From A
Biographical History of Central Kansas, Vol. II, p. 892
published by The Lewis Publishing Co, Chicago & New York, 1902
W. B. ROBBINS
W B Robbins, proprietor of the Robbins Elevators, is the pioneer grain merchant of Rice county. He bought and shipped the first carload of grain out of Bushton, Kansas, and since 1897, the year of his arrival in the Sunflower state, he has nobly borne his part in the work of improvement and upbuilding in this section of the state. He was born in Wayne county, Illinois, on the 9th of December, 1861, and is a son of Ephraim Robbins, a well known early settler of Rice county. The latter was born in Ohio, and was there married to Ida Clevenger, a native of Pennsylvania. In 1871 they came with ox-teams and wagons to Kansas, bringing with them a number of cattle and hogs, and their first location was in Chautauqua county. They remained there for three years and in 1874 continued the journey to Rice county, where they made their home until 1896, when they removed to Oklahoma. After their arrival in this county the father secured one hundred and sixty acres of land, and as time passed he added to his property until his landed possessions consisted of four hundred and eighty acres. Mr and Mrs Robbins were the parents of ten children, six sons and four daughters – Mrs Sarah Buckley, Mrs Jane Handy, Mrs Addie Buckles, Mrs Mollie S Warner, William B, Charles, Leonard, Lee, Jesse and Frank.
W B Robbins, the subject of this review, accompanied his parents on their overland trip to Rice county, Kansas, in 1871, and since that time he has been a prominent factor in the business interests in this section of the state. In 1887 he embarked in the grain business, and he now owns two large elevators, which are well equipped with the latest improved machinery for the handling of grain. They have a capacity of ten thousand bushels, and nineteen thousand bushels can be handled daily. During the past year the business amounted to three hundred thousand dollars, and in addition to his grain trade Mr Robbins is also interested in the stock business, dealing in cattle and hogs. He is one of the leading business men of this locality, and his efforts have contributed not alone to his individual success but have been of material benefit to the locality in which he has resided. He entered upon his business career when sixteen years of age, and since that time he has labored earnestly and indefatigably for the best interests of his town, county and state. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and is an active and efficient worker in its ranks. In his social relations he is a member of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias fraternities and also of the Woodmen of the World and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In 1890 Mr Robbins was united in marriage, in Marion county, Iowa, to Miss Myrtle Carr, who was born, reared and educated in that county. Their home has been brightened by the presence of three children, - Fred, Lloyd and Gladys, and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. Mr and Mrs Robbins have a wide and constantly enlarging circle of acquaintances, and are universally admired for their many good qualities of mind and heart. They are influential members of the community and their influence is a good and helpful one.