My Genealogy Hound

CHANDLER ROBBINS. This gentleman, who is an honored resident of Springfield, and a native of that city, traces his ancestry to one of the Puritans who landed from the “Mayflower” at Plymouth Rock. Through all the years which have elapsed since that event, the stern integrity, industry even amid discouraging circumstances, and sturdy self-reliance which characterized the first settlers of New England, have not been lacking in the Robbins family. Isaac Robbins, the grandfather of our subject, was born in New England, but resided for many years in Alexandria, Va., in which his death occurred. For years he was clerk in a bank, and he was also a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife was Mary Douglas Howell, of excellent lineage.

The Rev. Chandler Robbins, son of this worthy couple, was born in Alexandria, Va., but educated in New England. He first attended school in Maine, working in a cabinet shop to earn the wherewithal to pay his expenses. From the Pine Tree State he went to Connecticut and entering the Wesleyan University at Middletown, was in due time graduated from that institution of learning. In 1811, he came to Springfield, Ohio, to take charge of the Methodist Episcopal High School, a position which he held about five years, when he resigned to accept the chair of Ancient Languages at Augusta College, in Kentucky. After remaining in the Blue Grass State three years, he returned to Springfield and opened a select school, in which he taught the greater part of the time until his death in May, 1871. He was one of the best educators of his day, possessing a large degree of the enthusiasm which spreads contagion among students, and the tact necessary to present various topics in a manner suited to the varied mental capacities and needs of those under his charge. His store of knowledge was broad and deep, and he was not content with his early acquirements, but with progressive spirit continued his reading and study, keeping up with the times in history and science. Soon after coming to Springfield, he was ordained Deacon of Christ Episcopal Church, subsequently becoming Priest, and for several years having charge of the church. He was much respected, and many are the loving remembrances which his name evokes.

It is not alone from his paternal ancestors that the subject of this sketch derives his love of learning and other fine qualities. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Laura Cooper, possessed a bright mind, and received as fine an education as the status of woman in her girlhood would allow. Reading and contact with cultured society added to her acquirements, and her family cares were not allowed to swallow up her mental activity. She was born in Middletown, Conn., being a daughter of Judge Samuel Cooper, and died at Suffolk, Va., where she had gone for her health, in December, 1887. She reared three children: Elizabeth, Chandler, and Mary D. The latter married the Rev. Mr. Hooff, of Alexandria, Va., an Episcopal minister now located at Detroit, Mich.

The gentleman with whose name this sketch is introduced, was born in February, 1844, and was not reared in idleness. He attended the city schools one year, with that exception receiving his education at the hands of his father, and becoming a man of high mental culture and extended knowledge. In the intervals of study he found employment of various kinds, among the occupations of his youth being clerking and teaming.

The spirit which led his Puritan ancestors to America, led young Robbins to devote his youthful strength to the Union cause, and in 1861, when but seventeen years old, he became a member of Company B, Eighty-sixth Ohio Infantry. After serving four and a half months he was honorably discharged, and returned to his home, whence he again enlisted in 1863 in the Seventeenth Ohio, Battery. He served four months with that body, and was then transferred to Company I, Eightieth United States Colored Troops, with the commission of Second Lieutenant. In this regiment he remained gallantly fulfilling his duties until 1866, when the regiment was honorably discharged, and he left the army with the brevet of Captain.

When discharged, the regiment was in Louisana, and there Mr. Robbins rented a plantation which he operated until his crops were destroyed by the flood in 1867, when he returned to Springfield. He was engaged in various enterprises with fluctuating success until 1873, when he went to New Mexico to accept the position of civil engineer, and assist in the Government surveys of that Territory. In 1875 he was appointed United States Surveyor and Astronomer, taking the contract to survey and define the boundary line between New Mexico and Arizona, and lay out the Mojave Indian Reservation. Remembering that Mr. Robbins was but thirty years old at this time, we see that he had made excellent use of his opportunities, and that his attainments and trustworthiness were recognized by those in authority. His labors being completed in 1876, he returned to Springfield, and in 1878 bought a manufacturing plant known as the Lever Wringer Company. In 1860 the buildings being destroyed by fire, others were erected, the present edifices of the establishment being located beside the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad track between Main and Florence Streets. The business of the company has been lately extended, their specialty being gray iron castings. Associated with Mr. Robbins in business, are J. A. Myers & C. F. McGilvray.

The pleasant home of Mr. Robbins is presided over by a lady who became his wife in 1877. She was known in her maidenhood as Miss Meta M. Hunt, is a native of Urbana, and a daughter of Maj. William Hunt. She is an educated, sympathizing, and altogether charming woman in whom the heart of her husband can safely trust. They have two children living, named respectively, William H. and Douglas. Their first-born, a son Chandler, died at the age of seven months. Mr. Robbins is a stanch Republican, and he and his wife belong to Christ Episcopal Church.