones he is
written down as "a tavern keeper"? He and his first wife,
Eunice Robinson, are buried side by side in the "old burying
hill,'' near the powder house, where their gravestones, with others
of the family, can be seen to-day. They have no descendants
"by the name of Cogswell." Their last surviving grandson,
William Emerson, d. February, 1856, and had no living children.
The children of William" and Martha Cogswell Robinson
were: I. Elbridge Gerry, born in Concord, Mass., June 24, 1805,
married Martha Cogswell Frothingham, May 5, 1836, died July
II, 1854. She- died May 11, 1894. He was a brilliant jour
nalist. Their children (to live) are: Mary Frothingham Robin
son, born March 13, 1838; unmarried. Nathaniel Frothingham
Robinson, born Oct. 29, 1843, died May 20, 1865, unmarried.
He was a corporal in the Salem Light Infantry, 15th Massachu
setts Regiment, was at the siege of Port Hudson and "served
with great credit."
2. Susan, born July 17, 1807, died Oct. 20, 1843, unmarried.
3. Benjamin Franklin, born March 26, 1809, married first

JOHN ROBINSON OF EXETER 121
Paulina Fuller, second Mary Turner; died April 9, 1884. One
son, Charles Fuller, died unmarried.
4. Jeremiah Albert, born May 31, 1812, married Harriet
Amelia Brown; died March 3, 1897. Their children are: Jere
miah Emerson, born Dec. 20, 1832, married Josephine Carpen
ter Sept. 19, 1861. Two daughters and one son, William
Herbert. Martha Harriet, born Jan. 18, 1835, married May 17,
1855, Charles H. McArthur; five children. William Franklin,
born Feb. 12, 1837, died at Tucson, Ariz., May 11, 1867, un
married. He was captain in the 4th Michigan Regiment during
the Civil War, was at the battle of Gettysburg, and was "noted
for his most gallant conduct." He was wounded there and taken
prisoner. Caroline Maria, died young. Lucy Caroline, born
January, 1842, married Julius K. Graves of Dubuque, la., Sep
tember, i860; six children. Addison Brastow, married Mary
Elizabeth Hayden; one daughter, born 1893. Susan (a twin),
born March 12, 1848, married Benj. B. Fay, Oct. 10, 1872; three
children. Albert (a twin), born March 12, 1848, married Jennie
May Baker; three children. One, "Addison Baker," is one of
the two living grandsons (the other is "William Herbert") of
William" and Martha Cogswell Robinson, to bear up the name
of "Robinson." At this date (1906) there is no issue. Mary
Brown, the last of the children of Jeremiah Albert, was bom
June 18, 1850, and is unmarried.
To return to the children of William" and Martha Cogswell
Robinson, his wife:
5. Lucy Call, born Feb. 5, 1816, married John W. Green
Dec. 4, 1838, died Oct. 20, 1840; no issue.
6. William' Stevens, born in Concord, Mass., Dec. 7, 1818,
married Harriet Jane Hanson, Nov. 30, 1848, died March 11,
1876. He was a journalist and parliamentarian, author of "War
rington's Manual of Parliamentary Law," and of the famous
"Warrington" letters (1856-1876) during our Civil War, pub
lished in some of the leading newspapers of the country. He
was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
i852-'53, secretary of the Constitutional Convention of 1853, and
clerk of the Massachusetts House of Representatives 1862- 1873.
Harriet Hanson Robinson, lineal descendant of Thomas
Hanson of Dover, N. H. (1657), and Nicholas Browne of Lynn
and Reading, Mass. (1638), was born in Boston, Mass., Feb. 8,

122 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
1825. She was a contributor to the "Lowell Offering," a pub
lication of the factory girls of Lowell, Mass. (i840-'5o); author
of "Warrington Pen-Portraits" — a compilation of her husband's
writings (1848-1876) with memoir, 1877; "Massachusetts in the
Woman Suffrage Movement," a history, 1881, 1883; "The New
Pandora," a dramatic poem, 1889; and "Loom and Spindle, or
Life Among the Early Mill Girls," 1898. She lives at the family
home in Maiden, Mass.
The children of William' Stevens and Harriet Hanson Rob
inson are:
I. Harriette Lucy^, born in Lowell, Mass., Dec. 4, 1850,
married Sidney Doane Shattuck of Maiden, June 11, 1878; au
thor of the "Woman's Manual of Parliamentary Law," 1891 ;
"Shattuck's Advanced Rules," 1898; "Story of Dante's Divine
Comedy," and "Little Folk East and West."
2. Elizabeth Osborne*, born in Lowell, Sept. 11, 1852, mar
ried George Smith Abbott of Waterbury, Conn., May 14, 1885;
a graduate of Miss Lucy Symonds' Kindergarten Training
School, class of 1883, and one of the pioneer kindergartners in
Connecticut. 3. William Elbridge*, born in Concord, Mass., Oct. 6, 1854,
died in Maiden, Mass., Dec. 14, 1859.
4. Edward Warrington*, born in Maiden, Mass., May 4,
1859, married in Denver, Col., Nov. 11, 1893, Mary Elizabeth
Robinson of Yorkshire, England. He died in Telluride, Col.,
Jan. 8, 1904, and is buried in Denver, Col. He was police magis
trate of San Miguel County, Colorado, and during the great
miners' strike in that State in 1903 he, as "Judge Robinson,"
was the first to apply the "vagrant act" of his city "to crowds
who were collecting and were liable to provoke a breach of the
peace," and by this action succeeded in clearing Telluride of
"vagrant" miners. He took a great responsibility, and his orig
inal manner of procedure received much commendation, not only
in Colorado, but in other States.
The living grandchildren of William' Stevens and Harriet
Hanson Robinson are:
I. Robinson^ Abbott, born in Waterbury, Conn., July 3,
189 1. 2. Martha^ Harriet Abbott, born in Waterbury, Conn., May
28, 1893.

JOHN ROBINSON OF EXETER 123
3. Harriet" Hanson Robinson, born in Pueblo, Col., May
26, 1895. 4. Lucy'* Wynyard Robinson, born in Telluride, Col., Jan.
I, 1899. William' Stevens Robinson was the youngest of a family of
six children, four of them boys, and in his personak, as well as in
his mental characteristics, he bore little resemblance to any of
his brothers — except the eldest. And those of us who are ob
servers of family traits and hereditary tendencies will be inter
ested to read here a description of the character of the Rev.
John Robinson, which I submit to "Warrington's" old-time
friends, hoping that they may detect, as I do, a more than comf
mon resemblance in the mental characteristics of the two men. ;
Governor Bradford, in his "Dialogues," in speaking of the
Rev. John Robinson of Leyden, said of him: "Of learned and
solid judgment, of a quick and sharp wit, yet tender in his con
science and sincere in all his ways, he was a hater of dissimula-
tion and would be very plain with his best friends. He was
affable and courteous, yet so acute in disputation as to be much
dreaded. He was never satisfied till he had searched a matter
to the bottom, and was accustomed to say that he had 'answered
others, but not himself.' Through his singular ability, he was
also a fit manager of . . . civil affairs."
Says the Greek dramatist: "A man is known by his chil
dren." And, may we not add: to the third and fourth, and even
to the seventh and eighth generation of them that love and revere
his memory, and try to follow in his footsteps.

ISAAC ROBINSON
SON OF REV. JOHN ROBINSON OF LEYDEN, HOLLAND, AND
SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS

Mrs. Lucretia (Robinson) Storms.
AVING been asked by a number of the members
of the Robinsori Association about my line of
ancestry from the Rev. John Robinson, and invited
by the secretary to send in my genealogical paper,
I do so hoping other members may find help in
connecting family links in their ancestral search.
I must before speaking of the son Isaac, who was
one of the founders of the State of Massachusetts,
mention the father, Rev. John Robinson of Ley
den, who was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1575, entered
Corpus Christi College at Cambridge in 1592, made a fellow in
1598, resigned in 1604 and gathered a congregation at Lincoln
shire and with them fled to Amsterdam, Holland, in 1608, re
moved from thence to Leyden, Holland, in 1609, where he died
March i, 1625, and was buried beneath the pavement of St.
Peter's Church. He married about 1605 Bridget White. Their
children, as shown by the census taken in Leyden in 1622, were
as follows: I. John, born in England, about 1606.

2. Bridget, '

' " Leyden,

' 1608.

3. Isaac, '

' 1610.

4. Mercy, '

1612.

5. Favor, '

' 1615.

6. Jacob, '

' 1621.
7. A child
" 1623.
Isaac Robinson, the third child of the Rev. John Robinson,
came to America in 1631, in the ship Lyon. In the passenger
list his age is given at twenty-one. Settled first in Scituate,
where he was freeman of the colony in 1633, joined the church in
ISAAC ROBINSON OF BARNSTABLE 125
Scituate November 7, 1636. On the 20th of February he sold
his estate of twelve acres of land and the house which he built to
John Trisden, which was then described as being the fifth lot
from Coleman's Hill. In 1639 ^^ removed to Barnstable. He
took a letter of dismission from the church in Plymouth and
joined the Rev. Thomas Lathrop on the 7th of July. His first
estate in Barnstable was opposite that of Governor Hinckley.
This he also sold and took twenty acres further to the west. In
1639 ^"d 1648 he was a member of the Grand Inquest of the
Colony; in 1641 he was on the jury for trials; in 1645 he was .a
deputy from Barnstable to the General Court at Plymouth; in
i646,-'47-'48 he was a "receiver of excise" for the town, and in
1650 again deputy. In 1660, Jonathan Hatch of Boston, with
Isaac Robinson and twelve others purchased the plantation of
Succamsset, now Falmouth. His party bought their land of the
Jndian chief Quachatesset, by permission of the General Court.
In 1673 he again removed to Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, where
he was a "recorder." For several years he was its selectman.
In 1700 he had divided his estate equally between his three sons,
and in 1701 he deeded the homestead and its garden to Isaac, Jr.
This was the first house built in Falmouth, standing on the south
side of Fresh Pond. In November, 1701, he removed to Barn
stable and made his home with his daughter Fear, the wife of
Rev. Samuel Baker, where he died at the age of ninety-four in
1704. At the age of ninety-two he was represented as a hale
and vigorous man, with locks as white as the drifted snow. "A
venerable man," writes Prince in his Annals, "whome I have
often seen." Prince asserts that he was chosen assistant to the
Governor of the colony in 1646, and in 1647 he was again chosen
as assistant to the Governor.*
He was for a time disfranchised on account of his sympathy
for the Qiiakers, but was restored to citizenship by Governor
Winslow in 1673. He married first at Scituate January 27, 1636,
Margaret Hanford of Scituate. She was a sister of the Rev.
Thomas Hanford and niece of Timothy Hatherly. She died June
13, 1649. Their children were: i. Susannah, born at Scituate
Jan. 21, 1637, died before 1664. 2. John, born at Barnstable
April 5, 1640; went from Falmouth to Connecticut in 1714. 3.

* The name of Isaac Robinson does not appear in the list of Assistants to the Gov
ernors as published in the Old Colony Records.

