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JAMES W. ROBESON Biography - Martin Township


JAMES W. ROBESON, one of the most prominent and successful farmers of the county, resides on section 7, 
Palestine Township, where he owns a fine farm of 136 acres. Of him it can be said what is true of but a few, 
that he was born and reared in the community where he still makes his home. His birth occurred in what is now 
Olio Township, Jan. 19, 1837. The family is of Irish descent. Andrew Robeson, its founder in America was a native 
of the Emerald Isle, but in early manhood emigrated to America and located in North Carolina. His people were numbered 
among the prominent and highly respected families of his native land, and were followers of the Presbyterian faith. 
In North Carolina, he formed the acquaintances of a Miss Emerick, who afterwards became his wife. She was born in North Carolina, 
of German parentage. After her marriage with Mr. Robeson was celebrated, the young couple began their domestic life near 
Wellsburg, W. Va. And after the birth of their only child James, father of our subject, removed to Kentucky, settling near 
Hopkinsville, where their son was reared to manhood.

In his early life, James Robeson resolved to study for the ministry, and acting upon that determination became a student under 
the great Christian minister, B. W. Stone, one of the most eminent divines of the age. On arriving at man's estate, he was united 
in marriage with Jane EARL, who was born in Kentucky, and reared in the vicinity of Hopkinsville, that State. By his marriage he 
came into possession of a large number of slaves, but believing it contrary to the teachings of the Bible, to hold in bondage any 
of the human race, he liberated all but two, to whom he could not give their freedom as he could not vouch for their good behavior. 
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Robeson, while residing in Kentucky, and as he did not wish to rear them in the midst of 
slavery and its influences, he resolved to come to the North, and locate in a free State. He chose Illinois as the scene of his 
future labors and with his family made the trip across the country in covered wagons, camping out by the roadside at night. At 
length they reached Walnut Grove, then known as Ross Point in Olio Township, where he took up his residence. The family moved into 
a little log cabin, which had been previously erected by one of the early settlers, and began life in this county in true pioneer style. 
Elder Robeson labored hard to make a home. All week long he engaged in the cultivation of his land, and on Sunday preached the gospel 
to the people of the community. Some years later, he went to Washington, Tazewell County, where his life was spent in a similar manner, 
and afterward purchased a farm southwest of Secor, where he remained for a few years. His next place of residence was at Bowling Green, 
where he engaged in ministerial duties for about four years, and also engaged in the mercantile business, when he again returned to his 
farm near Secor. He possessed unbounded energy and great strength of purpose, which enabled him to successfully combat against the trials, 
hardships and difficulties incident to frontier life. He carried on agricultural pursuits until 1862, when he received and accepted a call 
from the church at Secor, and also engaged in pastoral duties in other places. In McLean County, he engaged in evangelical work, and his 
labors were very effective. He did great good for the cause, and through his instrumentality many were led to accept the doctrines which 
he advocated. He was a man of intelligence, possessing more than ordinary ability, and by his eloquence and earnestness of expression won 
many hearts. Only a few weeks prior to his death he laid aside his duties and retired to private life. His uprightness and honesty of purpose 
won him the confidence and love of all; of him it may be truly said that the world is better for his having lived. His loved wife, who was 
born March 2, 1806, died at her home in Secor, Feb. 6, 1876. Like her husband, she delighted in doing good and was ever ready to extend a 
helping hand to the poor and needy. She was a worthy member of the Christian Church, and her many acts of kindness, performed in a quiet and 
unostentatious manner, won her the love of the entire community, and her memory will long be enshrined in the hearts of those who knew her. 
The family circle of Elder Robeson and wife was completed by the birth of the following children: Andrew, the first born died in infancy; 
Polly A. was married and died at the birth of her first child; Martha A., wife of L. M. Wolley, died at Jamestown, Ark., Feb. 21, 1883, l
eaving six children, all grown; Betsy J. is the wife of Sanford Shortridge, a farmer residing at Mt. Zion; Hamilton, a farmer in Cruger Township, 
married Phoebe Jones by whom he has seven living children, three sons and four daughters; James W., of this sketch, is the next in order of birth; 
John E., who is a successful...

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