Robison Family - Index to Posts

An Index Post is how I keep track of all of the blog posts that have been written on a family line. It helps keep me organized and allows visitors to easily find information on that family. This post will be updated as new blog posts are written on the family. Please contact me at kinexxions@gmail.com if you are researching this family or have additional information on them.

Henry and Ann Robison who lived in Whitley County, Indiana and Champaign County, Ohio are very good candidates (thus far, the only candidates!) for being my 4th Great Grandparents.

Robison/Robinson Families of Whitley County, Indiana reviews the information that is known about Henry and Anna.

Henry and Ann Robison :: Probable Children evaluates the census records to determine the children of Henry and Anna. Census records indicate they may have had eight children, with three of them named in his 1851 will.

1. James Robison born in 1816 (possible son, not proven: 1830 & 1840 census) married Tobitha Scott and had five children. Three of the children are buried in South Whitley Cemetery as are James and Tobitah. One daughter, Irene Ann, married Jacob Cripe.

2. Unknown female born 1816-1820 (1830 & 1840 census)

3. Lydia Robison 1825-1899 (probable daughter, not proven: 1830 & 1840 census) married Lysander Joslin and had 15 children. Lydia and Lysander are my 3rd great grandparents. See Joslin Family - Index to Posts for information on them and their children.

4. Unknown female born 1826-1830 (1830 & 1840 census)

5. Eliza Jane Robison 1828-1856 (known daughter: 1830, 1840 & 1850 census) married William McMannen. She is buried in the South Whitley cemetery next to her infant son.

6. Henry Robison Jr. 1833-1904 (known son: 1840 & 1850 census) married Lucy Strait. Henry and Lucy had four children, two of whom married and had families.

6a. Ella/Ellen Robison and C. M. Kimball
6b. Frank and Cora Robison of Marion, Indiana

7. Emily Robison born about 1835 (known daughter: 1840 & 1850 census) is probably the Emily that married Franklin Bair in 1861. Of their seven children, three were living when Frank died in 1917. Two of those children have been found. [Update December 12, 2008: The third living child was Flora/Florence Cathy/Katherine Bair.]

The Heirs of Emily Bair documents the information found in the guardianship file.

7a. Franklin Henry Bair married Nettie S. Ellis. They lived in Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin and had two children. Funeral notices for Franklin and Nettie.
7b. Charles Bair lived in Illinois, was married three times and had four children.
7c. The search for a "Detroit Cousin, Mercedes" is explored in Unraveling a little mystery. If my conclusions are correct, Flora Bair first married Massilon Leaman and then Robert "Jack" Hampton and had a daughter named Mercedes. Regarding Mercedes provides a clue to where she lived, but when?

8. Unknown female born 1836-1840 (1840 census)


Originally Posted on September 22, 2008 :: Last Updated on January 27, 2009

Post date adjusted December 29, 2012 so that when a search for the surname is done on the blog this post will appear first the search list.

Lysander Joslin :: 1843 Marriage to Lydia Robison

Federal census records for Lysander Joslin from 1850 through 1880 consistently show that he was born in 1825 in Ohio. The 1885 and 1895 Kansas state census records provide the same information. Regarding age and place of birth, the census records for both Lysander and his wife, Lydia, are the most consistent of any of my ancestors.

Records from the family Bible of Lysander and Lydia show that they were both born in 1825 - he on May 1st and she on October 10th. When they were married he would have been 18 years and 3 months old while she was two months shy of 18.

Whitley County Marriage Records, 1st Book (1836-1847), #76 located at the County Archives, Columbia City, Indiana.

/ 76 / [written in the middle of the page in the left margin]

Sate of Indiana
Whitley County } Be it remembered that on this 21st day of August 5 AD 1843 A Marriage License was issued by the Clerk of the Whitley Circuit Court Authorizing the Marriage of Lysander Price Joslin and Lydia Robison which is in these words to wit "State of Indiana Whitley County ss. To any person legally authorized to Solemnize the rites of Marriage Greeting - you are hereby authorized and empowered to Join together as Husband and Wife Lysander Price Joslin and Lydia Robison and for so doing this shall be your warrant.
Witness Richard Collins, Clerk of the Whitley Circuit Court and the Seal thereof at Columbia this 21st day of August A.D. 1843 ~ R. Collins, Clerk

And afterward to wit on the 4th day of December AD 1843. James Grant filed in this office a Certificate of the Marriage of the parties aforesaid which is in the words following to with. "State of Indiana Whitley County } Be it remembered that on the 23rd day of August A.D. 1843 by virtue of a license from the clerk of the Whitley Circuit Court I did join in Marriage Lysander Price Joslin and Lydia Robinson as husband and wife ~

In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this 4th day of December AD 1843 ~ James Grant JP

The Whitley County Historical Museum, in Columbia City, has some early marriage documents for the years 1838-1847. Along with the original marriage returns there are some affidavits (usually confirmation of age by someone who knows the bride and/or groom) and parental consents (if the bride or groom was underage). No affidavits or parental consents have been found for Lysander or Lydia.

Related Posts:

• Lysander and Lydia Robison Joslin
• Children of Lysander and Lydia Robison Joslin
• Lysander Joslin Family - Index to Posts

Update on Franklin Henry Bair

Last week I received two newspaper articles from the Burnett County Historical Society in Danbury, Wisconsin that provided confirmation that the Franklin Henry Bair that I had tracked down in September was indeed the "right" person. Franklin was the son of Franklin and Emily (Robison) Bair and Emily was the daughter of Henry and Ann Robison, whom I believe are my 4th great grandparents. I'm still attempting to sort out the Robison/Robinson Families that lived in Whitley County, Indiana. It is my hope that one of the children or grandchildren of Franklin Albert Bair, son of Franklin and Nettie Bair, will contact me if they ever come across this post!

Funeral Notice of Nettie Sedlay Ellis Bair
The Journal of Burnett County [Wisconsin] October 5, 1939

Funeral services for Mrs. Franklin H. Bair, Rt. 4, Gransburg, were held at the chapel on Tuesday afternoon. Rev. J. I. Sainty officiated and Mrs. Ruth Sandberg sang, accompanied by Mrs. G. C. Daniel at the piano.

Nellie [sic] Sedlay Ellis was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, March 5, 1862, and was married to Mr. Bair in Indiana on January 31, 1886, they having been married for a period of 53 years and 8 months. They have resided in Burnett county since 1920.

Survivors are her husband; a daughter Myrta, at home; one son, Albert of Frederic; three grandchildren and a brother at Millersport, Ohio.

Funeral Notice of Franklin Henry Bair
The Journal of Burnett County [Wisconsin] June 10, 1948

Funeral services for Franklin Henry Bair, nearly 86, were held at the chapel Tuesday last week, Rev. James Falk officiating, and interment was in Riverside cemetery.

Deceased was born in Columbia City, Whitley county, Indiana on June 12, 1862 and passed away at the old people's home in Grantsburg on May 27. He was married to Nettie S. Ellis of Indiana on January 31, 1886, and to this union were born a daughter, Myrta at home, and a son Franklin Albert Bair.

The family lived on a farm north of Alpha about 25 years before moving into that hamlet for a few years when they moved to Grantsburg, where they have been the past six years.

According to the SSDI, their son, Franklin Albert Bair, died in September 1980. He was 86 years old. His last residence was given as Frederic, Polk County, Wisconsin.

Their daughter, Myrta, died on November 14, 1984 just 10 days before her 98th birthday.

The Heirs of Emily Bair

Last Thursday morning I finally connected with the lady that works in the Whitley County archives and was able to view the guardianship file for the minor heirs of Emily Bair.

There weren't very many papers in the file (packet #544), but more than enough to generate additional questions! (Click on the image for a larger version.)

On April 11, 1877 Franklin H. Bair was appointed guardian for his four surviving children:

Franklin H. Bair Jr., aged 13 years, Jany 22, 1877
Charles C. Bair, aged 12 years, March 14, 1877
Florence E. Bair, aged 5 years, March 17, 1877
Lulu Bair, aged 3 years, Dec 23, 1876

I could be wrong about this, but it seems a bit unusual to me that the father would have to be appointed guardian of his own children. Usually a guardian was appointed when the father died. But, perhaps it was because Emily owned real estate!

Before I get any further into what was in the file, I think I need to address the matter of the ages and dates of birth of the first three children. I didn't know about Lulu before so have not done any research on her except that there is no marriage record for Lulu (or Lula as she is mentioned in the other documents) in Whitley County and she has not been found in the Whitley County census records. I'm presuming that she was deceased by the time of Franklin Sr.'s death in 1917 since she was not mentioned by name in his obituary.

According to the guardianship file, Franklin Jr was born January 22, 1864. He was age 6 in 1870 and 17 in 1880. The cemetery transcription for the Franklin in Burnett County, Wisconsin gives his date of birth as June 12, 1862. The 1900 census (Black Hawk County, Iowa) gives his date of birth as June 1862. Census records for 1910-1930 support 1862 as his year of birth. It is possible that he is not the right person. However, the name of his wife, Nettie, is the same as the woman that Franklin Jr married in Whitley County in 1886.