126 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
Isaac, born in Barnstable Aug. 7, 1642, married Ann  ; was
drowned at Falmouth Oct. 6, 1668. The decision of the inquest
appointed to view the body is preserved as a specimen of the
style of the time: "Wee the jury of inquest appointed to view
the corpse of Isaac Robinson, Jr., do apprehend according to
view and testimony that the means of his death was by going
into the pond to fetch two geese which we conceive to be the
instrumental cause of his death, he being entangled therein."
4. Fear, born at Barnstable Jan. 26, 1644, married Rev. Samuel
Baker of Barnstable. 5. Mercy, born at Barnstable July 4, 1647,
married William Weeks, March 16, 1669. 6. A daughter, June
6, 1649. In 1650 Isaac married his second wife, Mary  (not the
sister of the "famous Elder Faunce of Plymouth," as has been
claimed.)* Children by Mary: i. Israel, born in Barnstable
Oct. 5, 1651; after the death of his brother Isaac in 1668, he took
the name of Isaac. 2. Jacob, born in Barnstable May 10, 1653,
married Experience; died 1733. 3. Peter, born in Barnstable
1655; said to have gone to Norwich, Conn. 4. Thomas, born in
Falmouth 1666-7. Some authorities state that he removed to
Guilford, Conn., but we find no proof of it.
John, the second child of Isaac, born in Barnstable April 5,
1640, was a Representative from the town of Falmouth in
1689- '90- '91. He removed to Connecticut in April, 1714, mar
ried Elizabeth Weeks May i, 1667.
Their children were: i. John, born in Falmouth March 20,
1668; 2. Isaac, born in Falmouth Jan. 30, 1670. 3. Timothy,
born in Falmouth Oct. 30, 1671. 4. Abigail, born in Falmouth
March 20, 1674. 5. Fear, born in Falmouth June 16, 1676.
6. Joseph, born in Falmouth March 31, 1679. 7. Mary. 8. A
son, born Dec. 12, 1683, died Dec. 16, 1683. 9. A daughter, born
May I, 1687, died Aug. 4, 1688.
Timothy, third child of John, married May 3, 1699, Mehitable
Weeks. Their children were: i. Mehitable, born in Falmouth
Feb. 28, 1701. 2. Thomas, born in Falmouth April 3, 1703.
3. Rebecca, born in Falmouth June 9, 1706. 4. Timothy, born
in Falmouth June 17, 1713. 5. John, born in Falmouth Aug. 30,
1716. 6. William, born in Falmouth Aug. 10, 1719.

* Sergeant Harlow married Mary Faunce July 15, 1658. She died his widow, Oct.
4. 1664.

ISAAC ROBINSON OF BARNSTABLE 127
Thofnas Robinson, second child of Timothy, Sr., born in
Falmouth April 3, 1703, married Mary Robinson Sept. 23, 1725.
Their children were: i. Deliverance, born at Falmouth. 2.
Zephaniah, born at Falmouth July 26, 1729. 3. Paul, born at
Falmouth Aug. 11, 173 1. 4. Rhoda, born at Falmouth Feb. 17,
1733- 5- Paul, born at Falmouth April 20, 1734. 6. Mary, born
at Falmouth Feb. 12, 1738. 7. Thomas, born at Falmouth June
13, 1741- Zephaniah Robinson, second child of Thomas, born in
Falmouth July 26, 1729, died in Livermore, Me., March 27, 1805,
married first Ann Hatch of Falmouth; second, married Jediah
West of Rochester, Feb. 27, 1756, by whom he had: i. Shadrach,
born in Falmouth. 2. Stephen, born in Falmouth. 3. Thomas,
born in Falmouth. 4. Cornelius, born in Falmouth. 5. James, born
in Falmouth. 6. Zephaniah, born in Falmouth. 7. Rhoda,
born in Falmouth. 8. Juda, born in Falmouth April 18, 1777,
died 1778. 9. Anna, born in Falmouth Sept. 19, 1779, died 1814.
10. Seth, born in Falmouth. 11. Ellis, born in Falmouth July
2, 1783, died 1832. 12. Paul, born in Falmouth June 17, 1785,
died 1863. 13. Weston, born in Falmouth Aug. 2, 1789, died
1863. 14. Phebe, born in Falmouth July 13, 1790, died 1863.
Many dates not given. As a descendant facetiously re
marked, "Zephaniah, Anna and Jediah must have been so busy
looking after their fourteen children that it is not to be wondered
at that dates were in part overlooked by them. It must have
been quite a task to find appropriate names even."
Shadrach Robinson, son of Zephaniah, born in Falmouth
February 2, 1758, died April 6, 1842, married Deborah Robinson,
the daughter of Jeremiah Robinson who was the son of Peter
and Martha Robinson. Shadrach removed to Chilmark,
Martha's Vineyard, from Naushon, 1810. His house is still •
standing, surrounded by the hills of the western part of Martha's
Vineyard. At the age of eighteen he served in the War of the
Revolution. Their children were: i. John, born October 3,
1781. 2. Jediah, born June 2, 1783, died January, 1820, in
Chilmark. 3. Anne, born March 15, 1785, died May i,
1850, in Livermore, Me. 4. Abigail, born Sept. 5, 1788,
died at West Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, Nov. 17, 1885,
at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. She joined
the Chilmark church in 1812. Her father's house was long

128 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
the home of the early Methodist preachers, and meetings were
held there before any house of worship had been built. During
her early life she taught school in various places on the island,
was a Sunday-school worker, and sometimes superintended the
school. Her memory and mental faculties remained unimpaired
until nearly the last. 5. Rebecca, born April 30, 1790, died 1877
at West Tisbury. 6. Henry Robinson, born Nov. 18, 1792, died
at Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, June 25, 1872, married Lucre
tia Adams at West Tisbury. They had six children. Hannah,
the seventh child of Shadrach, born Aug. 9, 1795, died at West
Tisbury Oot. 1882. 8. James, born Sept. 21, 1797, died 1799.
9. Delia, born June 25, 1800, died Jan. 12, 1891, at West Tisbury.
Lucretia Adams was the daughter of James Adams, b. Sept.
30, 1754, and Dinah Allen, b. 1753, d. November, 1844, his wife.
James Adams was the son of Mayhew Adams, b. Dec. 22,
1729, d. Oct. 2, 1823, and Rebecca Mayhew, d. July 11, 1819, his
wife. Mayhew Adams was the son of Eliashib* Adams, b. May 9,
1699, and Reliance Mayhew, m. Feb. 18, 1729, his wife.
Eliashib Adams was the son of Edward Adams and Eliza
beth Walley, m. May 19, 1629, his wife.
Edward Adams was the son of Edward Adams, d. Nov. 12,
1716, and Lidia  , his wife.
Edward Adams was the son of Henry Adams, d. Oct. 8,
1646, and  , his wife.
Henry Adams was born in Devonshire, England. Came to
America 1632; 1635 settled at Braintree, now Quincy. He was
the ancestor of John Adams, President of U. S. A.
* What first brought Eliashib Adams to the shores of Martha's Vineyard is un
known to us, but he settled in Chilmark, and on Feb. 18, 1729, married Reliance May
hew, daughter of Rev. Experience Mayhew.

SHADRACH ROBINSON HOUSE

HISTORY OF THE FELL, HAMER AND
ROBINSON FAMILIES
BY
Mrs. Emily Vicks Hamer (Henry Clay) Holbrook
Atlanta, Ga.
I.
THE FELLS
HE Fells* derive their name from the district of
Furness Fells — ^the general name for High Fur-
ness in England. They were one of the most
ancient families in Furness. The Fells of Redman
Hall are known to have been there for nineteen
generations. Another family of the same rank,
and doubtless of the same antiquity, were the Fells
of Hawkswell. Another are the Fells ol Swarth-
moor Hall. Still another the Fells of Dalton
Gate. The Fells of Dane Ghyll Flan How near Furness Abbey
are of the same family as the Fells of Swarthmoor Hall. Long-
lands — the ancestral home of one branch of the family of Fells,
is about seventeen miles from Keswick. The estate of Long-
lands is known to have been owned by the Fells more than six
hundred years. In the rear rises the mountain known as Long-
lands Fell, and about a mile distant is the renowned Skiddaw
mountain. There is a spring on the fell behind the house which
has supplied it with water for many centuries. The House of
Longlands is a long, solidly built structure, of old red sandstone.
A family house of many rooms, all of which have joist ceilings.
The steps of the stairway are also of red sandstone, worn away
on the baluster side. The window frames are small, with small
diamond-shaped window panes. Over one of the doorways is a
stone bearing this inscription: J. R. F. 1688. A wing rebuilt or
added to, by the eldest son of John and Margaret Fell six years

v^ Ng N^ ^^ -v^
-Vjg \^ N^ ^^ V.^
^^ ^ ^ ^

* From Genealogy of the FeU Family.

I30 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
after his marriage, from the fact of Longlands having been owned
by the Fells of Longland for more than six hundred years. An
ancient branch of the family are the Fells of Dalton Gate. The
following narrative is a copy of the original, written by Joseph
Fell, and found among some old papers in the garret of the old
house in Buckingham, where it had lain unnoticed for more than
fifty years, and dated "Buckingham, the sixth day of the 12th
month 1744,."
"A narrative or an account of my birth and transactions of
life from a child to old age. I was born at Longlands, in the
Parish of Uldale, in the County of Cumberland in old England.
My father's name was John Fell, my mother's name was Mar
garet Fell. I was born in the year 1668, on the nineteenth day
of October. My father dyed when I was about two years old,
and my mother lived about 20 years a widow. When I was in
the 30th year of my age, I came to this country. Took shipping
at White Haven in Cumberland. Mathias Gale Captain of the
Shipp. He victualled the shipp at Belfast in Ireland. We
stayed about a week there and got sail again, and after we left
sight of Ireland, in 29 days, we came in sight of land near the
Capes of Virginia. And our ship was called Cumberland, and
they cast anchor in the mouth of Potomeck River, and we went
ashore in Virginia, and there we got a shallop to Choptand in
Maryland, and from thence to Frenchtown, and so to Newcastle,
and then we took boat to Bristoll in this county 1705."
There is much more of this interesting "narrative," but this
will suffice to tell how the first Fell came to America. He was
followed by Edward and William Fell early in 1700, who also
came from Cumberland in England, and settled "Fells Point" in
Baltimore. William Fell married Lucy  , and had issue a daugh
ter, Lucy Fell, who married John Robinson, son of John Robin
son of Middlesex County, Virginia. They had a family of chil
dren, some of whom remained in Virginia and Baltimore. One
son, John Robinson, came into Georgia between the years of 1776
and 1780, and married Mary, the daughter of John and Mary
Raymond of Augusta, Ga. They had a large family of children.
One son, William Fell Robinson, married Elizabeth, daughtei
of James Hutchinson and Cythea Clarke of Augusta, Ga., and
removed to Claiborne County, Mississippi. They had four chil-

FELLS OF DALTON GATE.

FELLS OF LONGLANDS.

FELLS OF swarthmoor HALL.

