The residents of Jennings County are certainly be congratulated upon having in their midst an establishment such as that conducted by the Mrs. J.R. Robinson Co. By reason of its location here, the citizens are enabled to get everything in the millinary line in the market, and at prices even lower than those of the large city houses. This house carries a full line of millinary dry goods, gents furnishing goods, carpets, notions, cloaks and wraps. Mr. Jas. R. Robinson, who has charge of the business, while not a young man, is active and alert and has more than kept pace with the times, evidenced by the fact that this store, the creation of his thrift and enterprise, ranks as one of the best of its kind in Southern Indiana. Mr. Robinson realizes the advantages to his customers of doing business on a strickly cash basis, as by selling for cash and paying cash for all that he buys, and also taking advantage of discounts, he is enabled to undersell competitors. In speaking of this Mr. Robinson said: "What other houses pay to book-keepers, collectors and for postage. I give to my customers in increased values, and thus, while a little trade by not crediting, I gain much by being able to sell the best goods for the least money." As will be seen by the interior view of the store which is here presented, the stock is large and neatly kept, and, although the store room is one of the largest in the city, being 30 x 90 feet, it is none too large to accomodate the immense trade carried on. Mr. Robinson has grown up in this business, and is thoroughly versed in every detail. By long experience he has learned where and how to buy to the best advantage. The major part of his stock is shipped from the East, and he thus keeps in the van of the constantly changing styles. In the store he is assisted by Misses Clara Firsich, Dora Becker and Clara Loscent, a trio of young ladies, courteous and accomodating, who lend much to the popularity of the establishment. In addition to these Mr. Robinson always employs during the opening season one of the more experienced trimmers from the large cities.
    This business is one of the oldest in North Vernon having been started in 1858 by the gentleman who now has charge of its affairs, together with his father Mark Robinson, in a small room at the site of the "Big Four" depot. The business, while more varied in the branches carried then than now, was comparatively smaller, and when in 1861, a call was made for volunteers to fight for the cause of the Union, father and son responded. The store was left in charge of Mr. Robinson's wife, who conducted it during her husbands enforced absence. It will thus be seen that this business house has for nearly forty years been catering to the needs of the people of this vicinity.     Jas. R. Robinson was born in Philidelphia, Penn. and was educated in Cincinnati to which place his parents moved when he was a small child. At the age of sixteen he left Woodward College to come with his parents to Jennings County, where he worked on a farm within a mile of this town, although at that time there was not a vestige of the now thrifty city. In 1858 he moved to Tipton, a small trading point, and as stated above launched into business, having in the meantime wedded to Miss Hannah Jane Roudebush. He joined the army in 1861 as a member of the Fifty-sixth Indiana Volunteers. At the close of the war he returned to his home, and, together with G. Kerchner entered into the contracting and stone business. This enterprise proved a success and there are standing to-day many monuments of the work of this firm, among them the United States arsenal at Indianapolis, and the foundation of the State House. After seven years in this business he took active charge of the establishment conducted by his wife. The business was then located in a small house a few doors west of the present location, but under his management it grew until 1894 it was found necessary to move, and the quarters now occupied were selected. Both floors are utilized. The wife of Mr. Robinson died March 26, 1896, leaving one son who is grown. On July 7, 1897, he married Miss Mary L. Meeds of Pittsburg, Penn. with whom he lives happily in a elegant and attractive home of his own at the corner of Main and State Streets. Mr. Robinson is a member of the K. of H. K. and L. of H., and G.A.R and is the oldest living member in the county of the sons of veterans.