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ISAAC W. ROBINSON. The spirit of progress so characteristic of American citizens of the nineteenth century finds an exemplification in the gentlemen above named, who follows the combined occupations of druggist and merchant in Waltouville, Jefferson County. He was born in Franklin County, this state, July 20, 1845, and is the son of Isaac W. and Margaret (Knox) Robinson, natives respectively of South Carolina and Tennessee. The parental family included six children, namely, Isaac W., William A., Mary J., Eliza M. (deceased), John A., and Kitturah, who died in infancy. Mrs. Margaret Robinson was reared in her native state until reaching her twelfth year, when in 1839 she came with her parents to Franklin County. She is a lady of good education, a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is still living, at the age of sixty-six years, making her home in Jefferson County. The father of our subject was born, reared and educated in South Carolina, and at the time of his parents' removal to Franklin County, he accompanied them on the journey and here spent the rest of his life. He followed the occupation of a farmer and stock dealer, making a specialty of the latter business, and very often had on his estate as many as two hundred head of fine cattle. He was an intelligent, well informed man, possessing foresight and sagacity in business matters, and ever took a warm interest in the development and welfare of his adopted county. He never failed to vote the straight Democratic ticket, but otherwise took little part in politics. He died when fifty-one years of age. Mr. Robinson of this sketch received his primary education in the old log schoolhouse and later attended the select schools. He received a thorough training in farm pursuits, and like his father was a farmer and stock dealer for many years. It being his desire, however, to follow a professional life, he took up the study of law, but his plans were frustrated by the outbreak of the Civil War, and in March, 1864, he became a member of Company I, Forty-fourth Illinois Infantry, which regiment participated in many heavy engagements during its southern campaign. Among the battles fought were Buzzard's Roost, Marietta, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Franklin, and the two days' fight before Nashville. Mr. Robinson was mustered out of service at Galveston, Tex., in September, 1865, and on returning home was not able to engage in any arduous work for some time. Later, however, he farmed for a short period and afterwards engaged in the drug business and is now conducting a flourishing establishment in Waltonville. Besides this business, he also handles cattle, sheep and hogs, which he ships to the city markets and from which branch of industry he reaps a good' income. The lady to whom our subject was married April 13, 1873, was Miss Lavinia J. (McConnaughey) Gilbert, widow of the late William Gilbert. She was born, reared and educated in this county, and by her union with Mr. Robinson has become the mother of two children, James W. and Martha J.Our subject possesses the necessary shrewdness, forethought and activity to be successful in life and is classed among the well-to-do business men of the city. He is a public-spirited man, a member of the Republican party, and keeps himself posted on all political matters. He has held the office of Assessor of his township and has been Notary Public for the past sixteen years. He is prominent in Grand Army circles and has been Quartermaster of Stephen Place Lodge No. 581. He is very popular in his community, and during the administration of Harrison was Postmaster for four years. He is now Secretary of the Mt. Vernon Building and Loan Association, which has a branch at Waltonville.
"Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton,
Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois" |
For corrections or additions, please contact me: Sandy Bauer