On to Charles who was born March 14, 1865 according to the above document. In the 1870 census he was 5 years old. I haven't found him in 1880, but in the 1900 census (Christian County, Illinois), his birth date is given as October 1867. Subsequent census records support 1867 as his year of birth. Again, it is possible that he's not the right person. But in 1920, he is living in Pana, Illinois which is where the 1917 obituary of Franklin Sr. says he was living.

Then there is Florence (aka Flora), born March 17, 1872. Her middle initial is definitely an "E" and not a "C" in all instances where it is found in the guardianship file. In 1880 her name is given as Flora Cathy, she was 8 years old, and living with the family of William H. and Catherine Dunfee in Columbia City. She was listed as 24 years old when she married M. C. Leaman in October 1898. In 1900, Flora C. Leaman is listed as born in Mar 1875. In 1910 she is 36 years old; in 1920 she is 40; and in 1930 she is 54 years old. In the Naturalization Index, the birth date for Flora Katherine Hampton was March 14, 1874. As Randy said, changing names sure doesn't help with tracking her. Neither does inconsistent ages and birth information!

Okay, back to the guardianship file.

A document filed April 29, 1877 describes the location of the lot in Columbia City that Emily owned. It would be interesting to find out how and why Emily owned property that wasn't also owned by her husband! Anyway, the document further states that the "lot does not yield a sufficient income to pay the taxes; that said wards are all young children; that this guardian their Father is a poor man working by days labor to sustain said wards; that he has no home for them and is compelled to board them in other peoples homes at great expense; that it would be to the interests of said wards to sell said land and apply the proceeds to their support."

There was no document in the file to indicate when the land had been sold but apparently it was.

On September 26, 1885 Franklin H. Bair filed a report with the court stating that "he has received from the estate of his said wards the sum of one hundred and forty dollars and that he has disbursed the same according to law as follows towit: for board for said wards to John J. White during the year 1877, one hundred and thirty four dollars. For school books for said wards during the year of 1875 about six dollars. That the said sum of one hundred and forty dollars was the amt rec'd from the sale of the real property belonging to said wards."

All four children were listed as wards. There were no records in the file for other years. I'm not sure, but I think he should have been filing reports annually.

A year later, in September 1886, William H. Dunfee petitioned the court on behalf of Florence stating "he has kept maintained supported and schooled said ward ever since the death of said Emily C. Bair and for more than 10 years that she has lived with him and in his household all of said time. . . " that "said Franklin Bair guardian of said wards sold their lands. . . he has failed refused and neglected to make proper report of his duties. . . and has failed and neglected to provide for his said wards. . . wherefore he asks the court to remove him from his trust and from all other and proper relief. . ."

On December 11, 1886 William H. Dunfee was appointed guardian of 14 year old Florence E. Bair. There was no mention of Franklin Jr., Charles, or Lulu. By that time, Franklin Jr. would have been 22 years old, Charles would have been 21 and Lulu would be 10 years old (based on their ages in that first guardianship document).

There were no additional reports made by William H. Dunfee. On May 29, 1888 William passed away. Florence (Flora) would have been 16 years old.

What's next?

• I've requested copies of the obituaries of Franklin H. Bair (Jr), his wife Nettie, and his daughter Myrta, from the Burnett County Historical Society Research Library. Hopefully, they will provide some useful information - like the names of parents, where they were born, etc. (I can hope can't I?)
• Try to find out when and where Flora Katherine Hampton died.
• Locate the land record for Emily's purchase of the lot in Columbia City.
• Locate the land record for when the lot was sold by Franklin.
• Hope that a descendant of Franklin H. Bair and Emily Robison see these posts and that they contact me!

For additional information on the Robison family refer to Robison Family - Index to Posts

Unraveling a little mystery.

The Clues.

A photograph, with the words "Detroit Cousins" written on the back. The photograph was one that my aunt Phyllis had loaned to me for scanning a few years ago. When I asked her who the "Detroit Cousins" were she could only give me one first name, Mercedes. She said she remembers them visiting when she was young. (Photo at bottom of post.)

Franklin and Emily Robison Bair were married in 1861 and had five children, one was a daughter whose name was given as Laura Lemmon in Franklin's obituary of 1917. It also stated that she was of Detroit. Emily had died about 1877 and none of the children are listed with Franklin in the 1880 census.

The vague recollection that one of my ancestors "took in" a child to raise. I did a search of notes in my genealogy database for "Bair" and it didn't take long to find what I was looking for.

The Records.

The will of my 3rd great grandfather, William Hamilton Dunfee, bequeaths "the sum of Fifty Dollars" to "Flora C. Bair to be due and payable to her when she attains the age of twenty one years." And, the obituary for his wife, Catharine (Jones) Dunfee, dated February 25, 1903 lists as one of her survivors "Mrs. M. C. Leaman, who was from infancy cared for in the home of Mrs. Dunfee, and loved as her own."

I went back and checked the obituary notices for the children of William and Catherine Dunfee to see if I had overlooked anything. The obituary for Henrietta Rebecca Dunfee of September 27, 1941 published in the Columbia City Post, stated that "She is survived by one brother, William Dunfee of Columbia township, and a foster sister, Mrs. Jack Hampton of Detroit." No mention was made of surviving sisters in the 1942 obituary of Henrietta's brother, William James Dunfee.

Is Laura Lemmon actually Flora Leaman?

The 1880 Indiana census lists the family of Wm H. Dunfee (on page 423) in Columbia Township, Whitley County.
Wm H. Dunfee, 58, farmer, born Pennsylvania, parents born Pennsylvania
Catharine, 52, wife, born Ohio, father born Virginia, mother born Pennsylvania
Rebecca, 28, daughter, at home, born Indiana
William, 26, son, works at tile yard, born Indiana
Flora Cathy, 8, daughter, at school, born Indiana
[The 3rd child of Wm. and Catherine was Sophia, who had married William P. Wise in 1873. They are my 2nd great grandparents.]

Whitley County Marriage Records (Book 6 page 6) show that Flora C. Bair was married to Massilon C. Leamon on October 4, 1898. The Marriage Applications Book 1893-1901 gives his first name as Masilon. Her given name is Florence C. It doesn't list her father's name but her mother's maiden name is Robinson.

There is a Guardianship Packet for Emily Bair in the Whitley County Archives. I've contacted the county archivist to try and set a date to look at the record since the last three times I've stopped by, during the posted hours, she hasn't been there!

Transcribed death records show that "Infant Male Layman died December 5, 1899 age 1 1/2 days. Parents were Malsea Layman and Cora Bair." I haven't seen the record so can't determine whether Cora is really Lora, or not.

The 1900 census for Whitley County shows the Leaman family residing on Ellsworth Street in Columbia City (page 53a).
Morlande Leaman, head of household, Jun 1873, 26, married once, born Indiana, father born Pennsylvania, mother born Ohio
Flora C., wife, Mar 1875, 25, married once, two children one living, born Indiana, father born Pennsylvania, mother born Indiana
Mycituis, daughter, Dec 1894, 5, born Indiana
Alban Bear, uncle, July 1839, 60, born Pennsylvania, father born New Jersey, mother born Pennsylvania

In 1910, I found the family in Fostoria, Seneca County, Ohio (page 28/5a)
Murt C. Leaman, head of household, 37, married once 12 years, born Indiana, parents born Indiana, general painter
Flora, wife, 36, married once 12 years, 1 child 1 living, born Indiana, parents born Indiana
Mercedes, daughter, 15, born Indiana

I didn't find M. C. and Flora Leaman in the ancestry census index for 1920 or 1930 in Ohio or Michigan. Thinking perhaps Flora had married Jack Hampton before 1920 I searched for Flora Hampton. One hit in 1930 only: George H. Hampton and wife Flora in Clinton, Macomb County, Michigan. She is 54, married 22 years, born in Michigan. Not the right Flora.

I'm not sure why, but I then did a search of the 1930 census for Mercedes Hampton, born in 1894, living in Michigan. Up came this family, living in Detroit District 30, Wayne County (page 36):
Robert Hampton, head of household, rents home for $60, 53, first married at age 23, born Canada-Eng, parents born Canada-Eng, Steel worker, Auto Company
Katherine, wife, 54, first married at age 17, born Indiana, father born Pennsylvania, mother born Ohio
Mercedes Wilkinson, daughter, 35, divorced, first married at age 17, born Indiana, parents born Indiana, Saleslady, Ladies Clothes

According to the 1880 census (see above), Flora's middle name was Cathy. So, is it a stretch to think this might be the right household? Of course, the husband's name is Robert and not Jack. But maybe he was called Jack by family members? Katherine is the right age, she and her parents were born in the right places. Same for Mercedes. Note that Mercedes is listed as Robert's daughter but he was born in Canada and her parents were born in Indiana.

I did not find Mercedes Wilkinson in the 1920 census index but did find the Robert Hampton household living on Oakland Street, Detroit Ward 3, District 111, Wayne County (p42/2a)
Robert Hampton, head of household, 40, married, immigrated 1911, alien or naturalized has "Pa" in column, born Canada, parents born Canada, Moulder, Auto Factory
Katherine, wife, 40, married, immigrated has X in column, alien or naturalized has "al" in column, born Indiana, parents born Indiana

I searched the SSDI for Mercedes Wilkinson, but got no hits. Then searched it for Mercedes (first name only), born in 1894, card issued in Michigan.

