Bridgeton pioneer., 1903-10-15
two days.

bne LATE rev. furman Robbins, and
his aged mother, Mrs. Hannah Rob-
bins, survives him. She lives on
Marion street. He was born in 1851
at Wrightstown, New Jersey, and re-
moved to Bridgeton when eighteen
years of age. He was a most active
young man and was shortly after his
arrival here a clerk in the old Dilks
grocery store. Subsequently he took
a position in the shoe store of Uriah
Davis, and later purchased the bust
ness.
From that time Mr.. Robbins has
been foremost business man of
Bridgeton. much of the time, indeed,
in advance of the age in which he
lived, and his advancement in the
mercantile world was marked with a
push and energy that caused the ad-
miration of those about him, His
push and energy were remarkable and
he carried his enterprises on..in colossal
proportions and added very greatly to
the important improvement of the
city.
Not long in establishing the largest
and most successful shoe business in
South Jersey, he later embarked in
the clothing business, and then fol-
lowed by purchasing large property
interests on North Laurel street,
where he erected the splendid build
ings he has since occupied, together
with the large structure he since sold
to Hunt Brothers.
Entering the dry goods trade he
conducted the establishment for a
time in the building now occupied by
O. F. Dare & Co., and later conducted
large dry goods establishment on
North Laurel street which was after
wards absorbed by Hunt Brothers.
When the Grosscup's Clothing store
was closed he leased Grosscup's Cor
ner and established clothing store
there, and he made important in.-
provements to the corner, to the great
benefit of the city.
His latest enterprise was establish
ing the clothing business in the
handsome new store in the Mlnch
building.
Mr.. Robbins purchased the Sharp
less building on North Laurel street,
and that is now part of his estate.
u@ an,
North Pearl street.
All through his business career Mr..
Robbins has been a living exponent of
the strenuous life. Always active,
carrying out some new business
scheme, he interested and attracted
the attention of the public with the
constant changes in his business
places. He always had something
new for the patrons of his various en-
terprises.
While Mr.. Robbins has had all
these vast personal enterprises to look
after he has never failed to take
great interest in all public affairs.
He was for many years member OF
the Board of Trade and two years Its
President. When the Y. M. O. A
was most progressive here Mr.. Rob.
bins was its President.
All his life Mr.. Robbins has had
passion for we'll bred horses and has
owned many very fine ones. 1t was
his chief diversion from the worry
and cares of business.
Mr.. Robbins was early married
and his wife and three children sur
vive him. His children are Mrs. Ar
thur Whitaker, Mrs. J. Hampton
Fithian, and Charles Robbins.
During his business career Mr..
Robbins has travelled much over the
country and gained much by such ex-
perience. He made at least two trips
across the continent, spending consid-
erable time in California.
Too early in years has Mr.. Robbins
laid down the busy cares of life. His
progressive spirit and active enter
prise is needed in Bridgeton, never
more than now. General regret is
expressed throughout the entire COM
munity concerning the death Of this
leading Citizen.