Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-01
CONSIGNED To EARTH
Interment. of the Remains OF
Zenas C. Robbins Today.
FUNERAL SERVICES HELD
Floral Tributes From Associates and
Friends of Deceased.
BURIAL IN OAK HILL CEMETERY
Sketch Of the Life Of One Who Had
Almost Reached the Gen.
tury Mark.
BURIAL IN OAK HILL CEMETERY

northwest, occurred III y SlOIh tilo
afternoon in the chapel at Oak Hill ceme-
terry, and interment was in the same ceme-
terry Rev. Mr.. Cox, assistant rector of
st. Thomas Protestant Episcopal Church,
officiated in the absence from the city OF
Rev c. Ernest Smith. the rector.
The Sand Dredging Company of this city.
of which organization the deceased was
director. sent a magnificent testimonial in
the form of a cross, which was fully ten
feet high Senior Don Gonzalo de Quesada.
the Cuban minister, sent a floral tribute
and there were many other beautiful tokens
from those who held Mr.. Robbins in high
esteem.
Close of q Remarkable Life.
The passing of Zenas C. Robbins marked
the termination of life not only remark
able for its longevity, but also because of
the fact that it comprehended within its
cycle many of the stirring events associ-
ated with the growth of the United States
and particularly Washington city.
Mr. Robbins had been a resident of this
city since 1874. and during all those years
he had shown commepdable pride In the
capitals growth and development. and had
taken no small part in the plans during
the early days of the city to make 1t what
1t Is today. Many of his co-laborers here
in bygone years have long since passed
away, and his demise at the ripe old age
tanned to the end that keen interest so con-
spicueus in his early life. was the round
ing out of a life that the newspapers Of
today rarely have opportunity TO chronicle
Mr. Robbins was born in Grafton, N. H.,
October 49, 1910. Born on farm, of that
sturdy New England parentage famous in
the country's history. he grew into young
manhood fortified with a rugged health
teaching school there, and priced In after
life written Endorsement from the select
men of Lynne testifying to his probity OF
character and sterling integrity. From
New Hampshire he migrated to Boston,
where he was employed by mercantile
firm. remaining In that city several years.
From there he went to st. Louis. where he
became interested in the merchant life OF
that city and began the foundation of his
professional career which brought him dis
tnction and success.
Mr.. Robbins was married in 1887 to Miss
Mary Byrd Tildenz of Virginia, who had
migrated with her family to st. Louis. and
In which city Mr.. Robbins met her. Three
children were born of this union, survtv-
ing son being DR.. Henry A., Robbins of this
city.
1t was the invention Of the steam boiler
that brought Mr. Robbins to this city in
1874, and while waiting here in connection
with the securing of q patent he decided to
make Washington his home. He opened
an office as a patent attorney, and In this
connection 1t may be noted that during his
life the business Of the United States Pat
ent Office grew to Its present remarkable
proportions. In 1874 the entire examiner
work of the department was performed by
only two or three men. Mr.. Robbins and
one other were the only patent attorneys
in business here at that time.
Receives an Appointment.
For sixteen years he continued the prac-
tice of his profession. In 1861. at the spe-
cial invitation OF President Lincoln, he be-
came member and the president Of a
select commission to establish loyal po-
lice system for the city of Washington.
The morning of August 49, 1851. President
Lincoln dictated a note to Mr.. Robbins In
forming him that he would be pleased to
see him at the presidential mansion at his
earliest convenience. Mr.. Robbins obeyed
the summons at once, and upon entering
the executive office the President, after ex-
tending his usual cordial greeting, informed
| him that he had appointed him one of the
commissioners under the act of August q.
1851, creating the board OF metropolitan
police commissioners.
After few passing remarks on the state
of the country and the Importance Of hav-
ing Washington protected by reliable ana
loyal police force, Mr.. Lincoln placed In
his hands a letter and requested him to
take the first train for New York. The
letter was addressed to New York police
officials. who were asked to confer with
ed for application to the city of Wash
ington. This appointment by Mr.. Lincoln
of Mr.. Robbins was peculiarly personal
one. The President saw In Mr.. Robbins
the same plain and rugged CHARACTERISTICS
dominant in himself, and the New England
ers personality appealed to him as the
man for that particularly trustworthy duty.
M some dSneon as s's register ns Of wills for the
District of Columbia. and Mr.. Robbins held
that Office until he went abroad. He visited
many parts Of the old world, returning to
this city In 1879. At this time ne retired
from active work and lived quietly at his
old home on C street between Sd and Az
streets. 1t was famous neighborhood In
these days. where many OF the men who
contributed largely to the history Of the
country resided and participated In the
social life of the capital. Nearby were the
homes of Philip Barton Key and Senator
Tom Benton. and next door resided the
Rev. Dr. Byron Sunderland. 1t is related
that the first Geographic dispatch was
written and sent from Mr. Robbins home
on street over the line between this city
and Baltimore. The sender was Miss
Ellsworth who afterward married Roswell
Smith, owner and editor of the Century.
Identified With Church Work.
Mr.. Robbins had been identified with
church work all his life, and during Rev
DIR. Sunderland's life was a great friend of
that popular divine. During Mr.. Robbins
later years he took a great interest In the
work OF. the Episcopal Church in this city.
Mr.. Robbins was possessed of marked
literary tastes, having a strong prediction
for poetry and his sentiment often found
expression In lines both inspiring and en-
nobling. Many Of his verses have found
place in the columns of The Star in past
years and as a writer he formed many ac-
quaintances in the literary world which
ripened into friendships of long duration.
He was a member Of the Sons of the
American Revolution. and took a great in
terest in the organization. having been one
OF it's earliest members.
1t is related as a fact. coincident with
the professional life of the deceased that
he secured q number Of valuable patents
after he had attained his ninety-fifth year,
and he has today one or two pending in the
United States Patent ONCE.
In 1897 Mr.. Robbins celebrated his golden
anniversary in this city. and the event was
made a particularly happy one to him by
the many spontaneous expressions OF friend
ship and felicitation from among those
who were held ever dear to his heart as
having been associated closely with his life
in Washington.
Story Of the Lincoln Patent.
Mr. Robbins was a close personal friend
of President Lincoln from the time he OBJ
| tanned the patent heretofore referred to in