I got two hits. One for Mercedes Ginther, born December 6, 1894, died Sep 1978. The other was for Mercedes Hernandez, born February 2, 1894, died Feb 1983. I found them in the 1930 census and based on the fact that both are married in 1930 and their place of birth (Mrs. Ginther was born in Michigan and Mrs. Hernandez was born in Mexico) neither one is the "right" person.

*** Update 12:30 p.m. December 3, 2008 ***

Found in the "Index Cards to Naturalization Petitions for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, Detroit, 1907-1995" database on ancestry.

REPAT (in upper right corner)
513 (written) 1211 (typed)
Hampton, Flora Katherine
12-5-40
3-14-1874 BD

*** End of Update ***

Conclusions.

Laura Lemmon, named in her father's obituary, is the same Flora Cathy Bair who was "adopted" by William H. and Catherine Dunfee, and she is the same Flora/Florence who married Massilon C. Leamon/Leaman.

Using her middle name Katherine, Flora married a second time to Robert Hampton, aka Jack Hampton. They lived in Detroit, Michigan.

Flora Katherine Hampton was still living in September 1941 but, since she is not mentioned in the obituary of William James Dunfee, she may have died prior to May 1942 (or whomever provided his family information didn't include her, for whatever reason).

Flora and M. C. Leaman had a daughter named Mercedes, who could be the Detroit cousin known as Mercedes. Mercedes married Mr. Wilkinson at age 17 and divorced before 1930, when she was living with her mother and step-father.

*** Update 8:30 a.m. December 3, 2008 ***

As Randy pointed out in his comment, I have no "real" documentation for many of my facts and conclusions. He suggests checking the online Michigan death index as well as Detroit city directories. Thanks, Randy, and I will follow up on those suggestions.

I should have stated in the original post that my conclusions are preliminary and are based on the information that I have gathered thus far. Additional research is definitely needed to "prove" those presumptions.

*** End of Update ***

Questions.

Of course, as more information is uncovered, additional questions arise. What happened to Mercedes? Did she marry again? Did she have any children? When and where did she die? When and where did Flora Katherine die? Was Robert really called Jack?

Photograph identified only as "Detroit Cousins." My aunt said the ladies' name was Mercedes.

Enlargement of the above photograph.

Enlargement from another photograph. I think the lady in the middle in this picture is the same person in the top picture. What do you think?

Mae Dunfee was the adopted daughter of William James Dunfee and his wife Mary Elizabeth Walker. Hazlette is my grandmother; Jane and Bill are her sister and brother. I think the lady in the middle is Mercedes who would have been about 8 years older than my grandmother who was born in January 1902. I'm not sure that the boy is grandma's brother Bill. He was only 3 years younger than she and, to me, this boy looks younger than that. I'm guessing that this picture was taken about 1920, give or take a few years.

An Update on Carl and Claude Robison

Carl and Claude Robison are sons of Frank and Cora Robison, grandsons of Henry and Lucy Robison, and great grandsons of Henry and Ann Robison.

=+= Carl Robison =+=

According to his mother's obituary published in the Columbia City Post on July 16, 1934 Carl Robison was living in Cincinnati, Ohio. However, the obituary of his mother that was published in the Leader-Tribune (Marion, Indiana) stated that he lived in Lincoln, Nebraska!

I hadn't found Carl in Indiana or Ohio in 1930, but a search of the 1930 census found that he was indeed living in Lincoln. (Lancaster County, Nebraska, page 218). Carl Robison was head of the household. He was renting his home for $50, was 33 years old, married, first married at age 21, born in Indiana, and his parents were born in Indiana. His wife Cecil, was 32 years old, first married at age 20, born in Indiana. The occupation given for both of them was music teacher.

The staff at the Marion Library found his obituary in the Chronicle-Tribune (Marion, Indiana) published on Sunday, December 12, 1971 (page 12).

Carl Robison, 75, 216 W. 41st St., widely known musician, died at 1 p.m. Saturday at his home following an illness of two years.

A native of Marion, he formerly played with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and with the Omaha and Lincoln, Neb., Symphony Orchestra. He also taught oboe at the University of Nebraska. He played for the opening of the Lyric Theater in Marion many years ago. He was a charter member of the Musicians Union here. For several years after he returned to Marion, he was a tool and die maker at Paranite Wire and Cable Co.

Mr. Robison was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, and he was a member of Samaritan Lodge, F and A M, and all of the York Rite Masonic Bodies in Marion, the Mizpah Shrine, Fort Wayne, the Shrine Band in that city and the Mississinewa Chapter, Order of Eastern Star.

Survivors include the wife, Venetta; one son, Jack, Riverside, Calif.; one stepson, Charles Diodore, Riverside, Calif., and a brother, Henry, Warren.

Friends may call after 7 p.m. today at Shawley Memorial Chapel, 2901 S. Washington St. Funeral arrangements are pending.

The Social Security Death Index on ancestry shows that Carl was born May 28, 1896 and died Dec 1971. His last residence was Marion, Grant County, Indiana.

=+= Claude Robison =+=

All I had on Claude was that he was listed with his parents in the census records for 1910 through 1930 which showed that he was born about 1909 or 1910. The staff at the Marion Library found his funeral notice published in the Chronicle-Tribune (Marion, Indiana) on Sunday July 14, 1968:

Services for former Marion resident Claude Robison, 59, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in St. John's Church of Christ, Chicago Heights, Ill.

Mr. Robison, formerly employed at Beitler Studio, Marion, died Friday night in Chicago Heights. Burial will be there.

Survivors are his wife, the former Bernice Oliver; two brothers, Henry, Warren, and Carl, Marion; two sons, Don, California, and Carl, Chicago Heights, and six grandchildren.

The Social Security Death Index on ancestry shows that Claude was born April 4, 1909 and died July 1968. His last residence was Chicago Heights, Cook County, Illinois.

James and Tobitha Scott Robison

About a month ago I was contacted by a descendant of James and Tobitha Scott Robison. We *think* that James *could be* a son of Henry and Ann Robison.

That inquiry set me off to "assemble" the information I had on the Robison/Robinson Families of Whitley County, Indiana and to see if I could fill in some of the blank spots. Through evaluation of the census records it was determined that Henry and Ann Robison *may* have had eight children.

In the household of Henry and Ann in 1830 there is one male 10-14 years old (year of birth would be between 1816 and 1820). In 1840 there is one male aged 20-29 years (born 1811-1820). James Robison "fits" into this time frame. Unless there is a bible record out there "somewhere" that provides the names of the children of Henry and Ann Robison, I don't know that we'll ever be able to "prove" that James is their son.

Whitley County marriage records show that James Robinson and Tobitha Jane Scott were married on January 1, 1846. (pdf documents online: Marriage Affidavit and the Marriage Return)

The only James Robison listed in the 1850 census for Whitley county was 32 years old and enumerated in the household of Thomas Cleveland. His place of birth was left blank. At 32 years of age, his year of birth would be about 1818 give or take a year (or two). So where is his wife Tobitha?

In the 1860 census for Cleveland Township, Whitley County (page 212/895) we find James and Tobitha Robinson with three children: 11 year old Samuel, two year old "E" and a 10 year old female. At first glance the name of the 10 year old looks like Martha, but upon closer examination I think it is Marietta. James is a 43 year old laborer, he owns real estate valued at $200 and has a personal estate of $112. He was born in Pennsylvania. Tobitha is 33 years old and was born in Ohio.

In 1870, Tobitha J. Robison is listed in Cleveland Township, Whitley County as head of household. She is 30 [sic] years old, has real estate valued at $150 and a personal estate of $100. She was born in Pennsylvania. Listed in her household is 12 year old Emily Jane, 10 year old Marietta, and 5 year old Arena Ann. All of the children were born in Indiana. If Marietta is 10 years old in 1860, she would be 20 in 1870. Unless, perhaps, the first Marietta died and a daughter born afterwards was given the same name? Was Emily Jane named after James' possible sister Emily?

Online Cemetery Transcriptions for South Whitley Cemetery show the following burials in section U row 16 stones 6, 7 & 8:
Emily Jane Robinson died January 3, 1875 aged 17 years 1 month 7 days
James Robinson died April 2 1860 aged 33 years 6 months 3 days
Samuel M Robinson died October 1855

There is an issue with two of the entries. James is listed in the 1860 census which was enumerated on July 27th. And 11 year old Samuel is listed in the household in 1860 also. Thus, a trip to the South Whitley Cemetery was in order!

Using the two images of the grave marker for James, shown below, I believe his inscription reads "James / Robenson / husband of / T. J. Robenson / died / Apr 12, 1870 / aged / 53 ys 6 m 3 d"



The inscription for James is on the south face of the stone. There is another inscription on the west face that is pretty much illegible, even with using the foil technique. However, it appears to be for the son, Samuel. The date can't be deciphered but since he is listed in the 1860 census I'd be inclined to think that he died in 1865 rather than 1855 as the above mentioned transcription indicates.

A marker to the south of James is also unreadable but it looks like it could be for Emily Jane. To the north of James there is another marker, not included in the online cemetery transcriptions, that reads "Infant / son of / J. and T. J. / Robison"



A little over a year after James' death, his widow remarried. Whitley County Marriages (book 2 page 120) show that Tobitha Robinson was married on June 26, 1871 to Joseph Mintz [sic]. I have not looked at the actual record yet so I don't know if Mintz is a transcription error or if that is what the record says.

My correspondent said that Joseph and Tabitha Montz lived in Chester Township, Wabash County, Indiana and that is where they were found in 1880. Joseph Montz was the head of the household, he was a 57 year old farmer and had been born in Pennsylvania.

His wife, Tabitha J., was 54 years old and had been born in Ohio. Living with them was 15 year old Anna Robison, born in Indiana, identified as a step daughter of Joseph.

If we go back to the cemetery, we'll see a marker to the north of Infant Robison that is now illegible. In the cemetery transcriptions it is identified as J. M. Alburn Carper, son of J & C, who died October 11, 1882 aged 11 years 11 months.

To the north of the Carper stone is that of Tobitha Montz:
Tobitha J / Wife of / Joseph / Montz / died / NOV. 1, 1882 / AGED / 56 Y's 1 Mo. / 27 D's


The James Robison family at South Whitley Cemetery, Cleveland Township, Whitley County, Indiana. Eliza Jane McMannen could be a sister of James.

Joseph Montz is not listed in the Whitley County cemetery transcriptions.

My correspondent is a great-granddaughter of James and Tobitha's daughter, Arena Ann Robison (also known as Irene Ann and Irena). Irene was born January 3, 1865. On June 3, 1883 she was married to Jacob E. Cripe. Sometime in the late 1890s Jacob and Irene traveled west via covered wagon, first living in Missouri for a while and then moving to Kansas. I found them in Montier Township, Shannon County, Missouri in 1900. I haven't found them in the 1910 census index at ancestry. In 1920 Jacob and Irene are living on Fifth Street in Pomona, Franklin County, Kansas. In 1930, Irena is widowed and living by herself on East 5th Street in Pomona.

The following information on Irene's family was transcribed by my correspondent from the Cripe family bible.

• Jacob E. Cripe and Irena A. Robison wed on Sunday June 3, 1883 at the residence of J. Montz. Witnesses were Jacob Grow and wife, Joseph Lands and wife, Bob Cripe and wife and Lizzie Frantz (or Frentz)
• Jacob E. Cripe born July 20, 1852, died October 30, 1928
• Irena A. Cripe born January 3, 1865
• Martha E. Cripe born July 6, 1884
• Mary A. Cripe born January 26, 1888, died January 14, 1908
• Infant son [of Mary's] died January 14, 1908
• Alice Cripe born Nov. 2, 1889
• Ira D. Cripe born June 5, 1894 d. April 27, 1975

Charles Bair

Charles Bair, age 5, was listed with Franklin and Emily (Robison) Bair in the 1870 census. I haven't found Charles in the 1880 census yet (at least no one the right age born in Indiana). His father's obituary of 1917 stated that Charles lived in Pana, Illinois.

The only Charles (Chas., Charlie, Charley) Bair (Bare, Bear, Barr, etc.), of the right age (born about 1865 in Indiana) was found in 1900 in Assumption Village, Christian County, Illinois (the surname was indexed as Bain).
Charles S. Bair, Oct. 1867, 32, married 8 years, born Indiana, father born Ohio, mother born Unknown, Bartender
Alva, wife, Dec 1875, 24, married 8 years, 3 children 3 living, born Illinois, parents born French Canada
Frank, son, Feb 1895, 5, born Illinois
Lavetta, daughter, Feb 1898, 2, born Illinois
Harvey, son, Dec 1899, 5/12, born Illinois
Bertha Reed, Servant, Jun 1885, 15, born Illinois
Charles Harmes, boarder, Sept 1869, 30, born England
Antone Karmou [?], boarder, Jan 1866, 34, born Germany
Sarah Denepe [?], boarder, Oct 1816, 83, widowed, 5 children 4 living, born Ohio

Charles was found in 1910, living in Tower Hill Township, Shelby County, Illinois. It is highly likely that his first wife, Alva, passed away since this record shows that Charles and his wife Sadie had been married for only 3 years. Also, since Frances was born in Indiana and six years old, she is probably Sadie's daughter from a previous marriage.
Charles Bair, head, 43, married twice, married for 3 years, born Indiana, father born Ohio, mother born unknown
Sadie, wife, 28, married twice, married for 3 years, 2 children 2 living, born Ohio, father born New York, mother born Ohio
Frank, son, 15, born Illinois, father born Indiana, mother born Illinois
Laveda, daughter, 12, born Illinois, father born Indiana, mother born Illinois
Harvy, son, 10, born Illinois, father born Indiana, mother born Illinois
Frances, daughter, 6, born Indiana, father born Ohio, mother born Indiana
Margaret, daughter, 1, born Illinois, father born Indiana, mother born Ohio

The family of Charles and Sadie Bair was not found in Illinois in the 1920 census index but there is a Charles Bair of the right age in Christian County. Thing is though, none of the children listed in the 1910 census are in his household in 1920, and his wife's name is Nellie. Did Sadie die? Did Charles and Sadie get divorced? Charles and Nellie resided on South Clark Street, Pana City, Pana Township, Christian County, Illinois. (When Franklin Bair died, his son Chas. was living in Pana, Illinois.) Charles Bair was a 53 year old coal miner. He had been born in Indiana. His wife, Nellie, was 36 years old and born in Illinois.

In 1930 Charles and Nellie were living in Mascoutah City, St. Clair County, Illinois. Charles Bair, was 63 years old and worked as a miner at the Kulb Coal Company. He rents his home for $10. Charles was first married at age 24. (This puts his year of birth at about 1867 and first marriage about 1891. In the 1900 census it showed that Charles and Alva had been married 8 years, i.e. married about 1892.) His wife Nellie was 46 years old and born in Illinois. Her first marriage was at the age of 20.

Obviously, I don't know for sure that these four census entries are all for the same person, however, based on further research shown below, I think they are. But if they are the same fellow, I still don't know whether or not he is the "right" Charles Bair that is the son of Franklin and Emily Robison Bair. This Charles was born in Indiana, his age is off by two years based on being 15 years old in 1870, however, he named his first child Frank. Was he named after Charles' father, or is it merely a coincidence?

This Charles Bair was married three times and had four children. I haven't discovered any information at all on any of the children, except for Harvey. I need to do more searching for them but the information found on Harvey, shown below, makes the connection to the Charles Bair in the census of 1900 and 1910 and to the Charles Bair in the 1920 and 1930 census.

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Harvey Leaff Bair was found in the World War I Draft Registration Cards at ancestry. The registration date was September 12, 1918. Harvey lived in Shelbyville, Illinois, he was 18 years old and was born December 23, 1899. He was a student employed by Sharks Business in Shelbyville. His nearest relative was Charles S. Bair who lived in Pana, Christian County, Illinois. This is what makes that connection to the above census records for Charles Bair.

Additional research will be needed to verify whether or not the Harvey Bair in the following records is the same person.

In 1920, there is a Harvey Bair, age 20, single, born in Illinois, parents born in Illinois listed in the household of Jacob and Margaret B. Doll as their Foster Son. Jacob Doll is 73 years old and Margaret, his wife, is 68. They are located in Rural Township, Shelby County, Illinois. This Harvey Bair is a very good candidate to be the son of Charles.

In 1930, there is a 30 year old Harvey Bair listed as a boarder in the household of John J. and Grace McGoogan in Maplewood, St. Louis County, Missouri page 7b. Harvey was born in Illinois, his parents were born in the United States, and he is a Book Keeper for a Lead Co.

A Harvey L Bair, born 1899 in Illinois, was found in the U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records at ancestry. He enlisted as a Private on June 12, 1942 at Albany, Essex County, New York. He was a single man, without dependents.

The Missouri Marriage Records, 1805-2002 on ancestry show that a Harvey L Bair, age 43 born about 1900, was married on March 6, 1943 to Elizabeth Burton. She was 40 years old, born about 1903. They were married at Webster Grover, St Louis, Missouri.

And finally, the Social Security Death Index shows a Harvey Bair who was born December 23, 1899 and died in September 1978. Last Residence and Last Benefit was Keyport, Monmouth, New Jersey. His social security card was issued in Missouri.

Franklin Henry Bair 1862-1948

Franklin Henry Bair was enumerated as Franklin Bair in the household of Franklin and Emily (Robison) Bair in the 1870 Whitley County, Indiana census. He was six years old, which makes his year of birth about 1863-4. He was presumably named after his father, Franklin Bair, and his mother's father, Henry Robison.

The only child of Franklin and Emily that I was able to find in Whitley County in 1880, Franklin is listed as a boarder in the household of Henry Miller: Frank Bair, age 17, laborer, born Indiana, parents born Ohio.

