REUEL DRINKWATER ROBBINS
REUEL DRINKWATER ROBBINS, a California
pioneer, was born in the State of Maine on the 19th of February,
1839, being the son of Elias and Lucinda (Drinkwater) Robbins. The schools of
the Old Pine Tree State afforded Mr. Robbins his early education, and shortly
after obtaining his legal majority he came to California in 1860, locating in
Suisun, Solano County; a vigorous, resourceful and ambitious young man who was
here destined to prove a valuable advocate of progress. Here he was at first
identified with lumber and navigation interests, but it was in connection with
the organization of his banking enterprises and the development of real estate
in Solano County that he achieved his maximum success and influence. Under his
supervision the banking institution which he organized in Suisun in 1876
developed into one of the most renowned financial institutions of the state;
and through his ability and foresight in later years, he was actively
identified with several of the leading financial institutions and corporations
of San Francisco up to the time of his death September 7th, 1919.
Mr. Robbins stood at all times for the most
liberal and progressive citizenship, and was active and influential in the
promotion of measures and enterprises for general civic betterment. He was
affiliated with the Masonic fraternity including the Knights Templar and was
also a member of the Pacific Union Club of San Francisco. He was a staunch
republican, always taking a leading part in local and national politics.
In the year of 1871 the marriage of Mr. Robbins
was solemnized with Miss Sadie McCullough, who was born in Ohio, and who now
maintains her home in San Francisco. Of the six children the eldest, Reuel D.
is now president of the bank founded by his father; William C. has supervision
of the vast real estate interests in Solano County; Lloyd M. is a successful
law practitioner in San Francisco; Mary Emma is the wife of John G. Sutton, and
has made her home for years in San Francisco; Marie is the wife of C. H.
Hilbert, a resident of New York City; while Dr. Irving W. is a resident of Palo
Alto, California.
Transcribed by Elaine Sturdevant