British Home Child George James Robbins & The Robbins Family

 

George James Robbins (left) & sister Blanche

A Note from the Author~Greetings and welcome to my Robbins family home page. The following is an account of my grandfather's journey from England to Canada and eventually the USA. In 1905 George James Robbins became a British Home Child. This is a collection of photographs, and a brief summary of my Robbins family. Including many interesting excerpts from letters contained in the Catholic Emigration Association's records from England that led to his deportation . A photograph of the immigrant ship the SS Tunisian, related family history including Gray, Vale, Townley , Pauth surnames and genealogy are also included. The facts have been carefully documented and confirmed.

~The purpose of this website is to share our Robbins family history as well as to bring awareness of British Home Children to all~

Grandfather George James Robbins ( pictured left) was born 17 Dec 1894 in victorian Birmingham England, in the Sub District of St George in the County of Birmingham. At the time of his birth his parents James Sampson Robbins and Alice Louisa Robbins (formerly Gray) resided at back of 10 Mott Street in Birmingham along with his elder sister Blanche.

His father was a Catholic and his mother a Protestant. George was baptized a Catholic at St Chads Cathedral in Birmingham on 6 January 1895. His god mother is Rebbeca Rourke.

George married Margaret Pauth 27 May 1914 in Whitesboro.,Oneida county, New York, USA. She is best known by here nickname Marguerite, a daughter of Miner and Catherine (Arnold) Pauth. George passed away 29 Jul 1977 in Antioch, Contra Costa county, California. They are buried at the Oak View Cemetery.

His sister Blanche Robbins born 11 April 1893 in Birmingham, England. Baptized 29 June 1893 at St Chads Cathedral, Birmingham. She died 20 February 1905 at Maryvale Convent, near Birmingham, England.



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Broken Dreams

What ever fond childhood memories grandfather George experienced as a young lad in victorian England ended all too soon. His mother Alice passed away in 1900 when George was only 5 yrs old. His father James deserted the two children a year or two later. A aunt took them to a Workhouse where they were seperated, scattered & shuffled about between many Catholic agencies, Catholic Homes & orphanges in England. Sadly his sister Blanche died shortly before her 12th birthday of scarlet fever 20 February 1905 .

On 18 May 1905 grandfather George James Robbins near age 11 became a British Home Child and was deported to Canada by the Catholic Emigration Association in England. Estimated as one of many 100,000 plus British Home Children sent to Canada over a period of many years.

It is important to note that my grandfather did not allow his temporary unfortunate circumstances as a young lad in England & Canada to negatively influence his adult life & future. He continued on to lead a humbling & rewarding life In spite all that he endured at such a tender age. He was proud of his English roots & heritage. So much that he impressed this upon his own children & grandchildren & our American hearts. Especially the importance of family, family values, love, & commitment.

Although he did spare us in part the sadness of his childhood years, the following are extracts from the many Catholic agencies letters (some complete) dated 1904 - 1905. They tell the true story of harsh reality. My mother & I recently obtained a copy of his records from Father Hudson's Society in Birmingham England that led up to my grandfather's immigration from England to Canada. These letters pertain to my grandfather George as well as his sister Blanche after arriving at the Workhouse in England.

Note~ part of the early problem with the Catholic agencies unable to immediately help or assist the children was due to the fact that they were entered into the Workhouse as Protestants, even tho they were baptized Catholic. Not all the letters are transcribed here. Only pertinent information. Some of the letters are unsigned. However in all cases the author of the these unsigned letters appear to be that of Father George Hudson.

The Father's of the church gave him a few nick names. George James Robbins also know as "The Robin" & "Comic Cuts".

.....in a letter dated April 13th 1904 from Mary C Hardman, 25 Wentworth Rd., Harborne......

Dear Father Hudson,

There is a little girl in the workhouse at Spring Hill whom Father Hands is anxious to do something for. Her name is Blanche Robbins, she will be eleven in June, her father was a Catholic but deserted his family. Her mother a Protestant is dead. An aunt took the child to the workhouse & entered her as a Protestant but she declares that she wishes to be a Catholic. Father Hands got her certificate of baptism from St Chads & sent it to the Guardians but they said the girl could not change her religion until she was tweleve.