On January 31, 1886 Franklin H. Bair was married to Nettie S. Ellis in Whitley County, Indiana. The marriage application shows that he will be 24 years old on his next birthday (i.e. 23 years old and born about 1863). He was born in Columbia City and his parents are given as Franklin H. Bair and Emily Robinson. His wife, Nettie S. Ellis, was 22 years old, born in Ohio, and was the daughter of E. H. Ellis and E. Keller.

His father's obituary of 1917 stated that Frank lived in Iowa and we have the following entry in Eagle Township, Black Hawk County, Iowa that fits the criteria for Franklin (born 1862-1864 in Indiana).
F. Henry Bair, head of household, June 1862, 37, married 14 years, born Indiana, father born Pennsylvania, mother born Indiana, farmer
Nettie, wife, Mar 1863, 37, married 14 years, 2 children 2 living, born Ohio, father born Missouri, mother born Ohio
Myrtle, daughter, Nov 1886, 13, born Iowa
Albert, son, July 1895, 4, born Iowa
George W. Blough, relationship is blank, Aug 1883 [sic], 26, single, born Pennsylvania

In 1910 Franklin was back in Indiana! We found him and his family in Spencer Township, Jennings County, Indiana. (Did he move back to Iowa before his father's death? Or, perhaps more likely, his father was unaware of his return to Indiana. Jennings county is located in the south east corner of Indiana.)
Franklin H. Bair, head, 47, married once, married 24 years, born Indiana, father born Pennsylvania, mother born Indiana, farmer, general farm
Nettie S., wife, 47, married once, married 24 years, born Ohio, father born Missouri, mother born Ohio
Myrta F., daughter, 23, single, born Iowa
Franklin A., son, 15, single, born Iowa

Franklin and his family certainly moved around. The WWI Draft Registration Card for Franklin Albert Bair, dated June 5, 1917 gives his home address as Dunnell, Minnesota. And in 1920 we find the family in Lake Fremont Township, Martin County, Minnesota.
Franklin H. Bair, head, 57, married, born Indiana, parents born Indiana, Operator, Farm
Ellis N., wife, 57, married, born Ohio, father born Missouri, mother born Ohio [Ellis was Nettie's maiden name]
Meartie M., daughter, 32, single, born Iowa, House Keeper, Farm
Franklin A., son, 25, single, born Iowa, Machinist, Automobile

After yet another move, they were found in 1930 at Wood River, Burnett County, Wisconsin.
F. Henry Bair, head, owns home valued at $1200, 68, married, first married at age 23, born Indiana, father born Pennsylvania, mother born Indiana, Farmer
Nettie, wife, 68, married, first married at age 23, born Ohio, father born Missouri, mother born Ohio
Mryta, daughter, 42, single, born Iowa

A check of the Burnett County, Wisconsin website shows that Franklin, his wife, and daughter are buried in Riverside Cemetery.
Franklin Henry Bair was born 12 Jun 1862 and died 27 May 1948
Nettie Bair, born 05 Mar 1862 died 01 Oct 1939
Myrta Bair, born 23 Nov 1885 died 14 Nov 1984

Myrta died just a few days before her 99th (or 98th) birthday!! The 1900 census gives her birth date as Nov 1886 as does the Social Security Death Index. It shows that Myrta Bair was born November 23, 1886 and died Nov 1984. Her last residence was Grantsburg, Burnett County, Wisconsin and her social security card was issued in Wisconsin.

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World War I Draft Registration Cards on ancestry have an entry for Franklin Albert Bair. He was 22 years old, born July 17, 1894 in La Porte City, Iowa. His home address is Dunnell, Minn. He is single and a farmer. He signed his name as Albert Bair. He is of medium height and medium build, has brown eyes and dark brown hair. He registered for the draft on June 5, 1917 in the Lake Fremont precinct in Martin County, Minnesota.

In 1930, he was found in Newton City, Jasper County, Iowa (page 4b). He is listed as a Lodger in the household of Harry and Louise Hale and their three children: Albert Bair, age 35, Divorced, born Iowa, father born Indiana, mother born Ohio, Welder, Washing Machine Factory, veteran of WWI.

The Social Security Death Index has an entry for a Franklin Bair, born July 17, 1894 and died September 1980. His last residence and last benefit was listed as Frederic, Polk County, Wisconsin. His social security card was issued in Arizona.

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Unless their son married again, there is a good probability that Franklin Henry Bair and his wife Nettie have no living descendants ;-(

Update January 17, 2009: Funeral Notices posted for Franklin and Nettie Bair.

Franklin and Emily Robison Bair

In the first part of the Robison/Robinson Families of Whitley County, Indiana I discussed what was known about Henry Robison and his wife Ann. Census records indicate that they could have had eight children. Emily is one of the three known children.

Emily Robison is listed as 15 years old in the household of Henry and Ann Robison in the 1850 census of Whitley County, Indiana. She would have been born about 1835. Emily is also named in her father's will dated August 8, 1851 and in a deed record dated August 15, 1855 where her mother was selling land in Whitley County, Indiana.

Although Emily Robison was not found in the 1860 census in Whitley County, there is a 24 year old Emma Robison, listed as a serving girl, in the household of John Wireman in Columbia City. I don't know if Emily and this Emma are the same person but I don't think they are since there is a marriage record for both Emily Robinson and Emma Robinson in Whitley County.

Emma A. Robinson was married on August 9, 1869 to John Van Liew. I have not found Emma and John in any census records for Whitley County or elsewhere. There isn't much to go on other than their marriage date. If this is "Emily" Robison, she would have been about 34 years old at the time of her marriage.

It is more likely that the Emily Robinson who was married on April 27, 1861 to Franklin Bair is "our" Emily. If so, she would have been 25 or 26 years old and Franklin would have been 23. This ties in nicely to the fact that, in the 1870 census shown below, Emily is two years older than Franklin. Other than the Emma Robinson mentioned above who married John Van Liew, no other "Emily" Robi(n)son has been found in Whitley County (at least not in the records I've checked) during this time period. In the absence of proof, I am making the ASSUMPTION that this Emily is the daughter of Henry and Ann Robison. I'd love to hear from a descendant of Emily and Franklin Bair or anyone else who might have information about them!

The family of Emily and Franklin Bair is listed in the 1870 census in Columbia City, Whitley County, Indiana. Franklin was 32 years old, worked in a store, had a personal estate valued at $150, and was born in Pennsylvania. Emily was 34 years old, keeping house, and born in Indiana. Four children were listed in the household, all were born in Indiana: six year old Franklin, five year old Charles, three year old William, and Ira Dell who was 1/12 year old and born in Feb. 1870.

Emily was not listed in the 1880 census records for Whitley County. However, Franklin was found in Columbia City in 1880 where he is a 42 year old butcher that was born in Pennsylvania. He is listed in the household of Geo. W. Crozier.

A check of the Index of Whitley County Guardianship Packets shows an entry for Emily C. Bair with a year of 1877. The year coincides with the statement in Frank's obituary (see below) which says that "Mrs. Bair passed away forty years ago." [Note to self: need to look at this guardianship record!] Emily is not listed in the published cemetery transcriptions for Whitley County. [see The Heirs of Emily Bair posted 12/08/2008]

Franklin Bair was found in the Whitley County census for 1900 and 1910. In 1900 he is listed as a servant in the household of Benjamin F. Hull. Born Oct 1846, Franklin was 63 years old, widowed, and born in Pennsylvania. His occupation was Hostler. In 1910 he is a 73 year old hired man, widowed, born in Ohio, enumerated in the household of Henry A. Schumaker.

The obituary of Frank Bair was published in the Columbia City Post on Wednesday, March 7, 1917:

"Gov." Frank Bair, an inmate at the county hospital since November, 1913, died Sunday night at 7 o'clock from Bright's disease, having suffered a stroke of paralysis a few minutes before death. Mr. Bair was 70 years, 5 months and 20 days of age at his death and was taken to the county farm only after he became so feeble from old age that he could no longer work.

The deceased was born in Pennsylvania, Sept. 15, 1837, and was the son of Samuel and Eleanore Bair. He moved with his parents from Pennsylvania to Ohio where the parents died. He grew to young manhood there and came to Indiana where he married Miss Emma Robinson, a native of this county. Seven children were born to this union, three of whom survive: Laura Lemmon, of Detroit; Chas. Bair, of Pana, Ill.; Frank Bair, of Iowa. Mrs. Bair passed away forty years ago and since that time her husband has lived a single life. He is also survived by one brother, Alvin Bair, of Mishawaka, and two sisters, Mrs. J. I. Kellenbarger, of Newark, Ohio, and Mrs. Henry Egolf, of Thorncreek township. Mr. Bair worked at the butcher trade in this city for many years and was well known among the older people of this vicinity.

