|
|
|
|
Austin Trowbridge Robinson was killed In World War I, September 1918 in
France. He was a Corporal and as the story has been told he died in a foxhole
when a bullet ricocheted off a tree. He is buried in Oisene-Aisne American
Cemetery at Seringes-et-Nesles, France, Grave 33, Row 6, Block D. There is also
a Robinson family memorial for him at the Fishkill Rural Cemetery along with the
Beacon Memorial Building memorial. Austin Trowbridge Robinson was born on August 18, 1888 in Johnsville, NY now Wiccopee, the son of Walter Clarke Robinson and Charlotte M. Smith. The Robinson family moved to Beacon around 1901, settling in at 17 Henderson Street. Austin's father was a custodian at the Spring Street School and always rang the bell which is now at the Forrestal School. His mother is descended from the Smiths of which Smithtown Road in Fishkill is named after. The following is a transcript of a letter sent from Austin Robinson to his sister Bertha, some two months prior to his death. Somewhere in France July 7, 1918 Dear Sister- Received your most welcome letter + was glad to hear that all was well at home but regret to hear the sad news of Uncle Thomas Smith. The last I seen him he was as spry as ever. You did not say with what disease he died. Is Grandmother as well this summer as usual? I suppose you keep Ralph busy with his A. B. C's or has he not learned the alphabet yet? Is Mark still working at the Econimizer? I saw Evans, a friend of Moses, who wished me to let him know he was asking for him. He is the land and has a easy thing of it. I have heard from Eugene twice + he is in good health + is in good spirits. He cannot be far from here as Marshal Heroy found his brother, who is in the same company with Eugene. He told me that they were to move today. Well I will not meet him yet as it reminds me of Evangeline going down the Mississippi in search of Gabriel. I am located here in a farming section where the inhabitants are busy getting hay. Imagine yourself on a lot of hay with a ! cow + a horse for a team to draw the wagons much the same as in the states. There are many sights over here that instantly show how advanced we are in the states. I understand that William Brazee has joined the navy which is the best thing he could have done under present circumstances. Beacon must be nearly drained of men of draft age. I suppose Joe will soon be in the game. It would be wise for him to follow Brazee. I have understood that drafted men could not enlist. I have never put myself in the animal class before but here goes some greeting from Eugene + I. The army mules with their big packs
I am your Loving Brother, (The above text was lovingly submitted by Daniel Robinson, of Beacon NY. Auston was his great uncle.)
|