Another aunt who was hunted up said the mother wished the child to be in the Church of England, but she declares she will be a Catholic & nothing elese. Unfortunately she was educated at a board school except for a month at St Chads. Can anything be done ? The girl is going to be sent to Marston Green Home's but is in quarentine for about three weeks on account of measles.

With very Kind regards I am yours respectfully,

Mary C Hardman

Father Hands address is St Patrick's, Dudley Rd.

~end of letter~

..... reply to letter presumably from Father Hudson, dated April 17, 1904.....

Dear Mrs. Hardman,

re Blanche Robbins

I saw Mr Gateley about this girl on Friday. He recommends that she should be taken out of the workhouse and return in the course of a few days as a Catholic. If you can manage this it will be a very easy way out of the difficulty. The proper person of course, to do it is the aunt. All she would have to do would be to apply for the child at the workhouse, take her home or place her somewhere for two or three days and then return her to the workhouse, and enter her as a Catholic. You could explain to her that the child could then be sent to the home at Handsworth, where she would be quite as well looked after as at Marston Green.

~end of extract of an unsigned letter~

.....in a letter dated May 25, 1904 an extract from J R Hands, St Patrick's, Dudley Road, Birmingham.....

Dear Hudson,

..... There is a boy George Robbins, brother of the Blanche Robbins I enquired about, & who is at Marston Green Homes.

I am going to get the godmother to take both chldren out, as the best way out of the difficulty. Handsworth Convent will take the girl I believe. Can you take the boy ?

The godmother will have to apply next Tuesday morning to the Committee. I shall try to see the godmother this afternoon. Let me know if you can take the lad-this is quite a case of Rescue for the only relatives I can find refuse to have anything to do with the business.

Yours,

J R Hands

~end of extract from letter~

.....extract from a letter dated 1. vi. 04 (1 June, 1904) from Francis de Capitain, Bishop's House,
Presumably sent to Father George Hudson.....

My dear George,

The canon tells me he wrote you re Robins. I suppose he told you further that Fr Gibbons arranged when they should be taken away from the workhouse, but unortunately made no arrangement as to where & how long they should stay.

They have turned up here & I have have farmed out with neighbours all anxiously await instruction from you as what is to happen next......

Yours faithfully insct?????

Francis de Capitan

~end of extract from letter~

.....in a letter dated 6. vi. 04 (6 June 1904) to Father Hudson from The Bishop's House signed by Francis de Capitain......

Dear Fr Hudson,

I hope my delay in dispatching The Robin caused you no serious inconvenience. I went down to see his aunts ( a bigoted set ! ), & pacified them somewhat. They ??? not take children nor ??? them go to Catholic ??????s. The uncle was to see me or write me ???? weekend. He sent card this morning (this part of the letter is hard to read)..... demanding their return to Marston Green & threatens proceedings. The canon ????? hidingout. Says uncle has no claim ever, since the father is alive. Father not likely to appear as he is "a deserter" of nearly 3 years standing. Besides, guardians formally handed them over to their godmother (Mrs Rourke). Acting on the canon's advice, I sent the boy by next train to you - the girl I have myself escourted to Handsworth. Hope the youngster reaches you safely, & that you will not let any irate relative decoy him.

Yours sincerely in ?ct.

Francis de Capitain

~end of extract of letter~

.....in a letter dated June 7/04 presumably from Father Hudson, to The Rev Francis De Capitain.....

Dear Father De Capitain

re Robbins

This boy has arrived safely at the Home. I have given instructions that no one who calls to see him is to be allowed to do so without my permission.

With kind regards,

I am

Your's sincerely

~ end of unsigned letter~

.....in a letter dated 2. vii. 04 (2 July 1904) presumably to Father George Hudson, from The Bishop's House signed by Francis de Capitain.....

Dear George,

You are by this aware that "comic cuts" has again escaped your vigilance - perhaps you are not aware he has returned to his nest on Bath St. He will be alright with Mrs Riley until i'm arise what is to be done. I don't know wether you board them out at all, but if so it could easily be arranged in this case.

Yours, Elc.

Francis de Capitain

~end of letter~

From a copy of a telegram, Post Office Telegraphs date Ju 10 1904 (presumably dated July 10, 1904)
To: Connect Coleshill.......

Boy here send man for him today if possible.

Decapitain

~end of telegram~

.....in a letter written in what is believed to be Latin, dated 29. vii. 04 (29 July 1904) & signed by F C R
I am unable to translate this letter at this time.