So, according to the above information, seven children were born to Frank and Emily, but only three were still living when Frank died:

• Laura Lemmon, of Detroit. Laura is not listed with them in the 1870 census, which indicates that she was born after 1870 but before 1877 when Emily apparently died. I haven't found anything on her. [Her name could be Flora - added 12/02/2008]
• Chas. Bair, of Pana, Ill. Charles was 5 years old in 1870. [MORE INFO POSTED 09/20]
• Frank Bair, of Iowa. Franklin was 6 years old in 1870. [MORE INFO POSTED 09/21]

Two other children were listed in the 1870 census: William was 3 years old and Ira Dell was just a month old. That leaves two other children unaccounted for. Since only three children were mentioned in Franklin's obituary, it is presumed that William, Ira Dell, and the two unknown children all died young.

Frank and Cora Robison of Marion, Indiana

Frank Robison, born in May 1870, was the second child of Henry and Lucy Robison.

In 1870, Frank is 4 1/2 years old and living with his parents in Etna Township, Whitley County, Indiana. The 1880 census shows that 10 year old Frank resides with his parents, but in neighboring Troy Township.

On August 23, 1891 Frank was married to Cora B. Beard in Whitley County. The Whitley County Marriage Applications show that Frank was residing in Loraine, he was 21 years old and employed as a laborer. His parents are given as Henry Robison and Lucy Straight. Cora was 18 years old, living in Marion, and was the daughter of Levi Beard and Louisa Barney.

The obituary notices of his parents both stated that Frank lived in Marion, Indiana. That is where he was found, enumerated as Frank Robinson, in the census records for 1900 through 1930 (Marion is in Grant County). He worked as a moulder in an iron foundry. Frank and Cora had three children: Henry, Carl, and Claude.

The 1900 census shows that Cora was born in September 1873. Her age in later census records is consistent with an 1873 year of birth. Cora died on July 16, 1934 and a notice of her death was published in the Columbia City Post on that date.

Amon Beard today received a message telling of the death at Marion early today of Mrs. Cora Robison, about 62 years old, wife of Frank Robison of Marion. A number of cousins of the deceased reside in Whitley county. Mrs. Robison is survived by her husband and three sons, Henry of Fort Wayne, Carl of Cincinnati, O., and Claude of Marion. Two brothers, Earl Beard of Indianapolis and Elmer Beard of Marion, and a sister, Mrs. Henry Snyder of Marion, also survive. Mrs. Robison was the eldest daughter of Levi Beard, who resided in this county.

On the 17th of July, notice of her funeral was published in the Columbia City Post: "Among the local relatives who will attend the funeral services at 2 p.m. Thursday in Marion for their cousin, Mrs. Frank Robison, are Mr. and Mrs. Amon Beard, Mrs. Candes Schuman, Mrs. Joshua Schuman and Mrs. Goldie Bechtold. Mrs. Robison was the eldest daughter of Levi Beard, former local resident."

Nine months later, on April 26, 1935, Henry also passed away. The Columbia City Post of April 30, 1935 published the notice of his funeral.

Funeral services were held at Marion Monday afternoon for Frank Robinson, 65, a brother of Mrs. Mollie Watters, of Lorane. Mr. Robinson, who formerly resided just west of Lorane, died Friday afternoon of pneumonia. He had been a resident of Marion for 40 years. Mrs. Robinson, who was formerly Cora Beard, a daughter of Levi Beard, died last summer. A sister, Mrs. Ella Kimball, resides at Winegar, Mich.

Relatives from this county who called at the Robinson home in Marion Sunday included the Amon Beard family, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Schuman, Mrs. Angie Schuman and Mrs. Candes Schuman. Attending the funeral services Monday, at the Nelson Street Wesleyan church in Marion were Mrs. Watters and her grandson, William Gavitan of Lorane, and another grandson of Mrs. Watters, Paul Grimes, of Roundout, Ill.

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Henry Robison is listed as a "s-son" of Frank Robison in the 1900 census. Henry was born in Indiana in Sept 1892 and was 7 years old. In 1910 he is listed with Frank and Cora as a son, 17 years old.

An entry in the World War I Draft Registration Cards on ancestry was found for 24 year old Henry L. Robison. He was born September 20, 1892 in Marion, Grant County, Indiana. He lived at 517 Marshall street in Marion and was employed as a tool designer for Rulentino Motor Works in Marion. He was married. A crippled left hand might be cause for exemption from the draft. He was tall, with a medium build, brown eyes and brown hair. The registration card was dated June 5, 1917.

According to his mother's obituary of July 16, 1934, Henry Robison lived in Fort Wayne.

In 1930, we find Henry L. Robison living in Fort Wayne. He was 37 years old, rents his home $37, owns a radio, was married at age 21, and is employed as an educational supervisor in an auto factory. He and both parents were born in Indiana. Listed with him was his wife, Daisy M., who was 37 and born in Indiana.

Backtracking to the 1920 census, the only Henry Robison that came close to matching his age was found living in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana. Henry L. Robison was 27 years old, born in Indiana, married, and a tool designer in a factory. His wife was Daisy M., who was also 27 years old and born in Indiana.

An entry in the Social Security Death Index shows a Henry Robison that was born September 20, 1892 and died in Sep 1977. His last residence was listed as Warren, Huntington County, Indiana. His social security card was issued in Illinois.

Daisy M. Robison was also found in the Social Security Death Index. She was born December 14, 1892 and died on May 17, 1988.

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Carl Robison was enumerated with his parents in the 1900 and 1910 census records. The 1900 census shows that he was born in May 1896. Like his brother Henry, he too is listed as a "s-son" of Frank Robison while in 1910 he is a son.

The World War I Draft Registration Cards show a Carl Robison residing at 1901 W 1st Street, Marion, Indiana. He was single, 21 years old, born on May 28, 1896 in Marion. Carl was employed as a tool maker with the Buick Motor Co., Flint, Michigan. Like his brother, he also had crippled left hand. He was of medium height and medium build with gray eyes and black hair. The registration was dated May 31, 1917.

In the 1920 census Carl was enumerated in Marion in the household of James E. and Margaret Shannon. James is a 52 year old minister. Margaret is 50 years old. Carl Robison is listed as son in law, age 23, married, born Indiana, toolmaker in a factory. Also listed was Eva Robison, daughter, 25, born Indiana.

I haven't found Carl in the 1930 census yet. According to his mother's obituary of July 16, 1934, he was living in Cincinnati, Ohio.

An entry was found for Carl Robinson in the Grant County, Indiana online Death Record Transcriptions 1970-present. He was a tool and die maker aged 75 years 6 months and 13 days. Born on May 28, 1896 and died on December 11, 1971 at his residence at 216 W 41st Street in Marion. His parents were Frank Robinson and Cora Beard. The informant was Vennetta Robinson. Carl was married but the name of his spouse was not given. He was buried at Clear Creek Cemetery in Huntington, Indiana.

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Claude Robison was listed in the 1910, 1920, and 1930 census records with his parents in Marion. In 1910 his age is given as 1 - 1/12, in 1920 he is 10 years old. In 1930 he is listed as 20 years old and is employed as a photographer. According to his mother's obituary of July 16, 1934, Claude lived in Marion. I have no further information on him.

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What's next?

The Huntington Library has an excellent genealogy and local history room with an extensive obituary card file. So perhaps a trip to Huntington is in order since Carl is buried there and Henry's last residence was Warren, which is in Huntington County.

There are several other relatives (on Dad's side of the family) that lived in Marion. So perhaps, if I figure out what is need for those people, I might make a trip to Marion. It's about a 90 minute drive. Could stop by Huntington on the way. They are both on state route 9, as is Columbia City. If I wanted to wait a few months, I could tie this in with Megan's presentations on May 30, 2009 at the Marion Public Library...

Ella/Ellen Robison and C. M. Kimball

Ella Robison, also known as Ellen, was born on July 20, 1868 and was the first child born to Henry and Lucy Robison who lived most of their lives in Troy Township, Whitley County, Indiana.

In 1870, two year old Ellen is living with her parents in Etna Township, Whitley County. The record shows that she was born in Indiana. In 1880, Ella is 11 years old, living with her parents in Troy township. That record also shows that she was born in Indiana.

On February 13, 1897 Ella Robison was married to C. M. Kimball in Whitley County, Indiana by Rev. D. W. Sanders. The application for marriage shows that C. M. was a 29 year old farmer born in Converse, Indiana. His father was A. D. Kimball and his mother's maiden name was Haupt. Ella was 27 years old with place of birth given as Three Oaks, Michigan. Her father is Henry Robison and her mother's maiden name is Straight. (In census records, sometimes Ella's place of birth is Indiana and other times it is Michigan.)

In the 1904 obituary of her father she is mentioned as Mrs. Ella Kimbal, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Three years later, the 1907 obituary of her mother stated that Mrs. Ella Kimmel was still living at Mt. Carmel (which is the county seat of Wabash County, Illinois). Up until two days ago, that was all the information I had on Ellen.

