Bio of ROBINSON, Sumner C. (b.1831 d.1903), Hennepin Co., MN
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EXTRACTED FROM: History of Minneapolis, Gateway to the Northwest; 
Chicago-Minneapolis, The S J Clarke Publishing Co, 1923; Edited by: Rev. 
Marion Daniel Shutter, D.D., LL.D.; Volume I - Shutter (Historical); 
volume II - Biographical; volume III - Biographical
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Vol II, pg 409-410
SUMNER C. ROBINSON.
In the years when Minneapolis was first emerging from villagehood and becoming
one of the enterprising towns of the Northwest, but with little thought that it
would later take on the proportions of metropolitan citizenship, Sumner C.
Robinson estab­lished his home here and with the passing years became one of the
foremost contractors and builders of the city. He was born in New Jersey in 1831
and obtained his education in public schools of the east. He afterward served an
apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade and in early manhood he was united in
marriage to Miss Mary H. Dare, who was also a native of New Jersey. Removing
westward in 1856, they first settled in Kansas, but in 1857 came to Minneapolis.
Here Sumner C. Robinson entered upon the work of contracting and building and
for twenty years was a conspicuous figure in this field. He built the greater
portion of the homes erected on the east side of the city prior to 1876 and many
substantial structures of the city still stand as monuments to his skill,
ability and thoroughness. In the year indicated he directed his efforts into
other channels by forming a partnership with Charles S. Bardwell for the
manufacture of sash, doors and interior finishings, organizing the firm of
Bardwell & Robinson, which has long played an important part in the city's
growth and material development. About 1885 they purchased ground at Second
street and Twenty-second avenue, North, and there erected a large plant which
was splendidly equipped and which has been successfully operated for many years,
the two sons of the founders of the business becoming successors of their father
and carrying on the enterprise, which was incorporated in July, 1903.
Mr. Robinson and his wife were among the original seventy-four organizers of the
Hennepin Avenue Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Robinson became a most active
Sunday school worker and also a member of the official board of the church,
serving in that capacity from 1858 to the time of his death in 1903, rendering
longer service of this character than any other man in the city. His entire life
was actuated by his Christian belief, which guided him in all of his relations
with his fellowmen and constituted the deep sense of duty which he felt in
matters of citizenship. He was likewise active in establishing the Asbury
Hospital, in which he furnished a room known as the Sumner C. Robinson room, and
for an extended period he was a member of the board of directors of that
institution, continuing to serve in that capacity until his demise. His wife was
also active in church and hospital work and was a member of the controlling
board of Asbury Hospital from its foundation and was likewise long a member of
the official board of the Northwestern Hospital before Asbury was established.
She became connected in a highly serviceable way with the Deaconess Home and
other institutions of benefit in connection with charitable and church work. Her
death occurred in the year 1916. In the family were two children: Charles N. now
deceased; and Mary R., the wife of William Wolford. One can scarcely
overestimate the value of the service rendered by Mr. and Mrs. Robinson to their
adopted city, as their labors were highly efficient along the lines of material,
intellectual, social and moral progress.