132 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
dren, Amazon, James Fell, Eliza, and Caroline. Amazon Rob
inson married William Hicks Hamer, son of Charles Hamer and
Elizabeth Hicks. Issue: Charles Hicks Hamer, Malachi
Bedgegood Hamer, Caroline Hicks Hamer, Mary Robinson
Hamer, William JHenry Clay Hamer, Charles Franklin Hamer,
Emily Vick Hamer, Amazon Medora Hamer.
Emily Vick Hamer married Henry Clay Holbrook, son of
Edward Holbrook and Araminta Dormer Atkinson of Louisville,
Ky. — formerly of Baltimore, Md. — and had issue, Mary Eliza
Holbrook, William Hamer Holbrook, Edward Atkinson Hol
brook. Mary Eliza Holbrook married Clarke Palmer Cole, son of
Moses Cole and AmeHa Clarke of Atlanta, Ga., and had issue —
Mary Holbrook Cole, Eugenia Clarke Cole (deceased), Marshall
Clarke Cole (deceased).
FELLS OF DALTON GATE.
BURKE'S PEERAGE.
Arms. Or. three lozenges conjointed in fesse az. on the
middle one a Catherine wheel thereon a cross pattee fitchee of
the first, in chief a rose between a portcullis and a leopard's face
of the second, all within a bordure gu, charged with three loz
enges and as many escallops, alternately ar.
Crest. A dexter arm embowed in armour ppr garnished or.,
holding in the hand ppr. a tilting spear ppr.
Motto. Patribus et posteritati. II.
CAPTAIN RALPH HAMER
BY
Mrs. Emily Vicks Hamer Holbrook
From The First Republic in America. — Brown.
Capt. Ralph Hamer left London with Lord De La Warr,
sailing from "Cowes" on the De La Warr, April the nth, 1610,
accompanied with the "Blessing of ^Plymouth" and the "Hercules
of Rye" — with supplies for the Colony, and about one hundred

CAPTAIN RALPH HAMER 133
and fifty emigrants, being for the most part artificers, including
"Frenchmen, to plant vines," and "William Henrich Faldoe, a
Swiss, to find mines," accompanied by "Knights and Gentlemen
of Quality." Lord De La Warr reached Jamestown with his
ships on Sunday, June the 20th., 1610.
June the 22nd. the Lord Governor and Captain General or
ganized the Government of the Colony, under the Charter to the
Company (The Virginia Company of London) which it was
deemed best to make as strong and absolute as possible, "in the
beginning." On the same day the "Lord Governor elected unto
himself a Council" and constituted and gave places of office and
charge, to divers Captains and Gentlemen, unto all of whom he
administered oath of faith, assistance, and secrecy, mixed with
the oath of allegiance and Supremacy to his Majesty (James I.)."
Ralph Hamer was made clerk of the Council. January 161 2
Ralph Hamer was Secretary of the Colony. July 1613 Ralph
Hamer writes: "Argall furnished us by two trading voyages
with 2300 bushels of corn, (besides supplying his own men) estab
lished peace by the capture of Pocahontas, repaired our weather-
beaten boats, and furnished us with new also, both strong and use
ful." March ist., 1614 while they were up the Pamaunkie (now
known as York River) "parleeing with the Indians'' Capt. Ralph
Hamor (Hamer) made known to Sir Thomas Dale, the love
which had long existed between his friend, John Rolfe and Poca
hontas, by delivering to Sir Thomas, a letter from Rolfe explain
ing the situation. Hamer, with Thomas Savage as interpreter,
and two Indian guides, left Bermuda City early in the morning
of May the 25th. on a visit to Powhatan, and returning arrived
in the night of May the 29th. He afterward published a long
account of this visit in his "True Discourse of the Present Estate
of Virginia" (1615). In this book he gives a description of the
country, condition of the Colony, with an account of the Settle
ments at that time. This book was discovered in London by
Mr. Conway Robinson of Richmond, Va., and presented to the
Virginia Historical Society.
London. Oct. 30th. 1614, "In the Treasurer, just from Vir
ginia, arrived Capt. Ralph Hamer, late Secretary of the Colony,
and entered at Stationer's Hall, for pubHcation, his "True Dis
course of the Present Estate of Virginia, and the successe of
the affaires there till the i8th. of June 1614, etc." It is dedicated

134 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
to Sir Thomas "Smith, whom he praises greatly for "upholding
of this imployment, though it appeared in the beginning, as full
of discouragement." Nov. 28th., 1616, Ralph Hamer having returned from Eng
land, "the Preparative Court was held, and on the 30th. the
Michaelmis Quarter Court, at which Admiral Samuel Argall, was
elected to be the present Deputy Governor in Virginia, Capt.
Ralph Hamer, Vice-Admiral, Capt. John Martin— Master of the
Ordnance, and John Rolfe, Secretary and Recorder."
Jan. i8th. 1617 at a meeting of the Company, Capt. Ralphe
Hamer had eight shares given him, and at another meeting, one
week later, "Bills of Adventure were allowed to Capt. Ralph
Hamer for every man transported at his charge, being to the
number of 16."
May 27th. or 28th. Argall, accompanied by Vice-Admiral
Ralph Hamer, and John Rolfe, Secretary and Recorder, went up
to Jamestown, where he "found all boats out of repair" and sends
Captain Martin's pinnace to the North to "fetch the boats ye
fishing Company" gave him.
In April 1621, Sir Edward Peyton on "a petition from two
Captains, Planters in Virginia: — Ralph Hamor and Wm.
Tucker," had drafted "An Act for Restraint of the inordinate
use of tobacco."
At the Virginia Court of March 23, 162 1 Mr. Ralph Hamer
passed six shares of his stock in the Virginia Company to Thomas
Melling, and Capt. Ralph Hamer passed two shares to Henry
Hutchinson." Nov. 28th. 1621 Sir George Yeardley's term as Governor
expired, and Sir Francis Wyatt succeeded him. "Among the
documents brought from England by him, were his own com
mission, and the commissions of the sundry recently appointed
officials of the Council of State:"
Sir Francis Wyatt, Governor.
Captain Francis West -\
Sir George Yeardsley > Marshals of Virginia.
Sir William Newce '
Ralph Hamer

John Rolfe
Roger Smith
and others,

- King's Council.

CAPTAIN RALPH HAMER i35
The Court of July 20th. 1621 ordered Sir Francis Wyatt
and the Council "to set out the land given the widow of Capt.
Christopher Newport (he having been killed by the Indians).
Capt. Ralph Hamer was given order to see it done according to
Mrs. Newport's desire."
At this time came a big uprising of the Indians. "So sud
den in their cruel execution, that few or none discerned the
weapon or blow that brought them to destruction." Johu
Berkely and John Rolfe were killed. Towards evening after the
slaughter "Captain Hamer went out with a "ship and pinnace to
Flowerlieu Hundred, trying to save such people" as might have
"lyen wounded" at the different Plantations.
On June 27th. Hamer made an agreement with the King of
Potomac against Opechancanough "their and our enemy." He
also slew divers of the Necochincos, that sought to "circumvent
him by treacherie." June 1622 "Hamer was a second time em
ployed to the Potomacs" but they "likewise proved our most
treacherous enemies, cunningly circumventing" and "cruelly
murdering such as were employed abroad, to get relief from
them, and Hamer slew more of them."
London: Oct. 2nd., 1622: — At the Virginia Court, a letter
from Capt. Hamer in Virginia, was read.
Late in March 1623 a suit comes up before the Council of
State, which Council was composed of
Governor Wyatt,
Sir George Yeardley,
Mr. George Sandys,
Ralph Hamer,
George Pountis (Pryntz)
Roger Smith.
The General Assembly met Feb. 29th. 1624. George Yeard
ley, Ralph Hamer, Sir Francis Wyatt and others, thirty-one in
number, sent in Report of condition of Colony to England signed
by members of the King's Council and House of Burgesses.
The "Anne" arrived in Virginia soon after March 6th. 1625
with the Royal Commission of Sept. 5th. 1624 authorizing Sir
Francis Wyatt to be the Royal Governor and Sir George Yeard
ley, Ralph Hamor (and others) to be the King's Council in Vir
ginia, to "govern the Colony temporarially until some other con
stant and settled course could be decided upon and established

136 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
by the King." There was nothing in the Commission to en
courage the hope for a continuance of popular rights. There
was no provision for a House of Burgesses, nor General Assem
bly. The King had now resumed the Government of the Colony.
Resumed by the Crown.
England and Virginia James I.
June 26th. 1624
April 6th. 1625
Charles 1st. April 6th. 1625 to Feb. 1627.
March 14th. 1626 "Charles I. being forced by many other
urgent occasions (in respect of our late accessments unto the
Crown) to continue the same means that was formerly thought
fit for the maintenance of the said Colony and Plantation until
we shall find some other more 'convenyent' means upon mature
advice to give more ample Directions for the same, and reposing
assured Trust and confidence in the understanding. Care, Fideli-
tie, Experience and circumspection of them, appoint Sir George
Yeardley to be his present Governor. Francis West, George
Sandys, Ralph Hamer, William Tucker, Roger Smith (and
others) his present Council in Virginia, with very much the same
powers as previously granted in the Royal Commission since
1624." Captain Ralph Hamer went to Virginia in 1610. Returned
to England in 1614. Returned to Virginia 8th of Jan. 1617,
bringing with him his wife, Elizabeth (her two children) Jeremy
and Elizabeth Clement, his Father, Ralph Hamer, Sr., his
brother, Thomas. Capt. Hamer was a member of the King's
Council in Virginia from 161 1 to 1628 and "possibly after."
Was Colonial Secretary from 161 1 to 1614, was Captain in the
Army and Vice-Admiral. From Virginia Colonial Register:
Ralph Hamer (Hamor in duplicate). Born in England.
Died about March 1627-8.
"Being the muster of the inhabitants of James Cittie, taken
the 24th. of January, 1624. Captain Ralph Hamer (Hamor in
duplicate.). Muster of Capt. Ralph Hamer:
Capt. Ralph Hamer,
Mrs. Elizabeth Hamer,
Jeremy Clement, ) ,
Elizabeth Clement

RCeii^S€N BEVERLY.

COAT OF ARMS

^ '^f1?^

iKial-fiifeiigiiia

COAT OF ARMS
Robinson of Ireland— Rokely Hall

UTCHIHSO^.

