| William B. Robinson (Uncle Bill) | 28 June 1929 | "OLD PIONEER PASSES
William B. Robinson (Uncle Bill), one of the oldest, best-known and most
highly-respected residents of Essex, passed away at 1:15 on Wednesday
afternoon at the home of Mrs. Fred Robinson, Talbot Street, Essex. The
funeral will be held this Friday afternoon from Mrs. Robinson's at 2:15 to
the Essex United Church where services will be conducted at 2:30 by Rev. J.
W. Hedley with internment in North Ridge Cemetery. Mr. Robinson was born in
May 1845 on the Robinson homestead and has spent his whole life in Essex and
vicinity. He was a son of James and Sabina (Emerson) Robinson, natives of
England. His father came to Canada in 1833, locating at Windsor where he was
employed by Jas. Dougall. He married Sabina Emerson in 1838, and moved to
this section in 1842. He purchased 200 acres of wild land on Talbot Street
north, opposite where the High School is now located, and remained there till
his death in 1870, Mrs. Robinson dying in 1887. To their union were born
eight children: Elizabeth (Mrs. Charles Little), James, Frederick, John,
William B., Phoebe (Mrs. Walter Taylor, Joseph and Thomas, all of whom are
deceased except Thomas, who lives in Detroit. Deceased was married to
Elizabeth Cook (nee Dring) in Essex and they spent the rest of their lives in
the town, Mrs. Robinson passing away about 22 years ago, leaving no children.
They had one adopted daughter, Jennie (Mrs. Evans, of Detroit) and he
frequently visited at her home and at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Grace
Rosasco, in Detroit. Mr. Robinson had always enjoyed good health and only a
few years ago took a trip to the Pacific Coast where he spent a couple of
months. On May 24th took ill with bowel trouble and was confined to his
house for a while but recovered somewhat and went to his granddaughter's in
Detroit, hoping the change would be beneficial. Feeling he would not likely
recover, two weeks ago he requested to be brought to Essex, that he might be
among those with whom he had associated so long. On account of his advanced
age he was unable to ward off the attack and passed away on Wednesday
afternoon. Deceased had been a member of the Methodist Church all his life
and for many years one of the most regular attendants at the services in the
Essex Church, and one of the church's most active members."
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