Dr. Ahijah Robinson

DR. AHIJAH ROBINSON.

Dr. Ahijah Johnson [sic] died at his suburban home Saturday, March 6, 1886, at 4 o’clock p.m., after six months of intense suffering. He had been failing in health for some time, but fought manfully against his ailments until the development of the cause which produced death. The announcement of his death caused the most profound sorrow, he having been one among the prominent business men in Lebanon for a number of years. He is one who throughout his life enjoyed the warm friendship of all with whom he was associated, and his personal merits have been recognized by his fellow citizens. Prominent among the features of his character was his pacific disposition. Throughout his life he lived at peace with all men. He contributed generously for the furtherance of enterprises having for their object the general welfare of the country. His strict fidelity to his trust always won the approbation and confidence of those with whom he had dealings, he never having filled a place that did not expand or reflect credit on himself, yet he never had any desire to make himself conspicuous. He had been sorely afflicted for fifty-four years, but bore his afflictions bravely. He was honored throughout the community for his upright character and incorruptible integrity, and throughout a long and useful life retained, undiminished, the confidence and respect of all who knew him. He was born in Washington County, Va., August 18, 1823. He came to Indiana in 1829, where he passed the days of his boyhood and youth. In a new settlement, remote from large cities and towns, his early educational advantages were naturally limited. As he grew in years, however, he, by individual research and close application, obtained a good store of knowledge and became a man of more than ordinary intelligence. He served as a justice of the peace in his native county for a number of years, and was afterward commissioned to act as postmaster in several villages of the same county. He also served in the capacity of county commissioner.

After studying the science of medicine he began the practice in the state of Illinois, subsequently transferring his experience from that state to the counties of Hendricks and Boone, Indiana. On the 18th of October, 1857, he was married to Miss Nettie McClintick, in Hendricks County, three years subsequent to his location in Boone County. He continued to practice the medical profession until disabled by physical infirmities. After locating at Lebanon he filled, at various times, the offices of township trustee, postmaster and county commissioner. He was one who assisted in organizing the First National Bank of Lebanon, and for several years acted as one of the officers, but becoming physically disqualified for active business he withdrew and lived a retired life until his death. He was the first of his family to pass away, and leaves his wife, daughter, her husband, and two sons to mourn the loss of a good, kind, indulgent husband and father. The funeral services were conducted at the residence by Rev. Banta, at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon, March 7, 1886, and the remains were then laid to rest in the new cemetery, under the auspices of the Masons, with whom he had been a faithful brother for forty years.

MASONIC RESOLUTIONS.

Since the edict of the Divine Architect of the universe to to [sic] our fathers in the Garden of Eden after the transgression: “Dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return,” the children of men have been born into the world, suffered their brief period and have passed away. So at frequent intervals we are called to mourn for our brethren who have “passed to that bourne from which no traveler returns.” We, as a fraternity, believe that, as is emblematized by the sprig of acacia that bloomed at the head of the Grand Master’s grave that our sleeping brother will rise again to live forever in the Grand Lodge above, where we will meet in an unbroken assembly throughout eternity.

Resolved, That in the death of our brother, Ahijah Robinson, who passed from labor to refreshment on the 6th day of March, 1886, we lost a true Mason – one who loved the order and was true to his professions.

Resolved, That our sympathies are extended to the bereaved family, who have lost a loving husband and father

Resolved, That these resolutions be made a matter of record in the lodge, and a copy furnished to each of the papers in the city and to the family of the deceased.

Source Citation: Boone County Biographies [database online] Boone County INGenWeb. 2007. <http://www.rootsweb.com/~inboone> Original data: Harden & Spahr. "Early life and times in Boone County, Indiana." Lebanon, Indiana. May, 1887, pp. 351-353.

Transcribed by: Julie S. Townsend - July 6, 2007