A search for Ellen Kimball, born 1868, in the 1900 census resulted in one likely candidate in Crane Township, Paulding County, Ohio (page 127a). A bit of a surprise since I expected to find them in Illinois!
Clyde M Kimball, head, Feb 1868, 32, married 3 years, born Indiana, father born Ohio, mother born Illinois, farmer
Ellen, Wife, July 1868, 31, married 3 years, no children, born Michigan, parents born Ohio

In 1910 a search for Ella Kimball, born 1868, didn't bring up anything that was even close. A search for Clyde Kimball brought up an entry for Clyde Kiebel with a wife named Ella. Some kind soul had sent in a correction for Clyde with the surname Kimbel and it was the last entry for "Clyde" in the results list. They were in Lickprairie, Wabash County, Illinois (page 5a)
Clyde Kimball, head, 42, married once 13 years, born Indiana, father born Ohio, mother born Illinois, farmer, own income
Ella, wife, 40, married once 13 years, 4 children 4 living, born Michigan, parents born Ohio
Henrietta, daughter, 9, born Ohio
A. D., son, 8, born Ohio
Louisa, daughter, 5, born Illinois
Mae, daughter, 1, born Illinois

1920 finds the family has moved again. They were found in Hay Township, Gladwin County, Michigan (page 2b)
Clyde M Kimball, head, 51, married, born Indiana, farmer
Ella, wife, 50, born Indiana
Henrietta S., daughter, 18, born Ohio, teacher
Admiral Daniel, son, 17, born Ohio, farm laborer
Louise C., daughter, 14, born Illinois
Mae E., daughter, 10, born Illinois

In 1930 they were still in Hay Township, Gladwin County, Michigan (page 2b)
Clyde M Kimball, head, 62, married, first married at age 28, born Indiana, father born Ohio, mother born Illinois, farmer
Ella I., wife, 61, married, first married at age 27, born Michigan, father born Ohio, mother born New York
A. Daniel, son, 27, single, born Ohio, farm laborer

A WorldConnect database provided the dates of birth for Clyde, Ella, and their children as well as a reference to the "History and Genealogy of the Thomas J. and Henrietta Howells Powell Families by W. D. Shirk. Fairfield, Iowa Ledger Printing House, 1918, which is available online at Google Books. On page 140, in a listing of the four children of Abner Daniel Kimball and Hennetta [or Henrietta ?] Haupt, we find that Clyde Moses was born February 16, 1868. A little further on the same page is the information about his family: "Clyde M. graduated at State Medical college, Indiana, 1892, with post-graduate work in surgery at Physicians and Surgeons college, Chicago. Married Ella Robison Feb. 13, 1898 [sic], born July 20, 1868, daughter of Henry and Lucy Robison. To this union 4 children were born: Hennetta, May 8, 1901; Abner Daniel, July 29, 1903; Louise, Oct. 23, 1906; Mae, Feb. 13, 1908. Clyde is a good, kind husband and father, has a big heart in just the right place."

What I find odd about this little paragraph is the statement that Clyde graduated from medical school. Not only that, but he did post-graduate work in surgery. Why is that odd? Well, in each of the four census records in which he was found, Clyde's occupation is listed as farmer!

So, to summarize, this is what I have now on Clyde and Ella:

• Clyde Moses Kimball was born February 16, 1868 in Indiana.
• He married Ella Robison on February 13, 1897 in Whitley County, Indiana.
• Ella/Ellen Robison was born July 20, 1868 in either Indiana or Michigan.
• After their marriage they moved to Paulding County, Ohio.
• Between 1903 and 1906 they moved from Ohio to Wabash County, Illinois.
• Between 1910 and 1920 they moved from Illinois to Gladwin County, Michigan.

Clyde and Ella had four children:

1. Henrietta Kimball, born May 8, 1901 in Ohio
2. Abner Daniel Kimball, born July 29, 1903 in Ohio
3. Louise Kimball, born October 23, 1906 in Illinois
4. Mae Kimball, born February 13, 1908 in Illinois

As always, more Questions:

• Did Clyde ever actually practice medicine?
• Was Ella/Ellen born in Indiana or Michigan?
• Did Clyde and Ella stay in Michigan after 1930?
• What happened to their children?
• Where and when did they all die?

Henry and Lucy Robison

The first part of the Robison/Robinson Families of Whitley County, Indiana presented what was known about Henry Robison and his wife Ann. Census records indicate that they may have had eight children. Three children are named in Henry's will dated August 8, 1851 and the same children were also mentioned in a deed record dated August 15, 1855 where Ann and the children were selling land in Whitley County, Indiana. The children were Eliza Jane, Henry, and Emily.

According to his obituary, published in the Columbia City Commercial on December 14, 1904 Henry Robison (Jr) was the son of Henry and Ann Robison and was born in Champaign County, Ohio on January 7, 1833. "He came to Indiana at an early age and at the beginning of the civil war enlisted in Co L of the 80th Indiana regiment of volunteers for three years, and at the expiration thereof reenlisted and served until the close of the war when he was honorably discharged. During his faithful service he was hit by a piece of shell on the left shoulder causing his left arm to be helpless, but remained with his Company until the close of the war cheering by words and songs." For a number of years Henry and Lucy were the proprietors of the "Robinson House" in Lorane.

Whitley County records show that Henry enlisted in Company I of the 30th Indiana Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry (not Co. L 80th IVI). He was wounded on April 7, 1862 at Pittsburgh Landing.

On October 10, 1867 Henry Robison Jr. was married to Lucy Ann (Strait) Scott. Lucy had three children from her previous marriage to Charles Scott but only two were living at the time of her death in January 1907; they were Perry Scott of Marion, Indiana and Mrs. Harvey Waters of Lorane. Henry and Lucy had four children: Ella, Frank, Ida Anna, and Pearl Henry.


You can read this post to find out how the photograph above gives me my "link" to Henry and Ann Robison!

1. Ella was born about 1868 and married C. M. Kimball on February 13, 1897 in Whitley County. In the obituary notice of her father she is mentioned as Mrs. Ella Kimbal Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Her mother's obituary gives her name as Mrs. Ella Kimmel. Additional information on them can be found at Ella/Ellen Robison and C. M. Kimball. [Link added 09/18/2008]

2. Frank Robison was born about 1869. He married Cora B. Beard on August 23, 1891 in Whitley County, Indiana. The obituary notices of his parents stated that Frank lived in Marion, Indiana (Grant County) and that is where he was found in the census records for 1900 through 1930. Additional information on them can be found at Frank and Cora Robison of Marion, Indiana. [Link added 09/18/2008]

3. Ida Anna Robison was born January 17, 1872 and died November 22, 1899 in Whitley County, Indiana. Her obituary was found in my grandmother's papers. The clipping is not identified (no name of newspaper or date of publication). "On Friday of last week this community was called upon to pay their last tribute of respect to one that has been with us from infancy, attended our school and our social gatherings, and our pen cannot describe the sad parting. Ida A. Robison was born in Troy township, Whitley county, Indiana on January 17, 1872 and died November 22, 1899, aged 27 years, 10 months and 3 days. Anna was a patient sufferer for nearly four years of the dread disease consumption which has claimed her as its victim. Her last days were her happiest, fully realizing that the end was near she never complained but was pleased with what little could be done for her to relieve her sufferings and was submissive to the Lord's will in whose care she had placed her trust. Rejoicing in the hope of meeting kind parents, brothers and sisters in heaven she shook hands with all present and peacefully passed to the spirit world."

The photograph was identified by my grandmother as Ida Anna Robison.

4. The obituary of Pearl Henry Robinson was also found in my grandmother's papers: He "was born at Lorane, Indiana April 3rd 1880 and died December 19th 1901 aged 21 years, 3 months and 16 days. Pearl, as we best knew him came home sick from his work on the 19th day of March, just 9 months previous to his death. His illness proved to be that dreaded disease consumption, from which he was a long and patient sufferer following so closely his sister Anna, whom he so dearly loved and so frequently spoke of. In his death his parents have lost a dutiful son, the brothers and sisters a loving brother and the young people of the community, one of their number whose loss they deeply feel as their beautiful flower offerings testified. The funeral was held at the Free Methodist Church at this place on Sunday the 22nd. The house was filled with sorrowing friends who came to pay their last tribute of respect. Rev. J.M. Jolley, pastor of the church preached a very able and appropriate sermon. Interment in the Scotts cemetery."

Eliza Jane Robison 1828-1856

In the first part of the Robison/Robinson Families of Whitley County, Indiana I discussed what was known about Henry Robison and his wife Ann(a). Census records indicate that they could have had eight children. Three children are named in Henry's will dated August 8, 1851 and the same children were also mentioned in a deed record dated August 15, 1855 where Ann and the children were selling land in Whitley County, Indiana. The children were Eliza Jane, Henry, and Emily.

Eliza Jane Robison is listed as 22 years old in the 1850 census with Henry and Ann Robison in Whitley County, Indiana. She married William McMannen on September 2, 1855. She gave birth to a son on April 2, 1856. The son, apparently not given a name, died on the day of his birth. Six weeks later, on May 25th, Eliza passed away at the age of 28 years 1 month 12 days. She is buried in South Whitley Cemetery next to her infant son. Their graves are in the "Mannen" plot, which is only six rows away from that of James Robison (possible/potential son of Henry and Ann).

On June 19, 1860 her widowed husband, William McMannen married Ann Maria Sterner. In December 2003, as editor of the quarterly publication of my local genealogy society, I received some correspondence from a descendant of William and Ann which included transcriptions of McMannen family bible records. Those records confirmed the birth date of Eliza and her marriage to William McMannen. The tombstone for their infant son is not legible, even with the use of a foil rubbing. The bible records state that he was born and died on April 2, 1856.