COAT OF ARMS

CAPTAIN RALPH HAMER 137
Servants.
John Lightfoote, in the "Seaflouer."
Francis Gibbs, in the "Seaflouer."
Ann Adams, her maid.
The rest of the servants, provisions, armes, &c., at Hog
Hand. Hog Island.
The muster of Capt. Ralph Hamer's servants:
Jeoffrey Hull, came in the "George."
Mordecay Knight, in the "Wilham St. George."
Thomas Doleman, in the "Returne."
Elkinton Ratcliffe, in the "Seaflouer."
Thomas Powell, in the "Seaflouer."
John Davies, in the "Guifte."
"By clame in Hog Hand 250 Acres planted. Blunt Pointe.
Capt. Ralph Hamer (Hamor in duplicate) 500 acres by order of
Court." From "Meade's Old Churches and Families":
"Mr. Hamer was a man of high standing in the Colony.
His residence was at Bermuda Hundred, a few miles only, from
Henriopolis, where Sir Thomas Dale and the Rev. Alexander
Whitaker lived. He appears to have been intimate with them
both and tO' have partaken of their pious spirit. It is one evi
dence of the estimation in which he was held, that the severest
punishment ever inflicted in the Colony, was on a man who
uttered slanderous words against Mr. Hamer. Mr. Hamer's
work, from which we take the following extracts, was obtained
by Mr. Conway Robinson of Richmond, Va., on a late visit to
England, and presented to- the Historical Society of Virginia. It
is the most reliable and authentic work on the early history of
Virginia. His religious character is seen in the following."
Here follows extract. "It was reprinted at Albany, New York,
in i860. Originals are preserved in the libraries of Mr. Charles
Deane, Mr. Kalbflusch, the Lenox, and the John Carter Brown.
An original in the Drake sale, March, 1883, fetched $345.00.
Quaritch prices a copy at $500.00. John Rolfe, CCCLVIIL,
mentions this tract as having been 'faithfully written by a Gent'
of good merit, Mr. Ralph Hamer,' thus endorsing the account of
his marriage and letter (CCCXXVIII)."
William Hicks Hamer, descendant of Ralph Hamer, mar-

138 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
ried Amy Robinson, daughter of William Fell Robinson, son of
John of Virginia. III.
ROBINSON FAMILY
BY
Mrs. Emily Vicks Hamer Holbrook
*The first of the Robinson family of whom we have any
account, was John Robinson of Cleasby, Yorkshire, (England)
who married Elizabeth Potter of Cleasby, daughter of Christo
pher Potter, from whom no doubt, the name of Christopher, so
common in the family, was derived. (Burke's Peerage gives
account of John Robinson of Crostwick in the Parish of Ronald-
kirk, CO. York. m. Anne Dent and was GreatGrandfather of the
Rev. John Robinson Lord Bishop of Bristol and London.)
The fourth son of John Robinson was Dr. John Robinson,
Bishop of Bristol, and while Bishop, was British Envoy for some
years at the Court of Sweden, writing while there, a history of
Sweden. He was also British Plenipotentiary at the Treaty of
Utrecht, being, it is supposed, the last Bishop or Clergyman
employed in a public service of that kind. He afterward became
Bishop of London, in which office he continued until his death,
1723. He was twice married, but left no issue. He devised his
real estate" to the eldest son of his brother Christopher, who had
migrated to what was Rappahannock, on the Rappahannock
River. He was one of the first Vestrymen mentioned on the
Vestry-book in Middlesex County, in 1664, and married Miss
Bertram. His oldest son, who inherited the Bishop of London's
estate, was John Robinson who was born in 1683, who was also
a Vestryman of Middlesex, and became President of the Council
in Virginia. He married Catherine Beverly, daughter of Robert
Beverly, author of the "History of Virginia," published in 1708.
He had seven children; one of them named John Robinson was
Treasurer and Speaker of the Colony. Another son Henry mar
ried a Miss Waring. Another married in New York. Christo
pher Robinson who first came over to^ Virginia, had six children.
Of John the eldest, we have already spoken. Christophe*-
* From Meade's Old Churches and Families 'n Virginia, 1857.

THB ROBINSON FAMILY 139
married a daughter of Christopher Wormley of Essex. Ben
jamin, Clerk of Caroline County, married a Miss King, and was
the father of the Reverend William Robinson, Minister of Strat
ton Major, in King and Queen. His daughter Clara married
Mr. James Walker of Urbanna, in Middlesex. His daughter
Anne married Dr. John Hay. Of his daughter Agatha, nothing
is known. One of the descendants of the family married Mr.
Carter Braxton, and others intermarried with the Wormleys,
Berkeleys, Smiths, &c. The worthy family of Robinsons in
Norfolk and Richmond, also those in Hanover, were derived
from the same stock. A branch of this family moved to Canada ;
and some of them have held high civil and military stations under
the English Government there and in the Mother Country. Mr.
Speaker Robinson was held in high esteem by General Washing
ton, as their correspondence shows. The following epitaph has
been furnished me: EPITAPH :
"Beneath this place lieth all that could die of the late worthy
John Robinson, Esq., who was a representative of the County of
King and Queen, and Speaker to the House of Burgesses above
twenty eight years. How emminently he supplied that dignified
office, and with what fidelity he acted as Treasurer to the Coun
try beside, is well known to us, and it is not unlikely future ages
will relate. He was a tender husband, a loving father, a kind
Master, a sincere friend, a generous benefactor, and a solid
Christian. Go, reader, and to the utmost of your power imitate
his virtues." The Reverend William Robinson, as appears by the follow
ing extract of a letter to the Bishop of London, and the records
of the Vestry-book, was ordained in 1743, and became Minister
of Stratton Major in 1744, continuing to be so until his death
in 1767 or 1768. He became Commissary in the year 1761.
Governor Faquier was much dissatisfied with his appointment,
and so expressed himself in a letter to England. The opposition
of the Governor was no sure proof of the unworthiness of Mr.
Robinson. The Governor was an arbitrary, high tempered man,
who could not brook opposition, and Mr. Robinson was no
negative, submissive character to crouch before authority. They
had had one or two serious re-encounters during the six or seven

140 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
years of his Commissaryship. His correspondence with the
Bishop of London on the affairs of the Church was lengthy and
able. He espoused the cause of the Clergy on the occasion of
the Two-penny Act or Option Law, with zeal and fearlessness,
though without success. He had an independent fortune of his
own, and was therefore the less liable to be charged with mer
cenary motives. The following extract from a- letter to the
Bishop of London in 1765, shows that he had reason to believe
that he still had enemies whose communications to the ears of
the Bishop were unfavorable. The continuance of his labour
during the whole of his ministry for twenty four years in the
same Parish, and where there was rnuch of character and wealth
and talent, and such zeal and liberality in regard to all church
matters, speak well in his behalf."
Extract of letter from Mr. Robinson to the Bishop of Lon
don, dated May 23, 1765:
"My Lord — I have some reasons to apprehend that en
deavours have been made tO' prejudice your Lordship against me,
but in what particular I know not. I must therefore beg your
Lordship's patience while I give some account of myself. I was
born in Virginia. At ten years old I was sent to England for
my education, which was in the year 1729. I continued in school
in that country, until the year 1737, at which time, I was admit
ted a Member of Oriel College in Oxford. After I had taken
my B-A degree, I was chosen by the Provost and Fellows to one
of Dr. Robinson's Bishop of London's (who was my great uncle)
Exhibitions, which I enjoyed for three years, the term limited by
his Lordship (my uncle). In June 1743, I was ordained Priest
by Dr. Gibson, Bishop of London. I returned to my native
country in the year 1744 (October). The November following
I was received into Stratton Major Parish in King and Queen
County, where I have continued Rector ever since. I can with
truth assure your Lordship, I have always lived in the greatest
harmony with my parishioners, and I believe no Minister could
be more respected by them than I am. I have always studiously
avoided giving any just cause of offense to anyone, especially
those in authority. Your Lordship, I hope, will excuse my say
ing so much in my own behalf, but there is a time when it is
requisite for a man to praise himself; and as to the truths of what
I have said I can appeal to my whole Parish."

THE ROBINSON FAMILY 141
ROBINSON OF BEVERLY.
BURKE'S PEERAGE.
Lineage. John Robinson of Crostwick in the parish of
Ronaldkirk, co. York, m. Anne Dent, and was great-grandfather
of The Rt. Rev. John Robinson, D.D. Lord Bishop of Bristol,
and afterwards of London, in the reign of Queen Anne; and of
Christopher Robinson, of Cleasby, co. York, who settled in Vir
ginia temp. Charles II. became Colonial Secretary to Sir Wil
liam Berkely, Governor of that Colony; and d. in 1690, aged 45.
His 2nd son, John Robinson President of the Council of Vir
ginia, was b. in Virginia; and m. Catharine dau. of Robert
Beverly of that Colony, formerly of Beverly in Yorkshire (Eng
land) . He had issue by this marriage, six sons and two daus.
Arms. Per chevron, vert and az. on a chevron, nebule be
tween three stags, trippant or, an unicorn's head, couped
between two cinquefoils, of the first. Crest. A stag trippant or
semee of lozenges, az,- and resting the Dexter fore-foot on a
millrind sa.
Motto. Propere et provide.
John Robinson Colonel Took oath Aug. 5, 1729. William
Robinson Gent, commissioned to be Major. Oath Sept. 7, 1743.
SOME NOTABLE FAMILIES OF AMERICA.
ROBINSONS OF IRELAND.
This branch of the Robinson family came from County
Armagh, Ireland, but are said to have lived in that country only
a short time, and to have come originally from England. The
first of the family to come to America was Alexander Robinson,
born 1751, died August 9, 1845. About 1780 he settled in Balti
more, Md. The Robinson arms, as represented in these pages,
are preserved upon an old wooden shield, which has been for
a number of years in the possession of Hon. Alexander Robin
son Pendleton of Winchester, Va. They are identical with
those belonging to the family of Christopher and Anthony Rob
inson of Middlesex County, Virginia. This family came to
America many years prior to the Revolution, but it is probable
that the Baltimore and Middlesex families have a common an
cestor in the Mother Countrv.

THE LINE OF SAMUEL ROBINSON
OF REHOBOTH, MASS.

? ? ? ?
? ? ? ?
? 9 ? ?

Ebenezer Turner Robinson, M. D.
Of Orange City, Fla.
AMUEL^, son of George the Scotchman, who settled
in Rehoboth, Mass., about the year 1640, and had
a son Ebenezer-% who was born in Rehoboth July
19, 1697, and he had a son, Dr. Ebenezer*, who
was born at Attleboro, Mass., October 26, 1726.
The children of Dr. Ebenezer* were: i. Eben
ezer", who died at sea; 2. Josiah^; 3. Joseph".
Josiah" was my great-grandfather. He first mar
ried Sally Grafton, and after her death married
Mary Parkhurst, daughter of Samuel Parkhurst, about the year
1770. The children of Josiah^ Robinson and Mary Parkhurst
were: I. Samuel", b. June 3, 1771.
2. Mary", b. Aug. 13, 1774.
3. Sally", b. July 26, 1776.
4. Eunice", b. June 8, 1778.
5. Martha", b. July 30, 1780.
6. Ebenezer", b. March 30, 1782.
7. Stephen", b. Dec. 15, 1785.
8. Harvey", b. Aug. 13, 1787.
9. Mehitabel", b. April 22, 1790.
10. Isaac", b. Sept. 28, 1795.
Samuel" Robinson m. Abigail or Abby  . They left two
sons and three daughters. They were SamueP Parkhurst,
Charles'', Tabitha', Mary' and Abby'. SamueP Parkhurst m.
Helen Goodwin of East Hartford, Conn. They had one son
Edward' and one daughter Ella' Edward' m. a Clark. They
have two children, AJice* and Helen", and are living in New
York. Ella' m. in California a Mr. Crowell. She died several

a.