.....extract from a letter date 3. 9. 04 ( 3 Sept 1904) from F W Keating, Bishop's House, Bath St., Birmingham, I presume sent to Father George Hudson.....

My Dear George,

"Comic Cuts" is up to his dog's tricks again. He ran off to the Protestant aunt two or three days ago.

However I have now seen these Protestant relatives & squared things with them. I told them they could please themselves what they did with the lad. They could re-enter him at the workhouse if they liked. Or they could hand him over to the Society (Rescue). But if they chose the later course, they must understand that they made over the custody of the child to us Tc. I found both the man & the woman quite reasonable, as they probably would have been from the first if they had been properly handled. Anyhow, they now offer us the custody of the lad finally, and I have accepted him. So now I think we had better get him into some institution where "running away" will be impossible. Mrs Riley has resumed temporary charge..........

Yr's Sincerely

F W Keating

~ end of extract from letter~

..... in a letter dated September 6/04 from President: HIS LORDSHIP THE BISHOP OF BIRMINGHAM Hon Secretary: Rev George V Hudson..... the letter head is titled Birmingham Doecesan Rescue Society Homes for Homeless & Friendless Catholic Children. This letter is addressed to The Rev E Bans, 337 Harrow Road, London W......

Dear Father Bans

re George Robbins 11.

This boy is a Rescue case, and has been in the Home at Coleshill. He had run away twice, and says that he will not remain in the Home. He was baptised as a Catholic, but has been brought up as a Protestant, and it is necessary therefore that he should go to a Catholic Home. I think he would remain in a Home if he were taken away from the neighbourhood of Birmingham, and I should be very grateful therefore if you would receive him into one of your Homes. I would pay you 5/. a week.

With kind regards
I am
Your's sincerely

letter unsigned, no signature.

~ end of letter~

.....reply ~ in a letter dated 7th Sept 1904 from E Bans. This letter head is entitled Crusade of Rescue and Homes for Destitute Catholic Children, All communications to be addressed to Rev E Bans, Administrator, 337 Harrow Road w., Chief Office: - 337, Harrow Road, London W.

Dear Fr. Hudson,

re George Robbins, 11.

Certainly I will receive this boy, but on no account will I accept any payment for him, as I consider that there should be no such thing between Rescue Societies.

I enclose a form, which please fill up as fully as possible and return.

You may send the boy at any time to suit your convenience, and Ill see that some one is there to meet him.

Yours very sincerely,

E Bans

~end of letter~

The forms, particulars & even my grandfather eventually arrived in London. However he refused to be separated from his family & friends in Birmingham England. No matter that they had forsaken him or not. He continued to run away from the workhouse's, orphanages, Mrs Riley etc... before being sent to London . The letters between the Catholic agencies that eventually deported him continue.

My mother is soon to be 84 yrs old, George James Robbins's daughter. Her first reply upon receiving & reading these letters were......" My poor dad " with sorrow voice in her voice.

..... in a letter dated Sept 20 1904 from Walter Poulton, The Hunter's Road, Birmigham, to Father Hudson.....

Dear Father Hudson,

1. The sister Boss of our Orphanage asked me to write to you, as you have charge of the Childrens' procession next week, to ask you if you would be kind enough to see that if there is any speech to be made to the children, nothing be said about their being "Workhouse children". We have had some trouble in this matter in the past, on account of some visitors here being indiscreet enough to allude to this in their presence, and sister is afraid that some of the bigger ones will try to run away, in the event of anything of this sort being said. Of course we can rely on your own prudence in this, but my experience, is that even Bishops and other belly bands when in the presence of children like these, are so chuck full of sympathy for the "poor little workhouse children" that they sometimes forget themselves.

2. The boy Robbins ( or Robins ? ) has turned up here. He came to the convent at 8. 30 one night and said he had been turned out by Mrs. Riley, " "as no one was paying for him", and had nothing to eat for two days. Sister got him a night's lodging for that night, and then got him a permanent place with a Catholic woman here. He gets food at the convent, and goes to our day school. He denies having been to Coleshill, or having run away from there. I have been to St. Chad's and am told by Fr. Gibbons that it is quite false that Mrs. Riley turned him out, - he ran away, and they were wondering where he was. He began by playing truant the first day. I was away on my holidays when all this happened so was not on the spot to contradict the false statements he made to the Convent and to Canon O'Hanlon, who is paying for the lad's keep himself. If you think fit to haul him back to Coleshill you will find him at our school during the day, or after school hours c/o Mrs. Coyle, 84 Brougham Street, ( close to the convent ) But please first communicate with Canon O'Hanlon, not mentioning my name, but stating that " you understand the boy is in St. Francis's parish ".

