ROBINSON-L Archives

From: "Jette" <>
Subject: My Earliest Robinsons [Robertsons]
Date: Sun, 5 Jul 1998 10:40:44 -0700

During his old age, S. H. Robertson (the first person in the family whose
name consistently shows up as Robertson), my 2nd great grandfather wrote an
autobiography, in which he included the following paragraph outlining what
he knew about his 1st and 2nd great grandfathers and his grandfather. I
would love to find more information about these people and possibly verify
these relationships:

From: A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND ACTIVITIES OF SYLVESTER H.
ROBERTSON, OF HIS ANCESTORS AND HIS SON GEORGE J. ROBERTSON

S. H. Robertson, as he was commonly known, was an early settler and educator
of Harrison Township, Boone County, Indiana, and was of Puritan descent.
His forefathers came to America in the early history of the 17th century
with the Pilgrim Fathers and settled in Massachusetts -- later the family
name appears in Virginia. His great great grandfather was speaker of the
Colonial House of Representatives of that state. His name was Beverley
ROBERTSON [ROBINSON]. Ezra ROBERTSON [ROBINSON], the grandfather of S. H.
Robertson, was a son of David ROBERTSON [ROBINSON], who was born in Maryland
on his father's farm and was married to Elizabeth TROTTER, who with her
brother had recently arrived from England. To this union the following
children were born: Elizabeth, David, John T., William, Hannah, Benjamin
J., and Delilah, all of whom lived to rear families of their own. Ezra and
Elizabeth ROBERTSON [ROBINSON] were members of the Baptist church and moved
to Ohio in 1794, settling in Warren County where they owned a large,
well-improved farm on which they made their home. They also owned a second
farm of less dimension. In addition to operating these farms, Ezra also
transported merchandise from Cincinnati to the various dealers in his
vicinity. Ezra died suddenly while in charge of a sugar camp [he had sugar
maples on his farm]. He sent his sons home on an errand, and on their
return to camp found him dead sitting at the foot of a tree with his hand on
the bucket he had been carrying -- he was thought to have died of appoplexy.

Ezra was a Jeffersonian Democrat, took great interest in school and church
work, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. Elizabeth, the widow of
Ezra, survived him by many years and died at the age of eighty-five.

Benjamin J., the sixth child of Ezra and Elizabeth and the father of S. H.
ROBERTSON, was born in Warren County, Ohio, December 10, 1806, on his
father's farm near Fort Ancient. He worked on this farm until his father's
death and after that for his mother Elizabeth. During this time Benjamin J.
married Mary MASTERSON (date of marriage unknown to writer). Miss Masterson
was a native of Kentucky and was born on December 10, 1808. She was of
English parentage (two of her uncles were members of King George's Life
Guards). Her parents' names were Moses MASTERSON and Kysander [Cassandra?]
(VILLIERS) Masterson. They were planters but not slave holders.

The children born to Benjamin and Mary ROBERTSON [ROBINSON] were as follows:
Sylvester H. born September 26, 1830; John T., December 13, 1832; Elizabeth
A., December 16, 1834; Delilah F., December 30, 1836; William J., February
2, 1839; Duncan G., March 28, 1841; Susan C., July 5, 1843; and Ara F.,
September 2, 1845.

Sylvester H. was born and reared on his grandfather's (Ezra Robertson) farm
in Ohio until the family moved to Bartholomew County, Indiana, March 17,
1840. The family resided on the farm belonging to his uncle. Two years
later they bought a farm and moved on to it. In March, 1847, Mary, the
mother of Sylvester, was called by death, leaving a husband and eight
children. At a later date unknown to the writer, Benjamin J. ROBERTSON
[ROBINSON] remarried, marrying Catherine CRITSER, of German descent,
daughter of William and Hannah CRITSER, a wealthy farmer, miller, and mill
right. To this union two children were born: Mary F. and Emma. In 1866
Benjamin J. ROBERTSON [ROBINSON], his wife and two daughters, moved to St.
Genevieve County Missouri. Here they bought 270 acres of farm land
moderately improved, and here both he and his wife died at the same time,
and their daughter Emma was burned to death by her clothing becoming ignited
at an outdoor fire. Benjamin J. ROBERTSON [ROBINSON] was first a Jefferson
and later a Douglas Democrat. Mr. Robertson was a well-educated man, an
intelligent farmer, a good neighbor, and highly respected by all who knew
him.

There is more, if anyone is interested. I would love to hear from anyone
who might have more information on these families.

Thank you for reading.

Jeannette Robertson Schleig

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• My Earliest Robinsons [Robertsons] by "Jette" <>