Published in the Darien Gazette

THE DEATH OF MR. W.A. ROBSON

Mr William Augustus Robson died at the Savannah Hospital, where he had gone for treatment on Saturday morning. His death followed an operation. Mr Robson had been ill for some time, altho' he was able to be about up to the time he went to Savannah for treatment. He was in his 70th year and a native of this country. Mr Robson was a good man and a splendid citizen and his death has caused sorrow among his friends in this section. The deceased is survived by a wife and six children: Messrs. W.A. Robson, Jr., Lynn Robson, Wyle Robson, Mrs Samuel Gardner, Misses Inez and Ruth Robson. The remains brought down from Savannah Saturday morning and the interment was at the family burial ground near Townsend on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. Mr Dowdy, minister in charge, assisted by Rev. Mr Young of Darien, conducted the services. The funeral was very largely attended by friends from all over the county, showing the esteem in which he was held.

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A study of the dates of death among his children reveals that four of them predeceased Augustus.

Son John died at age 8
Daughter Amanda died age 13
Daughter Elizabeth died age 8
Son George died age 10

The old gentleman and his wife must have endured alot of pain on their account.

On the other hand, Willie (WA Jr), Lillian, Lula, and Wiley, all gave them plenty of grandchildren.

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Pvt. William A Robson enlisted (for six months) in the 1st Bn. Georgia Cavalry on Oct 8, 1861 near Darien Georgia.

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The following information is a transcription of a typewritten document entitled Pearl Robson Berkihiser's Memories. (This document came to light in the settling of Waveney Middleton's estate in March 2014. It is dated September 1976)

Grandfather Robson, William Augustus Robson, Sr., known as "Gus".
Born June 9, 1843 - Died January 10, 1913.

When he was 16 years of age, he joined the Confederate Army. I remember hearing him talk about being in the service. Don't ask me what he did as I don't know. One thing I do remember his telling. One day he was hungry -- he was walking -- he saw a piece of cornbread on the ground -- it was moldy -- he picked it up, cut the mold off, and ate it. He said that was the best piece of cornbread he ever ate. I don't know how long he was in the service.

After he came home from the service he married our beloved Grandma Robson, Georgia Anne (April 27, 1855 - July 28, 1918). I remember hearing her say she was of French descent. I don't remember her last name.

Grandpa Robson lived on a tract of land adjoining Grandfather John's tract. As far as I know, they never moved.

As well as I remember Grandpa was a big teaser. Lots of times I would get up early in the morning, frost on the ground, slip off and go to Grandpa's without any shoes on. He would tease me about my twin toes. I didn't like that. He would laugh at me. So it didn't do any good to get peeved. I guess it was a good way to break me from going over without shoes.

Another thing I remember - Dad and Grandpa used to plant sugarcane, they had two large boilers to cook the juice into syrup. Mules and horses to do the grinding (if you want something good, a glass of the cane juice early in the morning while it was cold). I always liked to get over and do my little bit of helping early in the morning. Dad would have me help clean up, and keep things clean. It was fun.

I remember when Grandpa got sick, he had a sore foot. They sent him to Savannah Georgia to the hospital. I thought that was something great. The doctors amputated his leg. He had gangrene of the foot. He had a large funeral. There were horses and buggies everywhere.

He was steward of the Methodist Church. To me he was a good man. After his going home, the church appointed my dad Willie to take his place. He was a steward until his death. Grandpa died January 10, 1913.