Yours sincerely,

Walter Poulton

~ end of letter~


..... in a letter dated September 21/04 to The Rev Mother, St. Joseph's Home, Handsworth, Birmingham, I presume to be from Father George Hudson.....

Dear Rev. Mother

re George Robbins.

I understand that you are looking after this boy. I have made arrangements for him to be sent to Father Bans in London. Do not tell him this as he may run away from you as he has run away from everybody else.

With kind regards

I am

Your's sincerely

~ end of unsigned letter~

..... in a letter dated September 22/04 to Rev Father Poulton, 71 Hunter's Road, Handsworth. Presumably from Father George Hudson.....

Dear Father Poulton,

re George Robbins

I am arranging for this boy to be sent to Father Bans in Lnodon. Do not tell him this as he will run away from you as he has from everybody elese.

I am

Your's sincerely

~end of unsigned letter~

..... in a letter dated September 22/04 to Canon O' Hanlon. I presume to be from Father George Hudson.....

Dear Canon O' Hanlon

re George Robbins

This boy was formerly in the Cottage Homes at Marston Green, having been entered in the Workhouse as a Protestant. He ran away from the Homes at Marston Green I think three times. After a great deal of trouble I had him removed from the Cottage Homes. He was placed on the funds of the Rescue Society, as there were legal difficulties in the way of him being entered in the workhouse as a Catholic. He ran away from the Home at Coleshill twice. He was then placed with Mrs. Riley, a good Catholic woman in Bath Street, who undertook to look after him for 5/. a week which was paid to her by Father Gibbons in my name. He ran away from Mrs. Riley twice.

I have now arranged for him to be sent to Father Bans in London who will place him in one of his Homes. I hope that by sending him this way out of Birmingham he will remain in the Home. I will arrange for him to be sent to London as soon as possible, but I shall be glad if you do not mention this to him as he will run away from you.

I am

Your's sincerely,

~end of unsigned letter~

..... in a note not dated & the signature I can not decipher.....

George Robbins

This boy was sent to Father Bans Thrusday Oct 13/04

~end of note~

..... in a letter dated Dec 16th 04 from W B O' Dowd, Bishop's House, Bath Street, Birmingham. To Fr Hudson....

My Dear Fr Hudson,

Mrs Robins (or Gray) grandmother of Blanche & George Robins is now on the warpath. The aunt called to say that she is going to try to get the children out.

I thought it best to warn you of this, as it is possible that there ????? be a society at the back of Mrs Gray.

But the aunt & uncle who previously made the difficulty now seem quite pleased with the present position of things.

Yours ever

W B O' Dowd

~ end of letter~

..... in a letter dated December 26th, 1904 presumably from grandfather's uncle to inquire about him. I presume sent to one of the Catholic agencies.....

Birmingham 1904
December 26th

Sir,

Excuse me for writing to you but we wish to know how the boy George Robbins is going on and if he is a good boy hoping you will send me on particulars about him for we know he was rather inclined to be very wild we hope and trust that he is well and contented and a good boy.

I am Sir yours
Respectfully

G. Robbins
26 Court 1 House
Charles Henry St

~end of letter~

Sadly George Robbins's sister passed away. The family remains separated by their own doing in part. In my opinion the Catholic agencies makes certain that they are not reunited by sending my grandfather first to London. Then deporting him near age 11 to Canada. It is not documented from these records that they (the Catholic agencies) ever inform his grandparents, aunts or uncle that he was sent to Canada.

Here are the last letters & correspondences between the Catholic agencies & my grandfather's family.

..... extracts taken from a letter dated 9th March 1905 from Sis (sp?) Mary Stanislaus, Maryvale Convent, Perry Barr, Birmingham. To presumably Father George Hudson .....

Dear Rev Father,

A little girl named Blanche Robbins came to us a few months ago, she was sent to us throught St Mary's Handsworth. We do not know if she has any relatives, except from a remark from her companions, that she had a brother at Coleshill.

She was delicate and often suffered from bilious attacks.

