Adelaide Walker Robbins (Mrs. Andrew Bonney), Robbinsdale, born. 1847, Zenia, Ohio, daughter Anstis Barlow Walker and Piatt Bayless Walker; 1855 moved to Berea, Ohio, entered Baldwin University at twelve; distinguished in mathematics, youngest in class and prize winner for highest standing through two years. At fourteen, helped her mother and sister Helen with diets, linen room, dressings and “home letters” at Camp Chase and Tripler General Hospitals through Civil War and was granted “honorable discharge” by Dorothy Dix, chief of volunteer nurses. In 1865 moved to St. Anthony. Minnesota taught rural school one year and two in “Marcy”; 1869 married Andrew Bonney Robbins, who, managing Great Northern interests, went on first through train to Willmar, Minnesota, where thev built first two-storv house, were charter members Presbyterian Church. Mr. Robbins was elected State Senator at thirty. In 1882 built a home in Merriam Park, where they were charter members of Presbyterian church. Sunday school and chautauqua. Mrs. Robbins was director Home for the Friendless. In 1890. on estate which Mr. Robbins platted. Robbinsdale. they built many houses and planted carloads of trees. Andrew Robbins died June 16, 1910. At seventy-seven, Mrs. Robbins continues platting and building houses. She is member of College Woman’s club, Women’s Relief Corps, D. A. R., past president Westminster Circle and Tourist Club, Minneapolis; “guard” National Civic War Nurse association. She has five daughters.
-Who’s Who Among Minnesota Women
A history of woman’s work in Minnesota from pioneer days
to date, told in biographies, memorials and records of organizations.
Compiled and Published by
Mary Dillon Foster
1924