SAMUEL ROBINSON OF REHOBOTH 143

years ago, leaving a son and daughter. Tabitha' Robinson m.
an Adams for her first husband. They had two sons, John' and
Charles'. She afterwards m. an Amidon and lived in Canterbury,
Conn., and is said to have had a daughter'. Mary' Robinson m.
Robert Fowler and has three children living. They are Mary'
Smith, Eliza' Clark and George' Fowler. Abby' Robinson, who
m. a Harrington, was living in 1904. Charles' Robinson left
home years ago and is not supposed to be living. This is all I
know of Samuel" Robinson.
Mary" Elizabeth Robinson m. Elijah Dyer of Plainfield,
Conn.; they had four children: William', Harvey' R., Mary'
Ehzabeth, and Dr. Elijah' Dyer of Norwich, Conn. William' m.
Miss James of Providence, R. I., and lived in Central Village,
Conn. Left one child who was living in 1904, named Mary'.
Harvey' Robinson Dyer m. Sarah A. Wood, daughter of Levi
and Sally Wood. Harvey' Dyer was a farmer and lived in Can
terbury, Conn. They left one daughter, Susan', who m. Judge
Daniel W. Bond and lives in Waltham, Mass. They have three
children: Minnie'', Charles^ and Henry" H. Bond. Minnie" m.
Wilber E. Barnard. Charles" m. Viney L. Wood. He is a law
yer in Boston. Henry" H. was in Harvard Law School in 1904
Mary' Elizabeth Dyer m. Kimball Kennedy and lived in Central
Village, Conn. Their children were: Mary' Elizabeth, Emma*
S., William' Henry, Willis' (dead), Lizzie' (single.) Mary' E.
Kennedy m. Dr. Matthew S. Nichols, D.D. S., one child living
in Providence, R. I., to wit: Walter Kimball" Nichols, who m.
Edith Martin; no children.
3. Sally" Robinson m. Elias Shepherd of Norwich, Conn.
Family all dead.
4. Eunice" Robinson m. Timothy Tingley of Attleboro,
Mass. Both dead.
5. Martha" Robinson m. Deacon Jacob Lyon of West
Woodstock, Conn. The children were: Martha', Mary', Sarah'.
Martha' m. Stephen' Henry Robinson, her cousin, and lived in
Providence, R. I. Their children were: Sarah' M., Stephen' H.,
Jr., Ella', Jacob' L., Martha' All dead except Stephen H., who
is a Congregational minister in Gilmanton, N. H.
6. Ebenezer" Robinson, who m. Sarah Gardiner Congdon of
Attleboro, Mass., were my grandfather and grandmother. They
had children as follows: Hope' Grafton, b. in Plainfield (?), Conn.;

144 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
Josiah' Warren, b. Canterbury, Conn., and lived in Providence,
R. I., was a graduate of Yale Medical School, and m. Dorcas
Greene. Their children were: Josiah' W. Greene, Jr., died single
— was in the Civil War from 1861 to 1864. Henry' Greene m.
Sarah Rhodes Fisher of Providence, R. I.; no children. Emily'
Elizabeth Greene, single. Adela' Irene Greene m. George Nel
son Sanger of South Woodstock, Conn., but lived in Providence,
R. I. Their children were: George" Nelson, no children, and
Arthur", deceased. Abby' Jane m. Thomas Boyd, Jr., of Provi
dence, R. I. Children are: Clara" Jackson, Bertha" (deceased),
Ella" Greene and Louise". Ebenezer' George m. Henrietta Vars.
Children are: Mary" (deceased), Lawrence" Warwick, Philip"
Remington, Earle", Ebenezer"- Sarah' Louise Robinson Greene
m. Clement Rutter Stotesbury and lives in Philadelphia, Pa. No
children. The children of Ebenezer" Robinson were Hope' Grafton, b.
in Plainfield (?), Conn.; Josiah' W., Mary' E., Ebenezer' P.,
William' R., Harvey' G,, Abby' W., Stephen' H., all b. in Can
terbury, Conn.
Hope' Grafton m. "Sebra" or Seabury Dart, and lived
in Providence, R. I.; left three children. They were Sarah' D.,
Henry' J., and Mary' Eliza; the two latter died single. Sarah'
D. m. Thomas W. Williams of Pomfret, Conn., and survives
him; no children.
The next child of Ebenezer" Robinson was Mary' E., who m.
Alanson Smith of Providence, R. I. Their children were : Eben
ezer' Harvey Smith, single. Mary' S. A. Smith m. Edwin R.
Holden; they had one child, Sarah, who died in the fourth year
of her age. Henry' A. Smith m. Elizabeth Hartman of Hart
ford, Conn.; their children were Harriet", Julia", Abby" Wood
ward, who m. Archibald Roulston; Grace" Elizabeth", who m.
Peleg W. Barber; Joseph" Henry. William' R. Smith, Charles'
H. Smith, died young. Julia' J. Smith m. a Harris; no children.
Ebenezer' P. Robinson, who was my father, m. Jane Burr, who
died at the age of twenty-nine. Their children were: Ebenezer'
Turner Robinson, the writer of this paper; James' Henry Rob
inson, who died in his second year. Ebenezer' P. Robinson m.
for his second wife Anna Louisa Hicks; no children. William'
Robinson m. Elizabeth Mumford and lived in Providence,
R. I., and Brooklyn, N. Y. Their children were: Mary' Eliza-

SAMUEL ROBINSON OF REHOBOTH 145
beth, William' J., Edward' R., Henry' A., Josephine", Charles'
M. Mary' E. m. Thomas H. Wood, one child, Delia, who died
young. William' J. m. Isabel Braman of Brooklyn, Conn.;
one child, .a son, who is Prof. Archibald Robinson of Boston.
Edward' R. m. Georgiana Stone of Putnam, Conn.; both
dead, no children. Henry' A. m. and left a wife and children
who live in Brooklyn, N. Y. Josephine' m. Walter Hutchins
of Pomfret, Conn. ; they had one son, whose name, I believe, was
Walter" Charles' M. m.; no children. Harvey' G. Robinson
m. Susan J. Phillips and lived in Providence, R. I. Their chil
dren were: Walter' G. Robinson, still living in Gainesville,
Fla. Harvey' P. Robinson m. Amy Knight of Providence, R. I.
Their children were: Kittie", who m. a Bard of Brooklyn, Conn.,
and have several children^". Harvey' P. died in 1902, and left a
widow and a number of children. The family live in East Green
wich, R. I. Jennie' Robinson m. Frederick Bosworth and is
living at Warwick, R. I.; no children, survive her husband.
Charles' Frank Robinson m. Miss Anthony of Indiana, both
deceased. Louis' Elmer Robinson m. and has two children and
is living in Providence, R. I. Thomas' Congdon Robinson
died in infancy. Annie' Robinson, a widow, m. a Van Demeter
and has one daughter, Emily"- Abby' Woodward Robinson
died single at the age of sixty-nine years. Stephen' H. Robin
son died at the age of thirty-two years, the result of an accident,
having been thrown from the top of a stage coach while traveling.
He left several children, but only one survives, who is Rev.
Stephen' H. Robinson of Gilmanton, N. H.
Of my grandfather Ebenezer Robinson, I only know that he
taught school in Attleboro, Mass., when a young man, and it is
there that I suppose he first met my grandmother (?). He also
served "Uncle Sam" in the War of 1812. His regiment was
stationed behind a hill, securely sheltered from the cannonade of
the British war vessels, at New London, Conn.. My grand
father's early life was spent in farming in Canterbury, Conn.,
though later on he lived in Pawtucket, R. I., from which place
he removed to Providence, where he was engaged in the grocery
business for awhile. Afterwards he set two of his sons up in
the dry-goods business, namely, Harvey' G. and Stephen' H.

146 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
About the year 1846 he retired and removed to Pomfret, Conn.,
where he passed the remainder of his life. He lived to the good
old age of eighty-one years.
Stephen" Robinson, the seventh son of Josiah=, m. a Miss
Huntington and their children were: Asabel' of Attleboro, Mass.;
Henry' and Dana' of Southbridge, Mass.; also Anna of Provi
dence, R. I. Harvey" Robinson, the eighth son of Josiah^ an
M. D., who resided in Providence, R. I., m. Abigail Wood of
Newport, R. I. They had a son Charles' and, I presume, other
children. His widow after his death went with her son-in-law,
George Tingley, to New York City to live. The ninth child was
Mehitabel" Robinson, who lived with her brother Isaac's widow.
Isaac" Robinson, the tenth child of Josiah'*, m. and had children
Mary' and George', one of whom died in the Carolinas.
To go back a little. Dr. Ebenezer* Robinson of Plainfield,
Conn., was born in Attleboro, Mass., October, 1726. He had a
son Joseph^, whose children were: Ruth", who m. a Howard or
Hayward of Pomfret, Conn.; Esther" and Horacte". Esther"
daughter of Joseph^ m. Dr. Hiram Cleveland of Pawtucket, R. I.
The children of Dr. Harvey" Robinson of Providence, R. I., were
Charles', Frank', Adelaide' and Penbrook'.
Abby' Robinson daughter of Samuel" m. Louis Harrington
of Hartford, Conn. They had a son Clarence'. He used to be
in the foundry with Samuel' P. Robinson in Canterbury, Conn.
Mary' Fowler m. Henry Smith, who was in the Foundry Com
pany. George' Fowler went to Plainfield and engaged in the
livery business.
Dr. Ebenezer' T. Robinson m. Emma L. Benjamin of New
Haven, Conn., and lived at one time in Pomfret, Conn. Their
living children are: Emna" G., m. Jesse A. James of Seattle,
Wash, (not the outlaw), no children. Ebenezer" Benjamin, still
single and living in Savannah, Ga.
Resume: George Robinson of Rehoboth, Mass., m. Johanna
Ingraham June 18, 165 1. They had eight children, of whom
Samuel" was the second. He was born October 3, 1654, and m.
Mehitabel Read October 10, 1688, and was my ancestor. Eben
ezer' b. in Rehoboth July 19, 1697.
Dr. Ebenezer*, b. in Attleboro, Mass., October 26, 1726, m.
Mary Bennet in Plainfield, Conn., November 14, 1749. His son
Josiah'* m.. as I have before stated, Sally Grafton first and Marv

SAMUEL ROBINSON OF REHOBOTH 147
Parkhurst second, about 1770. Then Samuel" who m. Abagail
 (?)
George' Kingsley Robinson, son of Harvey' G., b. in Pom
fret, Conn., January 5, 1858, m. Isabel Peckham Sayles of Provi
dence, R. I., July 27, 1881. Their children are:
Ethel Sayles", Ralph Kingsley", Philip", Hope Grafton"~all
b. at Ocala, Fla.
In closing this brief paper I wish to express my gratitude
and indebtedness to Mr. Charles E. Robinson, of Plainfield,
N. J., for his indefatigable researches in tracing out the different
lines of Robinsons. When I first came in correspondence with
him I knew very little of my own line beyond my grandfather's
family — and in corresponding with my cousins, very few of them
have taken enough interest in the matter to give me any informa
tion relative to the younger generation. I think all will agree
with me, that this Association owes "Charles E." a debt of grati
tude that they can never repay

Members of The Robmson Family Gen
ealogical and Historical Association

* Deceased

HONORARY MEMBERS

*Atherton, Mrs. Sarah Robinson  Peru, Huron Co., O.
* Johnson, Mrs. Almira Pierce  76 Congress St., Milford, Mass.
Robinson, Miss Adelaide A  North Raynham, Mass.