On 18 Feb she was very sick, as we thought, with one of her usual attacks, as she did not get better we sent for the doctor who could not pronounce what was the matter with her, she got much worse received Esctreme Unction and died on 20 Feb.

It proved to be suppressed scarlet fever,.........

If it is true that Blanche has a Brother at Coleshill will you kindly tell him.

We wrote to St Mary's, up to the present time they have failed to be able to give us any information of her relatives.

Asking your prayers for the Rev Mother's intentions, with kind remembrance from her.

Believe one to remian
Rev Father,
Yours respectfully in life,
Sis (sp ?) Mary Stanislaus.

~ end of extract from letter~

..... in a letter dated March /05 to The Rev Mother, St. Mary's Convent, Maryvale. Presumed to be from Father George Hudson.....

Dear Rev. Mother

re Blanche Robbins.

I am sorry to hear that this little girl is dead. I did not know she had been sent to your Home from St. Mary's Home, Handswowrth. She has a brother whos under my care, and I will let him know that his sister is dead.

With kind regards, and thank you very much for your letter,

I am
Your's sincerely

~end of unsigned letter~

..... in a letter dated 7th April, 1905 to Fr. Hudson. From Rev E Bans, with the letter head Crusade of Rescue Homes Fo Destitute Catholic Children, 337 Harrow Road, London W.

Dear Fr Hudson,

re Robbins.

I shall be glad to know if this boy may be sent to Canada.

Yours very sincerely,

E Bans

~end of letter~

..... in a letter dated April 8/05 to Father Bans. Presumably from Father George Hudson.....

Dear Father Bans,


re George Robbins.

Yes, this boy may be sent to Canada. I am very glad to hear you are doing this, as I think it will be greatly to the boy's advantage. The boys mother is dead, and he has been deserted by the father.

I am
Yours sincerely

~end of unsigned letter~

.....in a letter date stamped May 2 1905 from Mrs Hunt, 43 Hockly Hill, Birmingham. To my grandfather George James Robbins. Please note I am transcribing this letter the best I can decipher it. Word for word including the poor spelling & grammer.....

My dear George,

I have been trying for a long time to find out your adress so that i could have rote to you before but i did not till i rote to Maryvale Convent to your dear sister & there the Lady rote me the sad news of poor Blanche wich i hope you have herd that she dide on the 20th of Febuary i was so sorry that they could not find my last letter that i rote to the poor child, now dear George if you are sill at this Home write to me & then i shall call & see you as i shuld so much like to & if you go away any ware else do the same, & i hope you will be a good boy & stay till you git bid Lad so that you can git ???? one living & if you shuld want a friend & i am still living i will do all i can for you when you write. Tell me if you aunt Flarrey as been to see you ore your uncle George & if ever i shuld find your Father i can tell him ware you are but do be good & try you best as i know it is best for you to stay ware you are Now i must close my letter with kindest Love to you I remain your Sincer Friend Mrs Hunt write to me soon

~end of letter~

It is unknown if my grandfather ever received this letter from Mrs Hunt. There is no indication of his reply to her in the copies of the records we obtianed concerning the Catholic Emigration Assoc. records.

According to these records my grandfather became a British Home Child on 18 May 1905 being sent from his home land in England to Canada. This after his mother died & his father deserted him. After his relatives did not want to have anything to do with this business, and the one grandmother that did want to help was not allowed contact it appears. It is my opinion his own country abandoned him along with the help of the Catholic agencies that deported him.

The following are the final 2 letters contained in the Catholic Emigration Assoc records. They were both written after he was sent to Canada.

..... in a letter dated August 23 1905 presumably from my grandfather's uncle, Geo Robbins, 26 Court House, Charles Henry St. To presumably one of the Catholic agencies.....

Dear Sir,

Would you be kind enough to send me word how George & Blanche Robbins are going on and if they are good children and if Blanche Robbins is a good girl and in good health for we have heard, that she was taken ill and died but we dont believe it. For we think you would have let us know if there had been any think the matter with either of them.
Hoping you will please excuse me for troubling you I am dear sir

Yours Respectfully
Geo Robbins

~end of letter~

..... in a letter dated August 23/05 to Mr George Robbins, 26 Court 1 House, Charles Henry Street, Birmingham. I presume to be from Father George Hudson.

Dear Sir

I regret to have to inform you that Blanche Robbins died at St. Joseph's Home, Handsworth early in the spring. Not knowing your name or address I could not write to tell you of this. George Robbins is doing very well.

