J. L. Robinson, one of the enterprising young business men of Freeport, is engaged in the manufacture of spring-wagons. He was born in the city of Pittsburgh, Pa., on the 9th of August, 1848, and with his parents, Israel and Cornelia Robinson, moved to Tazewell County, Ill. Here he received his primary education, afterward completing his studies at the State Normal University, at Normal, Ill. His father died in the year 1859; his mother and four children are living. Mr. Robinson learned the carriage-making trade while a young man, but began his business life in the occupation of a farmer. During the time he lived on a farm he was engaged in the sale of farm implements at Delavan, Ill. In 1876 he came to Freeport, and started in his present business. He has been a resident of Stephenson County for three years previously and was engaged in business at Ridott.
Mr. Robinson, of our sketch, commenced in Freeport, in 1876, at Nos. 118 and 120 Exchange street. From a small beginning his business has assumed large proportions; the annual product is now between six and seven hundred wagons. His trade extends into the States of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, and his establishent is represented by two energetic and pushing salesmen on the road, who have no difficulty in disposing of his goods, whoever may examine them. The present manufacturing establishment is very commodious, the dimensions being 50 x 120 feet, two stories high, besides the basement. It is substantially constructed of brick and is made as nearly fire-proof as possible. This establishment is looked upon as one of the most promising now located in Freeport, and its proprietor enjoys the good-will of all the citizens of the place. Like most successful men in the West Mr. Robinsons's beginning was on a very small scale.
In 1876 Mr. Robinson was married to Miss Sarah A. Briggs, formerly of Alton, Ill., and the union is a very fortunate one, and their domestic life very happy.
Contributed by Karen Hammer
Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Illinois Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1888
