Biography of Jacob H. Robbins, 1902, Baker Co. Oregon: Surnames: Robbins, Thomas.

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Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
W. David Samuelsen - November 2001
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An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, pub. 1902
by Western Historical Pub. Co. of Chicago. page 350

Jacob H. Robbins

Mr. Robbins was born May 12, 1859, in Salem, Oregon. In 1862 the family
removed to Umatilla Landing, where our subject's father organized several big
pack trains wherewith to transport supplies to Boise City and various other
mining camps in Idaho. In 1864 they went to Granite, the older Mr. Robbins
tkaing the first wagon into that region, cutting his own wagon road. Later he
went into merchandise business, establishing trading post throughout the
entire country, and in company with Joe D. Young opening the first trading on
the ground where Sumpter now stands.

Our subject received his early intellectual discipline in the public schools
of this and neighboring counties, and his initial training in business in his
father's trading establishments. It was afterward his good fortune to enjoy
the advantages of Baker City Academy and the Portland Busines sCollege,
graduating from the latter institution in the spring of 1879. After returning
from school he remained with his parents about a year, then went to Umatilla
county, where he was engaged in merchandising until 1886. In that year he
moved to Pendleton and engaged in real estate brokerage. Two years later he
was called by the francises of the people to the post of county treasurer, and
for the ensuing two terms he retained this office. During the same time he was
appointed assistant cashier of the Pendleton Savings Bank. In 1893 he retired
from the service of this institution to accept a position as receive of the
United States land office at La Grande, and for the next half decade he busied
himself with "Uncle Sam's" business, during the latter part of this period
becoming also interested in the Farmers and Traders National Bank at that
point, of which he is still vice-president and a director. He was also engaged
in the merchandise business there for a time.

In 1899 Mr. Robbins came to Sumpter. Shortly after his arrival he with others
had organized the first bank of Sumpter, with our subject as president, J. W.
Scriber vice-president, J. W. Mead cashier and director. They have a very fine
brick building. Mr. Robbins is also quite extensively engaged in mining
ventures in this district, among his properties being the Concord, adjoining
the famous Red Boy, looked upon as one of the coming mines.

Our subject has ever manifested an active and public-spirited interests in the
affairs of general concern, doing all in his power to conserve and promote the
welfare of town, county and state. In 1901 he was elected mayor of Sumpter,
the duties of which office are being discharged by him with faithfulness and
good judgement.

In fraternal circles Mr. Robbins is well known. He belongs to all the degrees
of Masonry up to and including the Knight Templar, also to the A.O.U.W., the
W. o fW., the United Artisans, the Pioneers of the Pacific, and numerous other
orders. He formerly served as the grand officer in the last named fraternity.
The marriage of our subject was solemnized in Portland, Oregon, February 1,
1882, the lady being Miss Edith V., a daughter of F. C. and Caroline (Thomas)
Carr. Their union has been blessed by the advent of three children: J.
Franklin, clerking in a drug store in Sumpter; Charles H. and one that died in
infancy.