Subject:: COL. WILLIAM PERRINE ROBINSON
Submitter: Denell Burks (DB1776-vacaville@comcast.net)
Source: Bethany Republican, Wednesday, June 29, 1904
{Note: This is retyped from a photo copy that is periodically difficult to read.)
CROSSED THE RIVER; MARCHED ON BEFORE
Col. W. P. Robinson Laid to Rest with Impressive Ceremonies.
None could have been more honored by a Public Service.
Thou hast the river crossed—marched on before
Into the better land—camped on that shore;
These thou for us wilt wait—we’re coming too
That we may share with thee—the grand review.
The funeral and burial services in respect to the memory of Colonel William Robinson held last Thursday afternoon, June 23, were of such a character as to seem to deserve a few words from us, in addition to the biographical sketch and tribute published below. (See biography on biography page of this web site.)
Unlike most others of this people, the writer had only a cursory acquaintance, having met the Colonel, but twice in life. The fraternal associations of which the deceased was a member, fulfilled all the obligations of their orders with a glad fealty that it is a great pleasure to commend. The Odd Fellows had charge of the remains, from the time of arrival, until relieved by the Masons for the last rites of internment.
All business was suspended in the city from 2 o’clock p.m. until the conclusion of the services at the church. The post office department being wired, answered with permission to close the office. This courtesy, on the part of the government, recognized the worth of Colonel Robinson, both as an officer and a man. The first instance in our city.
The funeral service at the Christian Church was under the care of Elder M. M. Goode of St. Joseph, ably assisted by Revs. W. J. Willis and B. Youngblood, of the Presbyterian and Baptist churches here.
The beautiful church was elaborately and tastefully decorated with Flowers and Flags, the first a type of immortality, the latter of the government of earth.
About the organ was draped the old silk flag of the 23rd Missouri. This flag was the personal gift of the Colonel to his regiment, and was by him given to Lt. T. D. Neal post, No. 124 G.A.R. of Bethany. When E. Prentiss, stood beside this tattered war-banner, and sang “Wrap the Flag Around Me, Boys,” it came to us as the meaning of the intensely beautiful tribute . . . (?) . . . has known, and tears, which surely did not shame our manhood, flowed afresh. We could but ask and ask again, and yet again, does the Colonel know that the son of his old Commander of the desperate, disastrous and death-strewn field of Shiloh is standing by his clay, in all the flush of splendid and manly manliness, paying glad tribute to his worth and work? It may be that General Prentiss and Colonel Robinson both know.
The theme of Rev. Goode, was “Immortality.” It was predicated on the words of the Savior: “In my Father’s house are many mansions, I’ve gone to prepare a place for you,” supported by the phrase of Paul, “ To die is gain.” It may not be unfitting of us to say of this, that Rev. Goode is ripe in the work of the ministry, and with sympathetic logic and choice oratory, led his audience, by the rites of reason from the scenes of time and sense to the regions of the Infinite, and proved beyond (?) or doubt that if man dies he shall live again.
The Old Flag was everywhere. The entire march to the cemetery was in funeral (?). The casket was draped with the national Colors—the flag he loved and had defended, (?) with the wealth of the earth’s choicest flowers. The sprig of evergreen and the Lamb’s Skin leather apron, the badge of the Mason, (?) are now with the tired warrior (?) his windowless place of rest. (?) bugle in gentlest melody sounded “taps” and lights are out.
All the exercises were simple, appropriate, (?) in accord with the splendid character of the brother, the comrade, the citizen and friend, who had since gone on before in the struggle of the earth-life.
Of the life and services of Colonel Robinson, we may only say he impressed us as a man of sterling moral worth and fine sensitiveness, a patriot and a lover. His reputation in this region is as high as man has climbed. He was honored and loved in life by all who seek to be just to their fellow man. He was feared by those who had little regard for moral relationships. His feet grew a-weary of the toils of the earth life, and gathering the draperies of his couch about him, he has lain down to rest.
The last words of the heroic Jackson were “Let us go over the river and rest under the shade of the trees,” and this other warrior forgetting the clash and the crash of battle, and forgiving the wrongs and ingratitudes of earth’s selfishness, has gone over the river to rest under the shade of the trees of Eternal Life.
Bethany was proudly glad to pay its tribute of respect to his manly worth, and gave his precious dust honored sepulture in beautiful Miriam cemetery. Fraternal brotherhood was glad to prove its fealty around the casket of an honored brother, and the veteran comrades, whose steps are so rapidly reaching home like his, were proud to salute and say, “Brave Commander, tried Comrade, true friend, Hale and Farewell".
TRIBUTE BY A FRIEND
Col. Robinson was a man of noble character, and always set for himself high standards.
Brave as a soldier, he was fearless as a public officer in civil life.
He was an upright man with a spotless reputation, such a man as entitled him to love, honor, and remembrance. Ever performing his own duties, ever mindful of the rights of others, he was a faithful officer, a good neighbor, a true friend, a good, kind, loving husband and father.
He was ever emulous of good associations and had a broader grasp than that of his own needs and wants. He was public spirited and liked to see progress and improvement. He was law-abiding, order loving and patriotic.
As a citizen, the questions to which he ever sought were, what is right? what is best for my country? and when he solved these in accordance with his best judgment, there was no swerving him from the conclusion reached.
His life stood for the best. His services to the country and his usefulness as a citizen in his community will long be remembered and appreciated. Those who knew him best, loved him most.
But he has gone to his reward as a true and faithful steward; he has entered into rest.
He will be missed by all and more especially by his family and “old Comrades of the 23rd Regt., MO. Inft,” of which he was Colonel.
As he was laid to rest in Miriam cemetery, and the mound over him was covered with flowers, their freshness and fragrance remind us of the beauty of his life among us, and the purity and sweetness of the life to which he has gone.
NOTE: Please see biography on Biography page on the Harrison Co. web site.
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