LIFE MEMBERS
Bennett, William Robinson  803 Broadway, Chelsea, Mass.
Brewer, Prof. William H  418 Orange St., New Haven, Conn.
Cole, Lucien D  Newburyport, Mass.
Comey, John Winthrop  52 West 54th St., New York, N. Y.
Donovan, Col. John  ;  -  South St. Joseph, Mo.
Harris, Charles  70 Kilby St., Boston, Mass.
Jenkins, Dr. Newell Sill  Thorwald, Loschwitz-bei, Dresden, Germany
Kennedy, Elijah Robinson  33 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Larned, Charles  1004 Paddock Building, Boston, Mass.
Richards, Mrs. Helen Robinson  Maiden, Mass.
Robinson, Albert O  Sanbornville, N. H.
Robinson, Dr. B. A  265 Mulberry St., Newark, N. J.
Robinson, Prof. Benjamin Lincoln.... 3 Clement Circle, Cambridge, Mass.
Robinson, Charles Edson  150 Nassau St., New York, N. Y.
Robinson, Charles Kendall  374 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Robinson, Col. Chas. Leonard Frost  Kay St., Newport, R. I.
Robinson, Charles P  31 Nassau St., New York, N. Y.
Robinson, Charles Snelling  Pueblo. Col.
Robinson, Daniel Webster  Burlington, Vt.
Robinson, Hon. David IngersoU  Gloucester, Mass.
Robinson, Emily E  1S13 Corcoran St., Washington, D. C.
Robinson, Dr. Edwin Putnam  12 High St., Newport, R. I.
Robinson, Edwin Wright  Punxsutawney, Pa.
*Robinson, Franklin  203 Cumberland Ave., Portland, Me.

ISO THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
Robinson, Hon. Frank Hurd  Hornellsville, N. Y.
Robinson, Frederick A  Maiden, Mass.
Robinson, George H  .36th St. and Fifth Ave., New York, N. Y.
Robinson, George O  South Paris, Me. (R. F. D.)
Robinson, George W  Elburn, 111.
Robinson,. Hon. Gifford Simeon  Sioux City, la.
Robinson, H. S  60 State St., Boston, Mass.
Robinson, John Cutler  Hampton, Va.
Robinson, Capt. John Francis  1340 St. Charles St., Alameda, Cal.
Robinson, Rev. Lucian Moore  5000 Woodland Ave., Philadelphia, Pa.
Robinson, Miss Maria L  178 Main St., Orange, N. J.
Robinson, Nathaniel Emmons, Parke Ave., Brightwood, District of Columbia.
Robinson, Miss Phebe A  19 Shores St., Taunton, Mass.
Robinson, Reuben T  Concord Junction, Mass.
Robinson, Roswell R  ., . ,  Maiden, Mass.
*Robinson, Mrs. Roswell R. (Jane A.)  Maiden, Mass.
Robinson, Sylvanus Smith  Metamora, 111.
Robinson, William A  11 Broadway, New York, N. Y.
Robinson, Willard E  Maiden, Mass.
Spaulding, Edward  40 Purchase St., Boston, Mass.
Speare, Mrs. Alden (Caroline M.)..i023 Centre St., Newton Centre, Mass.
Verner, Mrs. Murry A. (Birdie Barbara Bailey) Cathalyce Parke, Pittsburg, Pa.
Weeks, Mrs. Edmund Cottle  554 Park Ave., Tallahassee, Fla.
Wright, George R  73 Coal Exchange, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

MEMBERS
Abell, James E  152 La Salle St., Chicago, 111.
*Alden, Brig.-Gen. Chas. H., M. D. (TJ. S. A. retired)
Government War Department, Washington, D. C.
Allen, Miss Eleanor  West Tisbury, Mass.
Atherton, George Watson  Peru, O.
Armstrong, Mrs. Frances Morgan  Hampton, Va.
Armstrong, Mrs. Mary A. Robinson  Adrian, Mich.
Austin, C. Downer  141 Broadway, New York, N. Y.
Austin, Mrs. C. Downer (Joanna')  New York, N. Y.
Bailey, Mrs. Belle Robinson  Patchogue, N. Y.
Barbour, Edward Russell  49 Neal St., Portland, Me.
Beeman, Mrs. Phebe Stone  West Brookfield, Mass
*Bennett. Mrs. Charlotte Payson Robinson. .803 Broadway, Chelsea, Mass.
Boynton, Edgar A  Hornellsville, N. Y.
Bowdish, Mrs. J. L  Oneonta, N. Y.
Bowie, Mrs. Mary Robinson  Unlontown, Pa.
Brainerd, Miss Harriet E..  27 Messenger St., St. Albans, Vt.
Briggs, Mrs. Martha A. Robinson  Providence, R. I.

MEMBERS ROBINSON FAMILY ASSOCIATION 151
Brenniman, Mrs. C. D  Brooklyn, la.
Brett, Chas. Greenwood  50 Cedar St., Somerville, Mass.
Browi-i, Mrs. Willard M. (Dora E. R)..25 Welcome PL, Springfield, Mass.
Bronson, Mrs. E. P. (Ida Robinson)  Chester, 111.
Burditt, Charles A  1848 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, Mass.
Butler, Mrs. EUen Robinson  Attleboro, Mass. (R. F. D., No. 4)
Byram, Joseph Robinson  9-11 Essex St., Boston, Mass.
Carter, Miss Martha C  143 Main St., Oneida, N. Y.
Catlin, Mrs. Mary Robinson  304 South ist. St., Rockford, 111.
Chapman, Mrs. James Edwin  Evanston, Wyo.
Charges, Mrs. Julia C  Central Square, Oswego Co., N. Y. (Box 65)
Clark, Mrs. Evelina D  125 Newton St., Marlboro, Mass.
Clarke, Miss Mary Robinson  9 St. James Ave., Boston, Mass.
Clarke, Mrs. George E. (Carrie S.)  Algona, la.
Clark, James D  Harvard, 111.
Cobb, Miss Jessie  65 Clinton PL, Newark, N. J.
Codding, Mrs. Alice A  North Attleboro, Mass.
*Cogswell, Mrs. William (Luella Childs).. 7 Pleansant St., Medford, Mass.
Coleman, Mrs. Emily R  1517 Perry St., Davenport, la.
Comey, Miss Hannah Robinson  Foxboro, Mass.
Comey, John Winthrop  52 West 54tli St., New York, N. Y.
Comey, Miss Vodisa J  Foxboro, Mass.
Comings, Alfred  Cairo, IU.
Comings, Uriel L  Windsor, Vt. (Box 550)
Crawford, M^s. Mark L. (Amie C.) . ..146 Ashland Boulevard, Chicago, III
Creighton, Dr. Sarah Robinson  28 West 59th St., New York, N. Y.
Crumb, Mrs. Adelaide V  147 Main St., Oneida, N. Y.
Cunningham, Mrs. Ella Robinson 4152 West Pine Boulevard, St. Louis, Mo.
Cushman, Willard Robin,son  Attleboro Falls, Mass.
Cushing, Hannah Robinson  Attleboro, Mass. (R. F. D., No. 4)
Cutting, Mrs. Oliver (Lois B.)  Concord, Essex Co., Vt.
Cutts, Mrs. R. A  19 Walden St., Lynn, Mass.
Danielson, Simeon  Danielsonville, Conn.
Day, Mrs. Clarke (Mary R. T.)  Mansion House, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Dean, Miss Bertha L  22 Clinton St., Taunton, Mass.
*Dean, James H., Esq  94 Dean St., Taunton, Mass.
Dean, N. Bradford  88 Dean St., Taunton, Mass.
Dean, Mrs. Sarah Daggett  33 Dean St., Attleboro, Mass.
DevoU, Mrs. Daniel (Mary R. G.)  Acushnet, Mass.
Donavan, Col. John  South St. Joseph, Mo.
Douglass, William Robinson ... New York Life Building, Kansas City, Mo.
Dow, Herbert B  136 Congress St.. Boston, JNIass.
*Dows, Miss Amanda  Cazenovia, N. Y.
Dows, Mrs. Judith EUen Robinson  75 Front St.. Exeter, N. H.
Drinkwater, Mrs. Charlotte V.
40 Berkeley St. (Y. W. C. A.), Boston. Mass.
Dudley, Mrs. Hattie L  63 Highland Ave., Cambridge. Mass.

152 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
Dyer, Benjamin F  South Braintree, Mass.
Eastman, Edson C  Concord, N. H.
Eastman, Mrs. Edson C. (Mary L. Whittemore)  Concord, N. H.
Eldridge, Mrs. J. E. (Eleanor E) . . . .3719 Sydenham St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Elmes, Carleton Snow  Barnard, Vt.
Parson, Mrs, Robert Bruce (Clara M. C.)  St. Charles, III
Farwell, Mrs. John V  Lake Forest, IIL
Feakins, Mrs. Martha Kirk  Fontuna, Kas. (R. F. D., No. i)
Fish, Miss Julia F  "Hillside Cottage," Martinez, Cal.
Foote, Mrs. Mary Anna A  North Chelmsford, Mass.
Ford, Mrs. Mary EUa  84 Harvard St., Whitman, Mass.
Fuller, Mrs. Ann Chapman  6110 Kimbark Ave., Chicago, IU.
*Fuller, Mrs. A. B. (Emma L)  13 Hilliard St., Cambridge, Mass.
*Funer, Mrs. Mary R  loi Austin St., Cambridgeport, Mass.
Gilmore, Abiel P. R  Acushnet, Mass.
Gilmore, Mrs. Chloe CD  Acushnet, Mass.
Gordon, Mrs. LiUian Sophia Robinson  Leland Hotel, Emporia, Kas.
Goward, William E  Easton, Mass.
Graham, Mrs. Maranda E (Robinson)  Orange City, Fla.
Graves, Dr. Charles B  New London, Conn.
Gray, Mrs. Henrietta P  250 West 44th St., New York.
Gregory, Miss EUa L  Hotel Westminster, Boston, Mass.
HaU, Mrs. A. L- (Laura Robinson)  Newport, N. H.
Hall, Mrs. Geo. G. (Isabelle M.)  78 Beacon-St., Boston, Mass.
Hall, Mrs. Herbert E. (Emily A.)  66 Laurel St., Fairhaven, Mass.
Hammond, Mrs. Ashley King (Jessie Robinson) 5727 Delmar Ave., St. Louis, Mo.
Hammond, Miss Cora E  Boonton, N. J.
Harnden, Mrs. M. J  Gilbert Station, la. (Box 104)
Harper, Mrs. F. B  Pontiac, Mich. (R. F. D., No. 3)
Harris, Charles  70 Kilby St., Boston, Mass.
Haskins, Mrs. H. M. R.. .:  McLean. N. Y.
Hayman, Mrs. Mattie Knox  Van Buren, Ark. (Box 357)
Hamilton, Mrs. Amanda Wilmarth McCreary
400 South Highland Ave., Pittsburg, Pa.
Heath, Mrs. Elbridge P. (Bertha R)  13 Garden St., Nashua, N. H.
Hemingway, Mrs. Celia E. R  McLean, N. Y.
Hill, Mrs. Robert T. (Justina R.)  1738 Q St., Washington, D. C.
Hitch, Mayhew R  New Bedford, Mass.
Hitch, Mrs. Louisa A. R  119 MiU St., New Bdford, Mass.
Holbrook, Mrs. Henry Clay (Emily Vicks Hamer) 124 Peeples St.. Atlanta, Ga.
Holbrook, Levi  New York, N. Y. (Box 536)
Holman, M. D., D. Emory  330 West S7th St., New York, N. Y.
Holmes, Miss Mary E  Sharon, Mass.
Howland. Miss Cornelia Scriven  Morristown, N. J.
Hubbard, Mrs. Chas. D. (Gertrude R.)  Wyncote. Pa.
James, Mrs. J. A. (Emma Genevieve) . .411 West Galer St.. Seattle, Wash.

