Norwich bulletin., 1915-06-26

The old homestead Of the Arad Rob inson family was the scene of a joy ful gathering Friday, the occasion be- ing the 31st annual family reunion
 The homestead Is owned by Deacon Lavius Arad Robinson, and is occu- pied by Deacon and Mrs. Robinson, and their eldest son, Clifford H., and family. The old homestead, (it's mod ern name being Mountain VieW'), is located on the southerly slope of Prospect Hill Franklin, with Ayers Mountain directly across the valley, standing like a huge guardian.
 The family numbers I'll members and 65 were present yesterday, counter attractions interfering with the at tendance. 6
 At noon the large family was seat ed at two long tables, over which was stretched a large tent covering. and a sumptuous dinner was served, Deacon Robinson offering prayer.
 Officers of the Association.
 The officers of the Robinson Family Association are: President, Deacon Lavius Arad Robinson: vice president, Mrs Lucy E. Manning; secretary, George E. Manning: treasurer, Will liam E. Manning; historian, Mrs. Lucy E. Manning. The report for the past year is as follows:
 During the past year there has been Rut one death, Mrs. Louise Manning Tucker, who died July r. 1914. She was the wife of Edgar J. Tucker of Lebanon, Conn.
 There was one birth. Harriet Day Robinson. July 27. daughter of MT and Mrs. Clifford H. Robinson.
 Only one marriage occurred. that of Miss Helen Louise Ward to Byron White which took place June g.
 Those coming from a distance in Cluded MT. and Mrs. Lloyd R. Rob inson of Brattleboro Vt; William l.. Hyde of. Boston: Mrs. Emma Coe and her granddaughter, Miss Katherine COe, of MiddletOWn, Conn.,; Mrs FL sic (Geer) Stevens and daughter, Ruth, of Providence, R. l. Others went from Norwich. WillimantiC. Leb- anon, Franklin and surrounding towns.
 During the afternoon several of the young members of the family visited Barber's Revine.
 On the Entertainment Programme.
 Mrs. L. A. Robinson favored the company with two solos. Mrs. Elsie Stevens accompanist There were several recitatiOns and readings by Mrs. Coe Mrs. Nelson D. R. Robinson, Mrs. George L. L.add and Mrs. Reuben Manning. George l.. Ladd recalled the fact that several of his old school mates and former pupils were includ- ed in the gathering. A solo by Miss COe, who is a student in Smith col leSe, was greatly enJoN ed.
 Some Family History.
 Deacon Robinson was born October 6, 1884 and has always lived at the homestead On June IT. 1874, fl years ago. he married Hattie B. Huntington, and four children were born to them, two now living, Clifford H.. and Lloyd R.
 Deacon Robinson is recognized by all who know him as a man of strong character, always ready to lend his aid in any movement for the uplift of his fellow men. Although over 80 years of age, he, with Mrs. Robinson, is active in the work of the Congre- gational church. Deacon Robinson added materially to the size of the original property.
 His eldest son. Clifford, conducts the farm.
 Arad Robinson, the seventh in line from Rev. John Robinson of Leydeu, was born in Lebanon near the intersec- tion of the towns of Windham, Frank lin and Lebanon on Jan. 30, 1797. He was s years of age when his parents moved to Franklin. After a district schooling. he learned the trade of blacksmith with his father, Peter Rob inson.
 Soon after his marriage to Lura Abel in 1920 he purchased the farm now owned and occupied by his son, Deacon Robinson, then owned by Dea- con Corwin. Here he resided and con ducted the blacksmith shop until his
 death, Sept. Is, 1872.
 The Old Blacksmith Shop. The old shop, which is still standing and in daily use as a carriage house meant as much or more to the resi- dents of Franklin and surrounding towns 75 years ago as the modern garage represents to the people of to- day. Many interesting stories are told of the industry of this blacksmith shop where union hours were then unheard of At certain times of the year this 1 village blacksmith" was obliged tc work Is to IS hours, shoeing oxen During the "dull'' season he was obliged to forge shoes for horses and oxen and to make nails.
 Eight children were born to Arad and Lura Robinson, Lura Abby (Hyde) Rosamond Miranda (Gager). Nancy Jane (Hyde), Mary Taylor (Manning) Asenath AbeIl CTucker), Lucy Eliza beth CManning), Lavius Arad Robin son and Nelson Dexter Robinson. Ot ! their children. only two are now liv- ing. Lucy (Robinson) Manning and Lavius Arad Robinson. both being present at the reunion Friday. Ancestry to Be Proud Of. The Robinson family, like so many of the old New England pioneer families can indeed be proud of their ancestry | There are countless numbers of the 1 New Englauders who point with pride to the fact that their family history dates back to the landing of the May l flower at Plymouth in 1920. The Rob inson family can justly point with pride to Rev. John Robinson founder of the Pilgrim church at Ley den, Holland, in 1914, and the originat- or of the MaNfiower expedition which sailed from Delftshaven Aug 1, 1920 for the new world.
 John Robinson was a separatist and became a minister while still a young man. He did not favor the ideas oi the Church of England but wanted more religious liberties" After suf- fering much persecution. he with Will liam Bradford and William Brewster other Puritans of the strictest kind