I am
Yours faithfully

~ end of unsigned letter~

The purpose of this web page is to share this Robbins family genealogy with other related family researchers. As well as to bring awareness of British Home Children to all.

This web page will be periodically updated with additional Robbins genealogy & family history

Special thanks to Tom for scanning the photographs, and George for his technical assistance and making this homepage a reality. Also to Corinne, Gillian, Margaret, Amanda, Marion, Darci & many other kind genforum members who graciously provided me with links, indexs, referals & assistance to obtain the certificates and their various contributions.

SS Tunisian (Allan Line)

At age 11 British Home Child George Robbins set sail from the Port of Liverpool on 18 May 1905. He crossed the Atlantic ocean on the SS Tunisian along with more than one thousand other passengers. The Master's name was A G Braes.

There were a total of 24 children & 3 adults from Father Berry's Home . They were bound & arrived after their 9 day jouney on 27 May 1905 at 12 am at the Port of Quebec, Canada. The childrens ages ranged from infant to 16 yrs old. It appears they all held the same ticket number 30872. This emigration party is outlined on the Passenger List, with a notation "Rush Father Berry's Past".

On the Passenger's List this Catholic Emigration Association Party was continuing on after arriving in Quebec to St George's Home, Hintonburgh, Ottawa, Canada. An estimated 12 hour & 300 mile train journey to start their new lives.

Bonus's were paid to St George's Home for 9 children of this particular party including my grandfather who are in a preferred age group. $2 canadian each. The following is information from the paid receipt.

.....In a letter dated 30th August, 1905 to The Accountant. From the Dept Of The Interior Canada.....

The Accountant,

Please pay to Mr. Cecil Arden, St. George's Home, Hintonburg, Ontario, the sum of $18, as bonus on 9 children at $2 per cap.

$18 - 9

Ex Tunisian
May 27th, 19 5.

Superintendent of Immigration.

~ end of letter~

The Passenger List data for George Robbins was obtained online from the data base of the National Archives of Canada. The actual Passenger List was viewed on Microfilm reel # T-484 .

The Canadian Child Migrant Data confirms my grandfather George Robbins saildata 18/5/1905.

To search the Home Children's data base of the National Archives of Canada please visit http://www.collectionscanada.ca/archivianet/020110_e.html

To learn more about "Emigration Work in Canada" written by The Very Rev Canon Keating (who is the author of at least one of these letters) please visit http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~tweetybirdgenealogy/july1905emig.html

Also for additional British Home Children research please visit.....
http://www.ist.uwaterloo.ca/~marj/genealogy/homeadd.html

After arriving in Canada grandfather eventually escaped the terrible prediciment & harsh conditions he found himself in by no choice of his own. He at times shared with his own children & grandchildren of his journey, running away crossing the ice (we believe the St Lawrence River) & arriving in New York, USA.

By God's good grace he was united with the wonderful Benjamin family of Tupper Lake, NY sometime between 1905-1914 who raised him. He refered to this french canadian family as his mother & father. Finaly a place to call home. Parents to love, nurture & support him. A time & place to even perhaps mend a broken heart.

Once again it's important to reiterate grandfather George didn't allow the unfortunate circumstances he endured as a young lad to negatively influence his future. These trials & tribulations rather built his positive traits, character & zest for life.

The following photographs and portraits are also part of our families personal collection. Included are George & Blache Robbins' father and mother from England. George & Marguerite Robbins' wedding portrait taken in Whiteboro NY, USA. 6 of their 8 children taken af the family residece in the village of Mohawk NY, USA. Also, from Darci's collection, a photo of the Shoemaker house in the village of Mohawk NY. The Shoemaker house was the Pauth & Robbins' residence in the 1920's and 1930's.

James Sampson Robbins

James Sampson Robbins was born 22 Dec 1864 in the district of St Mary Birmingham in the county of Warwick, England. He is named after his father James Robbins. His mother is Harriet Robbins formerly Vale. At the time of his birth he resides with his parents at 30 York Street, Birmingham, England. Husband of Alice Louisa (Gray) Robbins. Father of George & Blanche.. His professional trades in Birmingham include Engineer in 1892, Factory Engine Fitter (journeyman) in 1893, Factory Engine Driver in 1894, Fitter & Machinist in 1900. James's father is also named James Robbins of Birmingham, England.

