William Carlisle Robinson

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This article was written in the Opelika newspaper on Friday 13 Dec 1912.

"Judge William Carlisle Robinson, for many years prominent in official circles of Lee county died at eight o'clock last night at the home of his sister, Mrs. J.W. Burke on South Tenth street. Judge Robinson had been in failing health for some time and for the past eight weeks was confined to his bed, death being caused from disease of the liver.

The deceased was 73 years old, born in Milltown, Chambers county. He was married to Miss Georgia Ann Turner near Milltown, she having preceded her husband to the grave about seven years.

Judge Robinson lived in this city about thirty-five years moving here from Chambers county. He was for several years a school teacher and merchant until his election in 1880 to the office of clerk of the circuit court of Lee county. He served six years in this capacity, being elected probate judge of Lee county in 1886 and after serving six years, was re-elected to this important office, serving another six year term to 1892 - in all twelve years as probate judge.

Judge Robinson made an excellent public official, there being one of the most important undertakings consummated under his administration, the erection of a new county court house and jail, These buildings will serve as a monument to his memory, demonstrating his ability as an excellent business official.

The deceased was a member of the Masonic lodge and First Baptist church.

He leaves two sons, George S. and McCuin Robinson, and four sisters, Mrs. J.W. Burke and Miss Mollie Robinson, of this city; Mrs. Lucy Gross of Childersburg, and Mrs. C.O. Stevens of Mobile; and one brother, Mr. Jesse Robinson of Waverly.

The funeral will be held at three o'clock this afternoon from the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Burke on South Tenth street, Dr. C. Ross Baker officiating. The pall bearers are announced as follows: M.D. Morgan, G.E. Weber, L.F. Dickson, G.N. Hodge, John Smith, T. and W.E. Davis. Interment will be in the city cemetery."

Note: Judge Robinson is buried in Rosemere Cemetery in Opelika, Alabama.

Lieutenant, Company I, Forty-seventh Alabama Regiment.

The following is taken from the book "Notable Men of Alabama."

Judge William Carlisle Robinson, of Opelika, Ala., was born November 27, 1839, in Chambers County, Ala. His father was Jesse B. Robinson and his mother Martha A. Robinson, nee Carlisle. His grandparents were Thomas Robinson and W. W. Carlisle. On December 9, 1857 Judge Robinson led to the altar Georgian V. Turner, of Chambers County, Ala. By this marriage two sons were born, viz.: Mach and George Sanford, both of whom are progressive citizens of Opelika. From this period until 1862 was passed by W. C. Robinson in farming, when in response to the call for troops to preserve the Confederacy he entered the army as a lieutenant in Company I of the Forty-seventh Alabama regiment. He was compelled finally on account of ill health to leave the army and recuperate; in 1864 he re-enlisted and served until the surrender. Judge Robinson's early education in the public schools, enlarged by study and close observation fitted him for life's duties. He re-assumed farming and merchandising until 1869, when he removed to Macon County, Ala. Then engaging in farming and milling. In 1872 he moved to Lee County and engaged in farming and school teaching. In 1880 he was elected clerk of the circuit court Lee County, Ala., serving six years. In 1886 he was elected judge of probate of Lee County for six years and in 1892 was re-elected to the same office. He was also ex-officio judge of the county court, trying all misdemeanor cases. In 1894 he was nominated for Congress by the Populist party of the third Congressional district and thinks he was elected, but was debarred from office by the Democratic party. As an evidence of the progressive spirit of the judge it was largely through his instrumentality that the substantial modern jail was erected for the county, having steel cells and strong furnishings; likewise the beautiful county court house, the pride of Lee County. Since the expiration of his term of office he has pursued farming and merchandising. He is at present the superintendent of the Opelika Sewer Company. Judge Robinson has endeared himself by a life free from ostentation, to a host of friends. He is honest and upright in his daily life. He is a Mason and a member of the Baptist church of Opelika.