Charles S. Robinson is one of the prominent and influential citizens of Center Township, Pottawattamie County, Iowa. He is one of the brave pioneers who came here in 1853 when everything was new and wild, and is justly deserving of honorable mention in work of this character. A history of his life will be found of interest to many.

Mr. Robinson was born in Fountain County, Indiana, March 2, 1828. His father and grandfather, Joel and Jeremiah Robinson, were natives of North Carolina. Joel Robinson was reared in his native State, and there married Jane Daily, who was born in North Carolina, the daughter of Charles Daily, who was of Irish extraction and also a native of that State. He and his wife went to Indiana in 1825, where they lived for many years. The following children were born to them: John now a resident of Perryville, Indiana; Marion, in Davis County, Iowa; Erastus, Appanoose, Iowa; Sabra Ann, wife of Thomas Foster, Appanoose, County; and Charles S., the subject of this sketch. His youth was spent on his father's farm in Indiana, and his education was obtained in the typical log school house of the period, which was fitted up with slab seats. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson removed to Appanoose County, Iowa, in 1851, where they lived until death. The father was born in 1797, and died in 1877. The was formerly a Democrat but later in life cast his vote and influence with the Republican Party. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian Church. She died at the age of eighty-four years.

When their son, Charles S., was twenty-one years old he left his native State, came to Iowa, and settled in Appanoose County, where he was engaged in farming for three years. In 1853 he came to Pottawattamie County, as already stated at the beginning of this article, and first settled in Council Bluffs. There he teamed and farmed for a time, after which, in 1855, he moved to Wheeler's Grove, where he spent one season. In 1856 he located on his present farm, being one of the first settlers in the neighborhood. There were a few families about Big Grove; but north, east and south of him stretched the wild prairie. It was ten miles to the first house east on Walnut Creek. The situation was enough to discourage a man not possessed with pluck and courage, but Mr. Robinson had in his make-up both of these elements combined with energy and perseverance; and the inconveniences of the new country only served as a stimulus to help develop the wild land that lie before him, and built for himself and family a home. His first winter was passed in a shanty covered with sod, but before the frosts of another winter came they were snugly living in a new log house, where he and his wife dispensed hospitality with a liberal hand to all those who sought shelter in their humble home. Stranger and friend were entertained in true pioneer style. On this farm of 248 acres Mr. Robinson has lived for thirty-four years. The log house, however, has given place to a substantial and modern frame one, which is surrounded with shade trees and an orchard of two or three acres. The farm has other good buildings, is well fenced, and is devoted to general farming and stock-raising.

Mr. Robinson was married, November 25, 1849, to Miss Mary D. Rogers, a lady possessed of all the virtues and accomplishments that make a pioneer successful. She was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, a daughter of Clement and Rachel (White) Rogers, both natives of Delaware. When Mr. Robinson was a girl her parents moved to Indiana, where they spent the residue of their lives. They were members of the Methodist Church, and were honored and respected citizens. Of their family of three children, two sons are deceased, Mrs. Robinson being the only survivor. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have had ten children, as follows: William, a resident of Wisconsin; Frank is married, has one child, and lives in Belknap Township, Pottawattamie County; Anna had been a successful teacher in California for seven years; Susan, wife of John Means, of Rice County, Kansas; Charles Freeland, Ira Joel, Sydney Grant, all at home; S. Jessie, a popular teacher; and Fred Elmer, at home. Their second child died at the age of nine months. All of them were born in Pottawattamie County, except William, who was born in Wapello County, Iowa. Mr. Robinson has given his children the advantages of a good education, and fitted them for honorable positions in life. The daughters have all been teachers.

Politically Mr. Robinson is a Republican. He has served in all the township offices. Two terms he was Justice of the Peace. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge, of Oakland, No. 442. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Oakland. Mr. Robinson is sixty-two years old, yet he bears his age lightly. He is a man well informed on all general topics, and is broad and progressive in his views. He is frank and cordial in his manner, and is honorable in all his business dealings.