MEMBERS ROBINSON FAMILY ASSOCIATION 153
Jenkins, E. H. (Director Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station)
New Haven, Conn.
Jenkins, James, Jr  80 Washington St., Oshkosh, Wis.
Jenkins, Leonard A  Care of Klewe & Co., New Haven, Conn.
Jenkins, Mrs. Robert E. (Marcia R.)  89 East Madison St., Chicago, IU.
Jones, Mrs. Calista Robinson  Bradford, Vt.
Kauffman, Mrs. J. S  York St., Blue Island, 111.
Kent, Miss Sarah E  30 Lyons St., Pawtucket, R. I.
Keyes, Arthur H  Rutland, Vt.
Kimball, John E  Oxford, Mass.
KimbaU, Thomas Dudley  421 Olive St., St. Louis, Mo.
Kimble, Mrs. E. M  322 High St., Roland, la.
Kirk, Mrs. J. Frank (Abbie F. Robinson) 94 State St.. New Bedford, Mass.
Lacy, Mrs. Mary Robinson  Dubuque, la.
Lakin, Mrs. Augusta A  Bennington, N. H.
Lane, Mrs. Fannie Minette  5025 Raymond Ave., St. Louis, Mo.
Leach, Mrs. E. G. (Agnes A. Robinson)  Franklin, N. H.
Lee, Mrs. Frederick H  20 WiUiam St., Auburn, N. Y.
Leech, Mrs. Angeline  Frankfort, N. Y. (Box 297)
Lewis, Mrs. F. W. (Celia L.)  28 Albion St., Melrose Highlands, Mass.
Lewis, Mrs. J. F  Foxboro, Mass. (Box 19)
Linnell, John W  Maiden, Mass.
Litchfield, WUford J  Southbridge, Mass.
Little, Mrs. G EUiotte (Mary Robinson) 456 West 144th St., New York, N. Y.
Littlefield, Mrs. Nathan W. (Mary Wheaton)  Pawtucket, R. I.
Lothrop, Mrs. Elizabeth H  North Raynham, Mass.
McArthur, Mrs. Martha H  403 North G St., Tacoma, Wash.
McClellan, Hon. Abner R  Riverside, New Brunswick, Can.
McCoy, Thomas William'  Greenville, Miss.
McDonald, Mrs. Josephine E  Mansfield, Mass.
MacLachlan, Mrs. Harriet R  51 Arnold Terrace. South Orange, N. J.
McLarei-), Mrs. Sara R  35 Arch St., Providence, R. I.
Maury, Mrs. Matthew Fontaine, Jr. (Rose Robinson)
870 Glenwood Ave., Avondale, Cincinnati, O.
Miller, Miss Carrie E  36 Cottage St., Lewiston, Me.
Millard, Mrs. De Roy (Mercy Robinson)  30 Tracy St., Rochester, N. Y.
MiUer, Mrs. Edwin C. (Ida Farr)  18 Lawrence St., Wakefield, Mass.
MiUer, Miss Florence Andyman..64 Orchard St., North Cambridge, Mass.
Miller, Frank  Care of D. O. Mills' Bank, Sacramento, Cal.
Monk, Mrs. LiUian  1613 South Flower St., Los Angeles, Cal.
Moore, Leonard Dunham  1811 Frick Building, Pittsburg, Pa.
Mower, Calvin Robinson  Rockford, 111. (Box 479)
Murdock, Mrs. Harvey K. (E. Alcena Robinson)  Cooperstown, N. Y.
Nevins. Mrs. Anna Josepha Shiverick  Edgartown, Mass.
Nichols, Mrs. W. F  Mt. Herman, Mass.
Norris, James L., Jr  331 C St., N. W., Washington, D. C.

154 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK
*Norton, Mrs. Mary J  Wood's Hole, Mass.
Osgood, Mrs. Mary Satterfield  Estherville, la.
Packard, Mrs. Fred. L. (Josephine A.)  North Easton, Mass.
Packard, Mrs. Lewis S. (Abbie W.)  Mansfield, Mass.
Paine, Mrs. Walter J  Boston, Mass.
Payson, Mrs. Julia A  Medfield, Mass. (Box 344)
*Penniman, Bethuel  New Bedford, Mass.
Penniman, Mrs. Eliza A  13 Elm PL, Quincy, Mass.
Penniman, George W  Brockton, Mass.
Pelton, Mrs. F. Alaric (Mabel Shippee Clarke)  Arden, N. C.
Pearse, Mrs. George Griswold (Mary Niles Robinson)  Wakefield, R. I.
Perry, Henry O  '  Fort Fairfield, Me.
Peterson, Mrs. Geo. M. (Emma Cutting Robinson)  Plymouth. Mass.
Pettee, Mrs. Maria W  Foxboro, Mass.
Pinney, Mrs. William H. (A. Augusta Robinson) 350 Central St., Springfield, Mass.
Pierce, Mrs. H. F  Oronoque, Norton Co., Kas.
Pitcher, Col. David Austin  821 A Union St., Brooklyn, N. Y.
Poor, Mrs. Janette H  Corinna, Me. (R. F. D., No. i)
Potter, Miss Emma  1745 Harvard Boulevard, Los Angeles, Cal.
Porter, Mrs. Mary E. Robinson  708 Broadway, Cliftondale, Mass.
Price, Mrs. E. R. (Ella M.)  Attleboro, Mass.
Randolph, Mrs. Geo. F. (Annie F.) . .1013 North Chales St., Baltimore. Md.
Raymond, Daniel V  35 Liberty St., New York, N. Y.
Richmond, Mrs. Howard  32 George St., Providnce, R. I.
Richmond, Mrs. L. M  Elburn, 111.
Ricker, Mrs. Lizzie P  217 West Bolyston St., Worcester, Mass.
Robinson, Rev. Albert Barnes  Westfield, N. J.
*Robinson, Arthur B  40 Beach St., Somerville, Mass.
Robinson, Miss Anna B  300 Adams St., Dorchester, Mass.
Robinson, Addison  Mt. Vision, Otsego Co., N. Y.
Robinson, Mrs. Annette  Middletown, Conn.
Robinson, Miss Annie E  20 Webster St., Somerville, Mass.
*Robinson, Adrian G  . . . Hanford, Cal.
Robinson, Alfred J  4 State St., Bangor, j\le.
Robinson, Mrs. Albert O. (Clara E)  Sanbornville, N. H.
Robinson, Arthur  Clear Lake. Minn.
Robinson, Abigail S  Plymouth, Mass.
Robinson, Arthur S  Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.
Robinson, A. Warren  Napa. CaL
Robinson, Albert William  Boston, Mass. (Box 2933)
Robinson, Benjamin F  Silvane Springs, Ark.
Robinson, Benjamin S  Greenfield Centre, N. Y.
Robinson, Bernard Noyes  134 Boylston St., Boston, Mass.
Robinson, Miss Blanche  15 Abbot St., Dorchester, Mass.
Robinson, Mrs. Calvin L. (Elizabeth S.)  420 Post St., Jacksonville, Fla.
Robinson, Carel  Charleston, W. Va.
Robinson, Mrs. Caroline D  Castine, Me.

MEMBERS ROBINSON FAMILY ASSOCIATION 155

*Robinson, Capt. Charles A  Germantown, Pa.
Robinson, Charles Albert  Auburn, Me.
Robinson, Charles D  Newburg, N. Y.
Robinson, Charles E  140 Oxford St., Portlatid, Me.
Robinson, Charles F  North Raynham, Mass.
Robinson, Rev. Charles F  Clinton, Conn.
Robinson, Charles Floyd  105 Washington St., Somerville, Mass.
Robinson, Charles H  3310 Tulare St., Fresno, CaL
Robinson, Charles H  Bartow, Fla.
Robinson, Capt. Charles H  322 4th Ave., North Great FaUs, Mont.
Robinson, Charles Henry  Wilmington, N. C.
Robinson, C. H  151-153 Commercial St., Portland, Me.
Robinson, Charles Larned  56 West 124th St., New York, N. Y.
Robinson, Charles L  Western National Bank, New York, N. Y.
Robinson, Charles Mulford. .. .65 South Washington St., Rochester, N. Y.
Robinson, Charles Snelling  Pueblo, CoL
?Robinson, Capt. Charles T  Taunton, Mass.
Robinson, Clement F  3 Clement Circle, Cambridge, Mass.
Robinson, Hon. Clifford W  Moncton, New Brunswick, Can.
Robinson, Cyrus R  East Concord, N. H.
Robinson, Denison  Howlett HiU, N. Y.
Robinson, Doane  Aberdeen, S. D.
Robinson. Ebenezer Benjamin  Savannah, Ga.
Robinson, Dr. Ebenezer Turner  Orange City, Fla.
Robinson, Edward Arthur  424 Lexington St., Aubumdale, Mass.
Robinson, Edward C  906 Broadway, Oakland, CaL
Robinson, Miss Emily A  Exeter, N. H.
Robinson, Miss Emily M  48 Magnolia St, Dorchester, Mass.
*Robinson, Capt. E. M  Phillips, Me.
Robinson, E. Gilbert  Mansfield, O.
Robinson, E. Randolph  Warsaw, N. Y.
Robinson, Edmund J  Spitzer Building, Toledo, O.
Robinson, Erastus Corning  Alexandria, Ind.
Robinson, Eugene M  215 Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, 111. (Room 905)
Robinson, Miss Flora B  Medfield, Mass. (Box 344)
Robinson, Frank C  East Taunton, Mass.
*Robinson, Frank Everett  Detroit, Mich.
Robinson, Frank E  Jewett City, Conn.
Robinson, Franklin H  "Flinistone Farm,'' Dalton, Mass.
Robinson, Frank L  Harvard, Mass.
Robinson, Frank Parsons  47 Church St., Burlington, Vt.
Robinson, Frank R  Boston, Mass. (Box iii)
Robinson, Francis Walter  13 Thetford Ave., New Dorchester, Mass.
Robinson, Rev. Fred. Arthur  Milford, N. H.
Robinson, Fred. Bowen  Le Roy, N. Y.
Robinson, Dr. Frederick Converse  Unlontown, Pa.
Robinson, Frederick W  458 Boylston St., Boston, Mass.
Robinson, Frank 1  88 Cross St., Somerville, Mass.

is6 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK

*R(5binson, George A  West Mansfield, Mass.
*Robinson, George Champlin  Wakefield, R. I.
Robinson, George Champlin, Jr  170 Hicks St., Brooklyn, N. Y.
Robinson, G. C  104 Merrimac St., Haverhill, Mass.
Robinson, George E  Palmer Block, Oconomowoc, Wis.
Robinson, George F  20 Webster Ave., Somerville, Mass.
Robinson, George H  Attleboro, Mass. CR- F- D-. No. 4)
Robinson. George H  301 Reed St., Moberly, Mo.
Robinson, George 0  1220 Penobscot Building, Detroit, Miclw
Robinson, George Rensselaer  Chestnut, cor 12th St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Robinson, George W  Jewett City, Conn.
Robinson, Miss Hallie Mabel  Geneseo, 111.
Robinson, Dr. Hamlin Elijah  Maryville, Mo.
Robinson, Miss Harriet A  67 Prescott St., Newtonville, Mass.
Robinson, Miss Harriet Emily  78 Pleasant St., Attleboro, Mass.
Robinson, Mrs. Harriet H  35 Lincoln St., Maiden, Mass.
Robinson, Miss Hannah Bowers  Somerset, Mass.
Robinson, Harold L  Unlontown, Pa.
Robinson, Miss Helen M  McLean, N. Y.
Robinson, Miss Helen R  .-  Maiden, Mass.
Robinson, Mrs. Henry   85 Woburn St., Reading, Mass.
Robinson. Hon. Henry  Concord, N. H. (Box 5)
Robinson, Henry H  Rockford, 111.
Robinson, Henry M  Danbury, Conn.
Robinson, Henry P  Guilford, Conn.
Robinson, Henry W  Lexington Ave., Aubumdale, Mass.
Robinson, Brig.-Gen. H. F  Phoenix, Ariz.
Robinson, H. S  60 State St., Boston, Mass.
Robinson. Herbert Jester  374 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Robinson, Herbert L  322 4th Ave., North Great Falls, Mont.
Robinson, Herbert S  Paxton, Mass.
' Robinson, Herbert Woodbury  Portland, Me. (Box 723)
*Robinson, Horatio Alvin  13 Garden St., Nashua, N. H.

