The Robinson family played a significant role in the early history of Blue Island, Illinois, beginning with Daniel O. Robinson, who arrived in 1836 and helped construct the community’s first house. Other notable Robinsons included Henry, a merchant who settled in 1843, and Charles Drake, a farmer and shopkeeper who became a prominent local businessman. The family’s descendants engaged in various professions, from school administration to acting, and maintained a lasting presence in Blue Island. This article explores the Robinson family’s contributions, spanning real estate, commerce, and public service, and their connections to other prominent local families.
Daniel O. Robinson, the first one of the family of that name to locate here came in 1836. He was a carpenter and helped build the first house in Blue Island, the Norman Rexford Tavern, the “Blue Island House.” Later he dealt in real estate, taught school and was a school director. He also served as Justice of the Peace. The family lived at one time on Grove street, east of the Rock Island railroad. Then Mr. Robinson bought property on Henry (Artesian) street on the brow of the hill south of Grove street and built a home. At one time he had a carpenter shop on the east side of Western avenue, near Fulton street. Mrs. Robinson’s maiden name was Jane Kelley. She died in 1890, aged 77 years. Mr. Robinson died in 1867, aged 53 years. They had no children.
Henry Robinson located in Blue Island in 1843. His wife was Elizabeth Bingle, a sister of Richard Bingle. They came from New York City where Mr. Robinson had for some years been engaged in mercantile business. Locating on the west side of Western avenue, just above Grove street Mr. Robinson opened a general merchandise store which he conducted successfully for about five years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Robinson were born in Connecticut of English descent. Their children were Charles Drake Robinson, who married Emily Ballard; Harry, married Clara DeMinge; Joseph, married Amelia Kelso; Sarah Ann, married Edgar P. Doane; James, married Ruth Chadeague.
Harry Robinson came here with his parents in 1843. His wife was Clara DeMinge of New York but a native of France. They lived with his father, Henry Robinson. Harry died during the cholera epidemic in 1849 and was buried in Robinson’s Grove. After his death his wife and two children returned East.
Charles Drake Robinson, his wife Emily (Ballard) Robinson, and their infant daughter, came to Blue Island in 1840, from New York City. Mr. Robinson engaged in farming for about seven years, then moved into the settlement and opened a store at north-west corner of Western avenue and Grove street. He had a prosperous business and invested heavily in Blue Island property. Mr. Robinson, of English descent, was born in New York, February 15, 1811, and his wife was born in Maidstone, Kent, England, July 22, 1821. She died Nov. 6, 1887, and Mr. Robinson, May 22, 1893. Their children were: Anna Chapman Robinson, who married Edwin O. Fuller; Henry B., (locally known as “H. B.”) was thrice married; his first wife was Mary Clarkson, the second was Luna Walde, and the third, Elizabeth Russel; James, married Jane Egan; Sarah, married Everett H. Rexford (son of Heber S.) ; Emily, married Harry Morgan; Charles Benjamin, married Minnie Poole; Florence, married Dr. F. S. Kauffman; Jessie, married Ashley K. Hammond and Maud, married Richard F. Hayes. One child died in infancy. Charles Robinson’s store was known far and wide throughout the entire region, most farmers selling their produce in Chicago preferring to buy their supplies here rather than in the larger city. Mr. Robinson was postmaster for a number of years.
Joseph Robinson, whose wife was Amelia Kelso, came here in 1844, but made this their home only a few years when about 1849, the whole family moved to California. Susan Robinson, who was born in Blue Island, January 24, 1846, became a noted actress. She died in Sacramento, California in 1871 just on the eve of a lengthy stage engagement for James H. McVicker. The other members of this family were all more or less interested in theatricals.
James Robinson, a son of Henry Robinson, was the father of Mrs. Samuel D. Huntington.
Henry Ballard Robinson, better known in the later years as “H. B.”, was for many years station agent for the Rock Island railroad company and operated the coal-yard at the foot of Grove street.
Source
Volp, John H., The first hundred years, 1835-1935: historical review of Blue Island, Illinois, Blue Island, Illinois : John H. Volp, 1938.