His whereabouts remained unknown to his son, during the time grandfather George was young & growing up in one country or another. Eventually father & son are reunited by 2 letters for a short time before James's passing away in Johannesburg, So Africa. shortly after Jan 1937. It is unknown when exactly he arrived in So Africa. However we estimate his arrival about 1919. There is mention of him working in the diamond mines here also.

The first of these letters in 1936 suggests father and son may have corresponded previously. Also James's writing implies he has a few regrets.

.....in a letter dated November 8th/36 (November 8 1936) Johannesburg from James Robbins, to his son George who as of the writing is well established at age 42, married & has a family of his own living in NY, USA.....

Dear Son,

I am writing to you to say I received your letter on the 6 of November and I am sending you this by Air Mail to let you know that I am living. I know that I have no excuse for not writing to you but I thought of you all the same. Well its about 17 years ago when I had the last letter from your Aunt and that was addressed to Mr Linnovas ((sp?) 112 Prichard Street and at the time I was out of work so I took a place up in Nothern Transvaal so When I came back the man had left his house so I went away again so that is all the trouble. I dont think there is much enjoyment in my life as I wish I had been killed in the war for I am suffering for it now its over 6 years since I sleped in a bed for my chest is so bad at night. I only wish your poor mother had lived a few years longer I should have been a different man to what I am now. Well its no good crying over wats gon. I am about fed up with this Life. I shall be glad when my time comes I do hope its a bit better than this world if there is such a place. I say that letter you sent was a bit thick but it dont matter. I think this is about all,

So good Night and
god bless you I hope he will

My address is

James Robbins
Bellevue Hotel
Main Road
Fordsburg
Jo,burg

~end of letter~

The following is the last letter ever received by grandfather George from his father to our knowledge. All translations are transcribed as they are written including the authors spelling & grammer.

.....in the last english script now upon faded, tattered paper this letter is from James Robbins, Johannesburg dated Jan 14th, 37, (1937) to his son George, NY, USA.....

Dear Son Daughter and grandchildren I received your kind letter and was sorry to hear things where so bad but I hope they will soon be better things out hear are all right but it dont make any differance to me as I have not done any work for about 7 years I have been so ill with my Lungs I was in hospital this time Last year that is to say military hospital at Roberts Heights Pretoria you know George that its is about 10 years that I have not lay in a Bed I am a little better now thank God for it. Well George you ask me why I did not come over wen I took my discharge in England well George your Aunt Agnes and tom know very well this that I sent to shipping office about 6-7 times and they told me that no Boats will Sail for a month at Leave. I had the money as i had been working at my trade and I was getting good Wages, well George I will try and come over and see you all before I die that is for about a month as I could not stand the Cold Weather now as you know I getting in years it was my birthday 22 of Decembert I was 70 years but I dont Look no older than that picture you have of me. I dont know what it is I have not a gray Hair in my head I think this is about all I have to say this time so good Night and God Bless you all and Keep you in good Health

To Know I Conclude with my Love & God Bless you all

James Robbins
Bellevue Hotel
Main Road
Fordsburg
Johannesburg
So Africa

Grandfather George replied to this letter & mailed it to his father James in So Africa. Unfortunately the letter was never read by him. It was returned & marked "Deceased" .

Alice Louisa (Gray) Robbins

Great grandmother Alice Gray was born 3 Aug 1874. Her record of birth is recorded in the registration district of Aston, in the district of Derikend in the county of Warwick, England. Her parents are Thomas Gray, and Emily Gray (formerly Townley). At the time of her birth she resides with her parents at 17 Court Mosely Street. Her sisters are Ada, Clara and Agnes Gray. She married James Sampson Robbins 17 Jan 1892 at the Parish Church in the Parish of St George, in the city & county of Birmingham, England. According to their marriage certificate she is 19 years of age and a spinster. She resides next door to the groom at Back 11 Mott St, Birmingham England. They are married in the Parish Church according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Established Church after Banns by A E Hunt. In the presence of George & Mary Robbins. Her father Thomas Gray is deceased. His profession was a Brassfounder.

Little is known about Alice except what is written here. She died at a young age in Bournemouth during a kidney operation.