Robinson,
Robinson, Robinson RobinsonRobinson,RobinsonRobinsonRobinson Robinson
RobinsonRobinsonRobinsonRobinson,Robinson,Robinson,

Horace  Ravenna, Neb.
Increase  Waterville, Me.
Increase  Plymouth, Mass.
Miss Isabella Howe  177 Adams St., Dorchester, Mass.
Dr. James Arthur  8 Portland St., Morrisville, Vt.
James Bartlett  307 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford, Conn.
James Lawrence  193 North Main St., Brockton, Mass.
Dr. J. Blake  New Castle, N. H.
Dr. J. Franklin  15 Pickering Building, Manchester, N. H.
John C  Middleboro, Mass.
John Cheney  Jamaica, Vt.
John Elihu  Le Roy, N. Y.
John Gerry  Melrose, Mass.
John H  55 Kilby St., Boston, Mass.
Dr. John H  Homer, N. Y.

MEMBERS ROBINSON FAMILY ASSOCIATION 157

Robinson, Jonathan W  Algona. Ia.
Robinson, John Wales  8 Cottage St., Ware, Mass.
Robinson, John Woodis  Leicester, Mass.
Robinson, Rev. Joseph H  47 Barker's Terrace, White Plains, N. Y.
Robinson, Joseph E  Farmington, Utah
Robinson, Joseph M  13 Charles St., Portland. Me.
Robinson, Rev. Julius B  Turner's Falls, Mass.
Robinson, Leonard  Leland Hotel, Emporia, Kas.
Robinson, Leoni Warren  324 Exchange Building, New Haven, Conn.
Robinson, Lewis W  Martinsburg, W. Va.
Robinson, Miss Lillian L  St. Cloud, Min.
Robinson, Miss Lucille  20 Boylston Road, Newton Highlands, Mass.
Robinson, Miss Martha G  19 Walden St., Lynn, Mass.
Robinson, Mrs. Martha A  203 Cumberland Ave., Portland, Me.
Robinson, Miss Mary B  Chester PL, WeUsborough, Pa.
Robinson, Miss Mary C  93 Chandler St., Worcester, Mass.
Robinson, Miss Mary C  44 Thatcher St., Bangor, Me.
Robinson, Miss Mary Elizabeth  140 Oxford St., Portland, Me.
Robinson, Miss Mary E. D  135 Du Bois Ave., Du Bois, Pa.
Robinson, Miss Mary F  12 Federal St., Salem, Mass.
Robinson, Miss Mary Gay  Guilford, Conn.
Robinson, Miss Myra S  .'  24 Spring St., Pawtucket, R. I.
Robinson, Miss Myrtie Evelyn  Mt. Vernon, Me.
Robinson, Nathan Winthrop  242 Savin Hill, Dorchester, Mass.
Robinson, Neil  Charleston, W. Va.
Robinson, Mrs. Nina Beals  Waterbury, Vt.
*Robinson, Noah Otis  88 Cross St., Somerville, Mass.
Robinson, Dr. Oliver Pearce  823 Scott St.. Little Rock, Ark.
Robinson, Orin Pomeroy  60 East 3d St., Corning, N. Y.
Robinson, Mrs. Orin Pomeroy (Mary Louise) 60 East 3d St., Coming, X. Y.
Robinson, Orlando G  Raynham, Mass. (R. F. D.)
Robinson, Prof. Oscar D  501 State St., Albany, N. Y.
Robinson, Prof. Otis Hall  273 Alexander St., Rochester, N. Y.
Robinson, Philip Eaton  284 High St., Medford, Mass.
Robinson, Philip Eugene  194 Clinton St., Brooklyn, N. Y.
Robinson, Philip H  1 19 Lark St., Albany, N. Y.
Robinson, Miss Rachael  Ferrisburg, Vt.
Robinson, Dr. Reinzi  Danielson, Conn.
Robinson, Dr. Richard F  Dalton. Neb.
Robinson, Mrs. Richard Lewis  Portland, Me.
Robinson, Robert E  30 Broad St., New York
*Robinson, Samuel R  Antrim, N. H.
*Robinson, Samuel S  Pontiac, Mich. (Box 126)
Robinson, Sam. S  Linden Lake, Mich.
Robinson, Miss Sarah  2904 Morgan St., St. Louis, Mo.
Robinson. Miss Sarah D  Bloomington, III. (Box 368)
Robinson, Miss Sarah G  Middleboro, Mass.

158 THE ROBINSONS AND THEIR KIN FOLK ~
Robinson, Miss Sarah J  178 Pleasant St., Attleboro, Mass.
Robinson, Silas   Luce, Neb.
Robinson, Solomon D  Falmouth, Mass.
Robinson, Prof. Stillman Williams  1350 Highland St., Columbus, O.-
Robinson, Theodore Winthrop  4840 Ellis Ave., Chicago, 111.
Robinson, Thomas  Dedham, Mass. (Box 35)
Robinson, Thomas B  Dover, Tenn.
Robinson, Uel Merrill  Wilmington, N. C.
Robinson, Walter Augustine  34 Jason St., Arlington, Mass.
Robinson, Walter Billings  S Cochituate St., Natick, Mass.
Robinson, Walter Bruce  P. O. Building, Elmira, N. Y.
Robinson, WiUiam  9 St. James Ave., Boston, Mass.
Robinson, WiUiam  Leicester, Mass.
Robinson, Rev. William A., D. D  MiU St., Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Robinson, William A  Nashua, N. H.
Robinson, William A  Vineyard Haven, Mass.
Robinson, William Austin  Gloucester, Mass.
Robinson, W. G  Oswego, N. Y.
Robinson, W. H  Eastern Township Bank, Granby, P. Q., Can.
Robinson, William H  West Chazy, N. Y.
Robinson, William H  375 Main St., Worchester, Mass.
Robinson, William John  242 4th Ave., Pittsburg, Pa.
Robinson, William L  Gloucester, Mass.
Robinson, William M  29 Madison Ave., Grand Rapids, Mich.
Robinson, William Morse  300 Adams St., Dorchester, Mass.
Robinson, WiUiam Philip  Auburn, N. Y.
Robinson, WiUiam Whipple  117 South Olive St., Los Angeles, CaL
Roe, Mrs. EUa Robinson  Patchogue, L. I., N. Y.
Rodman, Mrs. I. P. (Harriet E.)  43-45 Worth St., New York, N. Y.
Rose, Miss Aline M  Westbury Station, L. I., N. Y.
?Rowland. Rev. L. S  Lee, Mass.
Ruggles, Henry Stoddard  Wakefield, Mass.
Sanford, Mrs. Carleton F. (Marie D. Robinson)  Taunton, Mass.
*Sherman, Hon. Buren Robinson  Vinton, la.
Sherman, Miss Evelyn M  Waterloo, la.
Sherman, Miss Florence Belle  Waterloo, la.
Sherman, James P  Waterloo, la.
Sherman, Ward B  315 41st St., Chicago, 111.
Shippee, Mrs. Elizabeth E. R  24 Spring St., Pawtucket, R. I.
Shippee, Harold Robinson  24 Spring St., Pawtucket, R. I.
Sinclair, John E  Station A, Worcester, Mass.
Smith, Mrs. Elizabeth R  93 Church St., North Adams, Mass.
Smith, Philip H. WaddeU  619 Westinghouse Building, Pittsburg, Pa.
Southworth, Mrs. A. C  Lakeville, Mass.
Spaids, Mrs. Susan E  3245 Indiana Ave., Chicago, 111.
Stabler, Mrs. Jordan (EUen Walker)  339 Dolphin St., Baltimore, Md.
Stanford, Mrs. Lydia F. R  Chatsworth, IIL

MEMBERS ROBINSON FAMILY ASSOCIATION 159
Starrett, Mrs. Ethelinda Robinson Nicol Ave., Fruitvale, Alameda Co., Cal.
Stearns, Mrs. Urania Robinson 63 Grover Ave., Winthrop Highlands, Mass.
Steenburg, Mrs. Laura H  Burdick, Kas.
Stephens, Ezra F  Crete, Neb.
Stephens, Frank B  Salt Lake City, Utah
Stephens, George Lewis  ;  Bryant Pond, Me.
Storms, Mrs. Lucretia R  119 Mill St., New Bedford, Mass.
Stotesbury, Mrs. Sarah Louise. .. .6362 Sherwood Road, Philadelphia, Pa.
Studley, Mrs. Mary Z  283 Lamartine St., Jamaica Plain, Mass.
Talbot, Mrs. Jennie K  Phoenixville, Pa.
Tabor, Mrs. Harriet R  Castile, N. Y. (R. F. D., No. 3)
Thompson, Mrs. Mary L  Mansfield, Mass. (Box 463)
Tingley, Raymon M  Herrick Centre, Pa.
Tracy, Mrs. Sarah D. R  North Raynham, Mass.
Turrell, Mrs. Herbert (Frances H.)
The Lucerne, 201 West 79th St., New York, N. Y.
Verner, Miss Alyce Chip  Cathalyce Parke, Pittsburg, Pa.
Verner, Miss Catharine Bailey  Cathalyce Parke, Pittsburg, Pa.
Verner, James Parke  Cathalyce Parke, Pittsburg, Pa.
Wales, Mrs. Abijah (Alice M.)  61 County St., Attleboro, Mass.
Wardner, Mrs. Fannie Lewis  266 Hicks St., Brooklyn, N. Y.
Waterman, Mrs. Zeno (Sarah W. Robinson)  Taunton, Mass.
Wellington, Mrs. B. W. (Anna Robinson).. 7 West 2d St, Coming, N. Y.
Wetherell, Mrs. Erminie C  Holyoke, Mass.
Whitten, Mrs. Marcia F  132 Magazine St., Cambridgeport, Mass.
Whittemore, Miss Lucella Washburn. . .358 Pleasant St., Worcester, Mass.
Williamson, Mrs. Mary Robinson  704 North State St., Jackson, Miss.
Wilson, George L  SPi Lincoln Ave., St. Paul, Minn.

YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

3 9002 04046 5701

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