William and Ann Maria McMannen had three children: William Henry (b. 1861), James Monroe (b. 1862) and Eliza Alice (b. 1864). The children dropped the "Mc" from their surname and changed it to Mannen. Interesting, perhaps, that he named his daughter after his first wife?

Just as a side note, Lydia Robison (my ancestor) named her first child Anna Eliza. Anna after her mother and Eliza after her sister? Or merely coincidence? None of her other children have any names even resembling those of Henry and Ann's family.

Henry and Ann Robison :: Probable Children

The first post of this series on the Robison/Robinson Families of Whitley County, Indiana presented what was known about Henry Robison and his wife Ann(a). Census records indicate that they may have had eight children.

1830 Mad River Township , Champaign County, Ohio page 35 [surname indexed on ancestry as Rolison]
Henry Robison, head of household
Males: 0-0-1-0-0-1-0-0
Females: 2-1-1-0-1-0-0-0

• 1 male 10-14 [1816-1820... James was born about 1816]
• 1 male 30-39 [1791-1800... Henry was born about 1794]
• 2 females under 5 [1826-1830... Eliza was born in 1828 + one unknown]
• 1 female 5-9 [1821-1825... Lydia was born in 1825]
• 1 female 10-14 [1816-1820... unknown]
• 1 female 20-29 [1801-1810... ? the age is not right for Anna, who was born about 1794 and would be about 36 years old. Could Anna be Henry's 2nd wife? Or did the enumerator just mark her in the wrong column?]

1840 Harrison Township , Champaign County, Ohio page 316
Henry Robinson, head of household. Three other Robinson families are enumerated on the same page: Ralph, Wm, and Rosseter.
Males: 0-1-0-0-1-0-1
Females: 1-1-2-2-0-0-1

• 1 male 5-9 [1831-1835... Henry, Jr. was born in 1833]
• 1 male 20-29 [1811-1820... James was born about 1816]
• 1 male 40-49 [1791-1800... Henry was born about 1794]
• 1 female under 5 [1836-1840... unknown]
• 1 female 5-9 [1831-1835... Emily was born about 1835]
• 2 females 10-14 [1826-1830... Eliza was born in 1828 + one unknown, was under 5 in 1840]
• 2 females 15-19 [1821-1825... Lydia was born in 1825 + one unknown, could be the 10-14 year old in 1840]
• 1 female 40-49 [1791-1800... Anna was born about 1794]

1850 no township listed, Whitley County, Indiana page 461

• Henry Robison, 56, farmer, Real Estate valued at $500, born Pennsylvania
• Ann, 56, born Pennsylvania
• Eliza J., 22, born Ohio
• Henry, 17, born Ohio
• Emily, 15, born Ohio
• Elizabeth Cormicle [?], 10, born Ohio

Three children are named in Henry's will dated August 8, 1851 and the same three children were also mentioned in a deed record dated August 15, 1855 where Ann and the children were selling land in Whitley County, Indiana. The children named were Eliza Jane, Henry, and Emily.

Based on that information and the above census records, the possible/probable/known children of Henry and Ann Robison are:

• James Robison born about 1816 (possible son - 1830 & 1840 census)
• Unknown female born 1816-1820 (1830 & 1840 census)
• Lydia Robison was born in 1825 (probable daughter - 1830 & 1840 census)
• Unknown female born 1826-1830 (1830 & 1840 census)
• Eliza Robison born about 1828 (known daughter - 1830, 1840 & 1850 census)
• Henry Robison Jr. was born in 1833 (known son - 1840 & 1850 census)
• Emily Robison born about 1835 (known daughter - 1840 & 1850 census)
• Unknown female born 1836-1840 (1840 census)

Future posts will present what is known about James, Eliza, Henry Jr. and Emily. I've already written about Lydia Robison who married Lysander Price Joslin in 1843. They are my 3rd great grandparents. Lydia is listed as a "probable" daughter of Henry and Ann based upon the caption written on the back of a photograph of Henry Jr. and his wife.

Robison/Robinson Families of Whitley County, Indiana

In the third update of the Genea-Bloggers Games I mentioned that I had responded to an inquiry regarding a possible kinship with Henry Robison (abt 1794-1852) and his wife Ann(a). The only thing I have to connect me to Henry and Anna is this photograph of Henry Robison, Jr. On the back of that photo my 2nd great grandmother, Malissa Joslin Brubaker, wrote "Uncle Henry and Aunt Lucy Robison my angle Mothers brother." Her mother was Lydia Robison who married Lysander Joslin.

My correspondent descends from James Robison and his wife Tabitha Scott. It is possible that James is a brother of Lydia and Henry Jr. but more research needs to be done.

This is what we know about Henry and Anna (sources will be provided upon request):

• The surname has been found in records as Robison, Robinson, and Robenson.
• Lydia Robison was born in or near Urbana, Champaign County, Ohio on October 10, 1825.
• Henry Robison Jr. was also born in Champaign County, on January 7, 1833.
• The transcribed death record for Henry Jr. gives his parents as Henry Robison and Anna McMorron. I haven't seen the original record but have reason to believe that Anna's maiden name could be McMorrow rather than McMorron.
• The will of Henry Sr. dated August 8, 1851 only mentions three children: Eliza Jane, Henry, and Emily.
• In the 1830 ancestry census index there are 3 Robison families in Champaign County (George, Ephraim, and Joseph). There is a Henry Rolison listed in the index whose surname in the record looks like it could be Robison.
• Also in 1830, there are six households with the Robinson surname (Abraham, Allin, Asa, John, Joshua, Ralph, and William).
• In the 1840 ancestry census index there are no families with the surname Robison in Champaign County. There are 10 families found with the surname Robinson, including Henry.
• The 1840 census record for Henry Robison indicates that at least eight "children" lived in the household (two males and five females) that were of the right age to be the three known children of Henry and Anna. Lydia and James also "fit" in the household.
• By 1850 there were no Robison families in Champaign County but there are "a lot" of Robinson's in the census index for Champaign County, including 79 year old Abraham who was born about 1771 in Virginia.
• Henry Robison and his wife Ann sold 80 acres of land in Champaign County on May 1, 1840. Forty acres of that property had been purchased in 1835 and forty more in 1836.
• Henry Robison and family moved from Champaign County, Ohio to Whitley County, Indiana after the 1840 census but prior to the 1850 census, probably shortly after they sold their land, mentioned above, in May 1840.
• Except for two individuals with the Robison surname listed in separate households, Henry and Ann are the only Robison family in the Whitley county census in 1850.
• There are two Robinson families in Whitley county in 1850. Lyman Robinson was born about 1812 in New York and Perry Robinson was born about 1820 in Virginia.
• The 1850 census for Whitley County shows that Henry Sr. and Ann were born in "Pa".
• The 1880 census for Lydia shows that her father was born in Virginia and her mother in "Penn"
• Ann Robison sold 80 acres of land on August 15, 1855 in Whitley County. I have not yet found the record for when that land was purchased. Also listed in the record were Eliza Jane, Emily, and Henry Robison.

It should also be noted that there are numerous Robison/Robinson families listed in the census indexes for the neighboring counties of Kosciusko, Elkhart and Allen but only one Henry of the right age, that one being the one in Whitley County.

Early Whitley County, Indiana marriage records provide some names for additional research. Those with "++" at the end of their entry have been identified as family members. I don't know how or if the others are connected to Henry Sr. and Anna Robison. They are on my "to do" list. I'm including these here in the hopes that someone else might have information on them and, if so, hopefully they will contact me.

• Phebe Robinson to Daniel Eldred on May 13, 1841
• Perry Robison to Elizabeth Buck on August 1, 1841
• Lydia Robinson to Lysander Price Joslin on August 23, 1843 ++
• Lucy Ann Robinson to Warren Burch on November 2, 1843
• Jane Robinson to John Misner on May 28, 1844
• James Robinson to Tabitha Jane Scott on January 1, 1846 ++?
• Eliza Jane Robison to William McMannen on September 2, 1855 ++
• Emily Robinson to Franklin Bair on April 27, 1861
• Rebecca Jane Robison to McDonal Lunnon on January 21, 1864
• Henry Robison to Lucy Ann Scott on October 10, 1867 ++
• Freeman W Robinson to Mary E McFann on September 22, 1868
• Emma A Robinson to John Van Liew on August 9, 1869
• Tobitha [sic] Robinson to Joseph Mintz [sic] on June 26, 1871 ++?
• John W Robinson to Matilda A Kerr on February 22, 1872
• P L Robinson to Williametta Merriman on May 18, 1875
• Adda Robinson to Albert McBride on September 2, 1876
• Charles Robison to Theresa Wolf on February 25, 1882
• Frank Robison to Cora B Beard on August 23, 1891 ++
• Willis C Robinson to Lillie Garrison on December 25, 1892
• Ella Robinson to C M Kimball on February 13, 1897 ++
• Frederick Robison to Lulu Warnick on October 3, 1908

Related Posts:
Henry and Ann Robison :: Probable Children