Alice Robbins




George & Magruerite (Pauth) Robbins on their Wedding Day


Married 27 May 1914 in Whitesboro, Oneida county, New York, USA

Marriage Announcement
Published 28 May 1914
Utica Observer Dispatch, page 10
a New York newspaper

Tupper Lake Man Takes Charming Girl for Bride

Whitesboro. May 28--- At the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Miner Pauth, last night occured the marriage of Miss Margaret Pauth to George Robbins of Tupper Lake. The ceremony was performed by Rev. W. M. Brashears of the M. E. Church. The couple were attended by Miss Lucille Champ and John Smith. Many guests witnessed the ceremony.

The bride wore lavender silk and her maid wore white silk. Both the bride and her maid carried a bouquet of roses. The bride is a popular young woman and has a host of frends in this place who will hasten to congradulate her. The groom is a well known young man from Tupper Lake and enjoys a wide circle of friends who will extend the happy couple best wishes for a long wedded life. They will reside at Tupper Lake."

The Robbins Clan

Children of George & Marguerite Robbins.

From front to back.....

Catherine, George, Edward, Virginia, Living, and Robert Robbins. Gordon and Carol were not born yet.

This photograph was taken approximately in the late 1920's to early 1930's at their residence, the Shoemaker House in the village of Mohawk NY.

The Shoemaker House

~Special thanks to Darci for sharing this photo.

The historical Shoemaker Tavern was built in 1768 before the Revolutionary War. It is also known as the Shoemaker House and later the Valley Tavern in the 1900's. A plaque was placed in front of the home in 1941 by the State Education Department.

This was the Pauth residence and temporary Robbins residence during the time period approximately late 1920's to 1930's. The home was located at 111 West Main Street, in the village of Mohawk, Herkimer county, NY, The landmark was destroyed by fire in 1975.

It was first occupied by our family in the late 1920's by Miner & Catherine Pauth, (George Robbins' inlaws) and their daughters Charlotte and Mildred. Including their married son Harry Pauth and his wife Effie Light.

George & Marguerite Robbins moved from Clinton, NY, with their 6 children abt 1930 to make the Shoemaker House their temporary residence with the Pauth families for approximately 6 months to 1 year.

My mother recalls vivid memories of this beautiful old home. The interior was decorated with victorian and turn of the century furniture. In approximately 1930 the house has a grand entry way and 2 large parlors. One entry way to the right and one to the left on each side of the house. From the left side entry way on the 1st floor (see photo) was a large dining room. The kitchen was in the back of the house. It had 2 sets of interior stairs. Entry from the left set of stairs led to Miner and Catherine Pauth's side of the house. The Robbins' side to the right. Mom shared an upstairs bedroom (far right) with her sister Virginia. 5 of the Robbins children had many of fun and good times riding the rail of the main wooden staircase from the 2nd to 1st floor. Baby Catherine Robbins was too young to experience the child play of riding the rail that was never permitted when the elders were in sight.

George & Marguerite Robbins and family lived here temorarily for approximately 6-12 months in the early 1930's. George found a new position at a knitting mill in the town Herkimer, NY and the Robbins family moved to their new home town.

My mother continued to visit her grandmother and grandfather Pauth through the years. Riding the trolley from Herkimer to the village of Mohawk on the weekends. One of the trolley stops was conveniently located in front of the old Shoemaker House.

This is the same Shoemaker House where the indians stayed when they came to town. My mother was a little girl then, early 1930's. As she recalls, "the indians rode into town in their covered wagons, full indian dress and attire, selling their medicine and tonics during the summer. The indians were always welcome at the Pauth residence. They parked their wagons on the Shoemaker House lot. They were Invited in to share meals and spend the night". Mom supposed the indians slept in their wagons.

It has been recorded in history that General George Washington had a luncheon under a tree at Shoremaker's Tavern in Mohawk Monday, July 29, 1783. Source: History of Herkimer County, page 405.

During the Revolutionary War, Shoemaker House was also a secret meeting place for the Tories. Where Lieutenant Walter N. Butler of St. Leger's Army, and twenty-eight soldiers and indians were captured by a party sent by Colonel Weston from Fort Dayton (German Flats). Source: History of Herkimer County.

Special thanks to the village of Mohawk's town historian, for sharing the published newpaper articles and history of this landmark and shrine.

Last updated 6 July 2007


........................to be continued

The Pauth Family of Little Falls New York

Edward Arnold of Little Falls New York 1803-1895

Lost Cousins

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