Thomas W. Robinson - Goodspeed
Rankin Family History Project
Goodspeed's History of Southeast Missouri

Thomas W. Robinson


Thomas W. Robinson was born in Newmarket, Marion co., Ky., in 1836. He is a son of George C. and Dorothy A. Robinson, who removed to Perry County, Mo., in 1846. Mr. Robinson was employed by the United States Government to manage a wagon train, freighting across the plains. Since then all trace of him is lost.

Thomas W. enlisted in the federal army, and was sworn in as blacksmith for the Twelfth Missouri Cavalry, which later became a part of the Fifth Missouri Cavalry, and did service in that position until the close of the war. He afterward returned to Missouri, and erected a smithy at Stono, where for more than a score of years he carried on his trade, being the first man to fell a tree or erect a house at that place.

In 1866 he was united in marriage with Melissa J. Fenwick, a daughter of Clement and Cecelia C. Fenwick [see sketch]. Mr. Robinson and wife began their domestic life at Stono, where they remained several years when he purchased a farm near Claryville, now known as "Wimpsatt farm". Later he sold his land at a good profit, and engaged at his trade at Brewerville, at the same time purchasing his present farm, one of the most attractive places in Saline Township.

He has been prosperous as a farmer, and now deals largely in stock. He is truly a self-made man. He and his young wife began life�s battle without money, but with strong arms and willing hearts they have secured a good home and competency that they may enjoy their declining years surrounded by the comforts that they so well deserve. With her own hands Mrs. Robinson grubbed the stumps around their first homestead, while her husband�s brawny arm wielded the hammer whose stroke made merry music and brought to their home ample returns in coin.

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The Goodspeed Publishing Company compiled a series of histories of various counties in the U.S. in the late 19th century. The information in the History of Southeast Missouri, published in 1888, was provided by the contemporary residents of Perry County and her neighboring counties. The biographies are a valuable source of genealogical information, despite a few minor inaccuracies. We are glad to present the transcribed biographies here for anyone researching Perry County's history.

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