JOSEPH W. ROBB. Among those undaunted pioneers who braved the hardships and dangers of frontier life to make a home in Washington county, Joseph Robb (grandfather of the present family) and his wife deserve an honored place. Joseph Robb was born and reared in Chester county, Penn., and was married to a native of the same State. Soon after their union the couple came to Washington county, in 1790, purchasing of the government and moving upon a tract consisting of 400 acres, known as the "Omi tract". A log cabin was soon erected and improvements energetically begun by the stout-hearted young settler, who often carried salt over the mountains on horseback. Time passed on, and as the rude uncultivated land was transformed into fields of moving grain, the little home took on an air of comfort and civilization. Children as follows were born to these pioneers: Ebenezer, William, and John, and as the parents grew weary with the weight of years, strong young arms and brave young hearts lifted the burdens from their shoulders. Joseph Robb was a member and elder of the Associated Reformed Church, and in politics voted with the whig party. He died April 14, 1847, and was buried by the side of his wife in the cemetery of Robinson's Run church. Ebenezer Robb, the eldest son of Joseph, was born July 9, 1803, and was reared and educated on the home farm. On January 26, 1836, he was united in marriage with Eliza Wallace, who was born near Pigeon creek, daughter of Robert Wallace. The young people made a permanent home in Robinson township, this county, where he followed farming and stock raising. Five children were born to their union, namely: William and Joseph (both now deceased); Robert (a prominent businessman in Allegheny City, and is an elder in the Westminster Church of that place)); Joseph W. and Mary E. (wife of Joseph Reynolds). The father of this family was formerly a member of the Associate Reformed Church of Robinson's Run, and afterwards joined the United Presbyterian Church at McDonald, serving as an elder in both Societies. In politics he was originally a Whig, afterward a Republican. He took an active interest in educational matters, and served as justice of the peace two terms. Mr. Robb died in August, 1884, having been preceded to the grave by his wife in 1877, and their remains rest in the cemetery at Robinson's run. Joseph W. Robb was born May 18, 1851, on the old homestead in Robinson township. His elementary education was received at the common schools of the neighborhood, and he afterward became a student in the Allegheny City Academy. On November 27, 1879, Mr. Robb married Rachel Lindsey, a daughter of William Lindsey, who was born in 1811, in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, where his earlier years were passed. He was married to Ann Van Eman, a resident of this county, and the young people remained in Mt. Pleasant township till 1876, the following children being born to their union: Sarah, John, Elizabeth, Van Eman, Anna, Rebecca, Marguerita, Irene, Robert, and Rachel (Mrs. Robb). Mr. Lindsey was an extensive sealer in stock, and in politics voted with the republican party. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1883; his widow is yet living with her children.
Joseph and Rachel (Lindsey) Robb settled on the paternal homestead, where their children have been born as follows: Edmund E., born August 31, 1881; Anna Ethel, born September 2, 1883, died January 7, 1885; Mary Margretta, born August 9, 1886; Laura Ellen, born October 24, 1888, and Joseph Lloyd, born December 19, 1892. Mr. Robb is an active republican, has served his township in various capacities, and has now entered upon his second term as school director. He and his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church at McDonald, in which he is an elder.
Text taken from page 558 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed March 1997 by Tom Lum Forest of Somerville, MA as part of the Beers Project.
Published April 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]