Robinett, Robert (1856-1912)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by G.B.G.

Born March, 1856, at Yaxley, near Peterborough, and coming at the age of sixteen to Canning Town, Robert Robinett joined our Sunday School in Swanscombe Street, and showing signs of piety, was called to be a teacher. Soon after he assisted in the formation of a Sunday School at Beckton, walking seven miles every Sunday to the work. 

Bro. J.J. Webb says: “I knew him for many years as a devoted servant and follower of Christ, ever willing to do what was asked of him, even at personal sacrifice. He was a true friend of Primitive Methodism, and impressed himself upon the young people. I have rarely known a man so sought after and so trusted in the last bitter experiences to comfort and direct the departing spirits. His illness was long and painful, but he testified to all that the Saviour he had striven to follow was dearer to him as time sped by.” 

On March 27th he entered sweetly into rest, leaving a wife, two daughters and a son to mourn his loss. The funeral service was conducted in our West Ham Church by Rev. John Richardson, assisted by the writer.

Family

Robert was born in March 1856 at Yaxley, Huntingdonshire, to parents William Robinett, who worked the land, and Ann Fyson.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Robert.

• 1871 agricultural labourer
• 1881 gas works labourer
• 1891 weigh man at gas works
• 1901 weigh man at gas works
• 1911 formerly timekeeper & pensioner of Gas Light & Coke Co

He married Emma Nancollas (1854-1929) on 31 August 1881 at St Mary the Virgin, Plaistow, Essex. Census returns and birth records identify five children.

• Lucy Ellen (1882-1883)
• Edith Emma (1884-1969) – elementary school teacher (1911); married Geoffrey Vernon Symes, a chartered patent agent (1939), in 1915
• Robert Harold (1886-1933)
• Doris (1889-1951) – elementary school teacher (1911)
• Constance Jessie (1891-1906)

Robert died on 27 March 1912 at West Ham, Essex.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912/834

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers