West End Woodyard

Henderson’s City of Vancouver Directory, 1908, page 1023.
Henderson’s City of Vancouver Directory, 1908, page 1023.

 

The West End Woodyard was at 1805 Georgia Street in 1908 and 1909.

The operators of the wood yard were Richard Robinson and his nephew, Edgar Fleming Robinson.

 

Richard Robinson

Richard Robinson and his family lived at 1520 Alberni Street in 1911.

 

Henderson’s Greater Vancouver Directory, 1911, Part 2, page 1055.
Henderson’s Greater Vancouver Directory, 1911, Part 2, page 1055.

 

Richard Robinson was born in Kirkgate, Loweswater in Cumberland, England. He was christened in Liverpool, England on January 16, 1857. His parents were James Robinson and Mary Fleming.

In 1871, the Robinson family was in Bruce Mines, Algoma, Ontario.

On June 2, 1884, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Richard married Ella Eveline Shelson. She was born in Wiarton, Ontario on October 18, 1864. Her parents were George Shelson and Phoebe Jane Cope.

In 1891 and 1901, Richard and Ella were in Vancouver. Richard was a baggage man with the Canadian Pacific Railway. For almost all their time in Vancouver, Richard and Ella lived at 1520 Alberni Street. (Sometimes the address appeared as “1512 Alberni.”)

In the early 1900s, Richard began working as a teamster.

In 1908, he and his nephew, Edgar, operated the West End Woodyard. (Sometimes their business name was the “R & E Robinson Company.”)

 

Vancouver Daily World, April 15, 1908, page 24, column 1.
Vancouver Daily World, April 15, 1908, page 24, column 1.

 

By 1912, Richard was working as a broker. In 1915, he was a poultry raiser. He also continued as a real estate broker, and he worked as a gardener for some time.

Richard also owned a building at the corner of Granville Street and 70th Avenue. In 1922, a fire destroyed the building. There was no insurance.

 

Vancouver Daily World, November 30, 1922, page 14, column 7.
Vancouver Daily World, November 30, 1922, page 14, column 7.

 

Richard died in Vancouver on August 27, 1930.

Ella died in Vancouver on July 14, 1945.

 

Edgar Fleming Robinson: Family Background

Edgar Fleming Robinson was born on February 6, 1882 in Bruce Mines, Algoma, Ontario. (His middle name sometimes appears as “Flemming” with two “m”s.) His parents were Fleming Robinson (about 1854-1905) and Elizabeth Jane Jeffery (1852-1932).

Fleming Robinson died in Vancouver on June 19, 1905. He was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.

 

Fleming Robinson, death notice, Victoria Daily Times, June 21, 1905, page 8; Victoria Daily Times news clippings, City of Victoria Archives (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2DS-3CPZ : 15 March 2018).
Fleming Robinson, death notice, Victoria Daily Times, June 21, 1905, page 8; Victoria Daily Times news clippings, City of Victoria Archives (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2DS-3CPZ : 15 March 2018).

 

Vancouver Daily World, June 22, 1905, page 12, column 5.
Vancouver Daily World, June 22, 1905, page 12, column 5.

 

Ancestry.com. England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Name: Fleming Robinson; Death Date: 19 Jun 1905; Death Place: Columbia, Ontario, Canada; Probate Date: 7 Nov 1906; Registry: London, England [edited image].
Ancestry.com. England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Name: Fleming Robinson; Death Date: 19 Jun 1905; Death Place: Columbia, Ontario, Canada; Probate Date: 7 Nov 1906; Registry: London, England [edited image].

Elizabeth Robinson died in Vancouver on February 22, 1932. She was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.

 

Vancouver Sun, February 23, 1932, page 12, column 1; https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wS9lAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4YgNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2334%2C2240996.
Vancouver Sun, February 23, 1932, page 12, column 1; https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wS9lAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4YgNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2334%2C2240996.

 

Edgar Fleming Robinson: Life in Ontario and British Columbia

In 1891, Edgar was living with his parents in Otter Tail, Algoma, Ontario.

In 1901, he and the rest of the Robinson family were on Eveleigh Street in Vancouver.

In 1908, Edgar and his uncle, Richard Robinson, were operating the West End Woodyard.

In 1911, Edgar was living with his mother in Vancouver. He and his uncle, Richard, were in a business called “R & E Robinson Company.”

 

Henderson’s Greater Vancouver Directory, 1911, Part 2, page 1054.
Henderson’s Greater Vancouver Directory, 1911, Part 2, page 1054.

 

In 1912, Edgar was a “teaming contractor” or “drayman.”

In June 1915, Edgar became engaged to Lily Edith Rhodes Cole. She was born on January 28, 1889 in Union County, Oregon. Her parents were James William Cole and Mary Elizabeth Rhodes.

 

Vancouver Daily World, June 9, 1915, page 5, column 5.
Vancouver Daily World, June 9, 1915, page 5, column 5.

The wedding was in Vancouver on June 16, 1915.

Vancouver Daily World, June 18, 1915, page 5, column 3.
Vancouver Daily World, June 18, 1915, page 5, column 3.

 

After 1915, Edgar did not appear in the Vancouver directories. In 1921, Edgar and Lily were living on Lulu Island in Richmond, British Columbia. Edgar was a farmer.

Edgar died in Vancouver on May 12, 1959.

Lily died in Richmond on September 12, 1968.

 

Sources

Richard Robinson

Richard Robinson (1857–1930); Birth: 3 APR 1857, Kirkgate, Yks; Death: 27 AUG 1930, Vancouver, Canada (ancestry.ca).

“England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NNH2-SBC : 9 March 2018, Richard Robinson, ); citing p178 item1420, index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City; FHL microfilm 1,656,426. Name: Richard Robinson; Residence Place: Liverpool, Lancashire, England; Gender: Male; Christening Date: 16 Jan 1857; Christening Date (Original): 16 Jan 1857; Christening Place: St Peter’s, Liverpool, Lancashire, England; Birthplace: Leigh, Lancashire, England; Father’s Name: James Robinson; Mother’s Name: Mary Robinson.

“Canada Census, 1871,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4QS-5RP : 22 August 2018), Richard Robinson in household of Mary Robinson, Bruce Mines, Algoma, Ontario, Canada; citing 1871; citing National Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.

Manitoba Marriage Registrations; Registration Number: 1884-001564; Richard Robinson and Ella Eveline Shelson; date of marriage: 2 Jun 1884; place of marriage; Winnipeg

“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV95-M2HV : 16 March 2018), Richard Robinson, 1911; citing Census, Vancouver Sub-Districts 1-18, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,417,661.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FL2D-43B : 8 November 2017), Richard Robinson, 1930.

 

Elizabeth Bedilia Eveline (Ella) Shelson (wife of Richard Robinson)

Ella Eveline Shelson (1864–1945); Birth: 18 OCT 1864, Grafton, Ontario; Death: 14 JUL 1945, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (ancestry.ca).

“Canada Census, 1871,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4QD-QJ9 : 22 August 2018), Ellen Shelson, Pickering, South Ontario, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 19, line 9; Library and Archives Canada film number C-9973, Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 4,396,343.

Manitoba Marriage Registrations; Registration Number: 1884-001564; Richard Robinson and Ella Eveline Shelson; date of marriage: 2 Jun 1884; place of marriage; Winnipeg

“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV95-M2HK : 16 March 2018), Ella Robinson in entry for Richard Robinson, 1911; citing Census, Vancouver Sub-Districts 1-18, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,417,661.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLG1-5M2 : 8 November 2017), Ella Evelyn Robinson, 1945.

 

Fleming Robinson (father of Edgar Fleming Robinson)

“England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NX34-1LW : 10 February 2018, Fleming Robinson, 22 Jul); citing item 1 p 296, index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City; FHL microfilm 1,471,901. [Christening Date: 22 Aug 1854.]

“England and Wales Census, 1861,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M7G4-832 : 12 December 2017), Fleming Robinson, Loweswater, Cumberland, England; from “1861 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO RG 9, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.

“Canada Census, 1871,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4QS-5RG : 22 August 2018), Fleming Robinson in household of Mary Robinson, Bruce Mines, Algoma, Ontario, Canada; citing 1871; citing National Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.

“Ontario Marriages, 1869-1927,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FMNN-F78 : 11 March 2018), Flemming Robinson and Elizabeth Ann Jeffery, 23 Dec 1876; citing registration , Bruce Mines, Algoma, Ontario, Canada, Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,863,648.

“Canada Census, 1881,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVDB-X31 : 11 March 2018), Fleming Robinson, ; from “1881 Canadian Census.” Database with images. Ancestry. (www.ancestry.com : 2008); citing Plummer, Algoma, Ontario, Canada; 1855; p. 9; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13282, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.

“Canada Census, 1891,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MW2Z-7WN : 3 August 2016), Fleming Robinson, Otter Tail, Algoma, Ontario, Canada; Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148125.

“Canada Census, 1901,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVN-PQ3 : 18 March 2018), Fleming Robinson, Burrard, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 18, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.

“Canada Census, 1901,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVG-ZL4 : 18 March 2018), Fleming Robinson in household of Thos Graham, Yale & Cariboo, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 4, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLV1-T2G : 8 November 2017), Fleming Robinson, 1905.

“British Columbia, Victoria Times Birth, Marriage and Death Notices, 1901-1939,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2DS-3CPZ : 15 March 2018), Fleming Robinson, Death , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; from Victoria Daily Times news clippings, City of Victoria Archives, British Columbia, Canada; citing Victoria Daily Times, 21 Jun 1905; FHL microfilm 2,218,776 [page 8].

“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVV5-78NV : 13 December 2015), Fleming Robinson, 1905; Burial, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Mountain View Cemetery; citing record ID 26324085, Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/26324085: “Fleming Robinson; Birth: 22 Jul 1856; Death: 19 Jun 1905 (aged 48); Burial: Mountain View Cemetery, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada; Plot: HORNE1/2/03/020/0004; Memorial ID: 26324085.” [Note: other sources give christening date as August 22, 1854.]

 

Elizabeth Jane Jefferey (mother of Edgar Fleming Robinson)

“England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JQ3K-TZZ : 12 February 2018, Elizabeth Jane Jeffery, ); citing 84, index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City; FHL microfilm 1,596,179. [Christening Date: 19 May 1852.]

“England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JQPS-36J : 11 February 2018, Elizabeth Jane Jeffery, 19 May 1852); citing , index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City; FHL microfilm 254,140.

“Ontario Marriages, 1869-1927,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FMNN-F7X : 11 March 2018), Flemming Robinson and Elizabeth Ann Jeffery, 23 Dec 1876; citing registration , Bruce Mines, Algoma, Ontario, Canada, Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,863,648.

“Canada Census, 1881,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVDB-XQM : 11 March 2018), Bessie Robinson in entry for Fleming Robinson, ; from “1881 Canadian Census.” Database with images. Ancestry. (www.ancestry.com : 2008); citing Plummer, Algoma, Ontario, Canada; 1854; p. 9; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13282, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.

“Canada Census, 1891,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MW2Z-7WJ : 3 August 2016), Elizabeth Robinson, Otter Tail, Algoma, Ontario, Canada; Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148125.

“Canada Census, 1901,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVN-PQQ : 18 March 2018), Elizabeth Robinson, Burrard, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 18, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.

“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV95-9SW1 : 16 March 2018), Elizabeth Robinson, 1911; citing Census, Vancouver Sub-Districts 1-18, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,417,661.

1921 Canada Census, Elizabeth Robinson, Reference Number: RG 31; Folder Number: 18; Census Place: Ward 1, Vancouver Centre, British Columbia; Page Number: 8. Ancestry.com. 1921 Census of Canada [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2013.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FL26-3G9 : 8 November 2017), Elizabeth Jane Robinson, 1932.

 

Edgar Fleming Robinson

“Ontario Births, 1869-1912,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FMDS-1L4 : 16 July 2017), Edger Fleming Robinson, 06 Feb 1882; citing Birth, Bruce Mines, Algoma, Ontario, Canada, citing Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,845,578.

“Canada Births and Baptisms, 1661-1959,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLWP-T8R : 9 March 2018), Edger Fleming Robinson, 06 Feb 1882; citing Bruce Mines, Algoma, Ontario, 06 Feb 1882, reference 1229; FHL microfilm 1,845,578.

“Canada Births and Baptisms, 1661-1959,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F25Q-PDQ : 9 March 2018), Edger Fleming Robinson, 06 Feb 1882; citing Bruce Mines, Algoma, Ontario, 06 Feb 1882, reference cn 1229; FHL microfilm 1,845,578.

“Canada Census, 1891,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MW2Z-7W2 : 3 August 2016), Edgar Robinson, Otter Tail, Algoma, Ontario, Canada; Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148125.

“Canada Census, 1901,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVN-PQ4 : 18 March 2018), Edgar F Robinson in household of Elizabeth Robinson, Burrard, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 18, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.

“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV95-9S47 : 16 March 2018), Edgar F Robinson in entry for Harry A Lyttleton, 1911; citing Census, Vancouver Sub-Districts 1-18, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,417,661.

“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932; 1937-1938,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JDZ2-FBM : 11 March 2018), Edgar Flemming Robinson and Lily Edith Rhodes Cole, 16 Jun 1915; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11379, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,983,707.

1921 Canada Census, Edgar F Robinson, Reference Number: RG 31; Folder Number: 17; Census Place: Richmond, New Westminster, British Columbia; Page Number: 7. Ancestry.com. 1921 Census of Canada [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2013.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLR3-DQ5 : 8 November 2017), Edgar Flemming Robinson, 1959; http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/0a3d02e9-f20a-4030-94bd-eb85f20306fc.

 

Lily Edith Rhodes Cole (wife of Edgar Flemming Robinson)

“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932; 1937-1938,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JDZ2-FYY : 11 March 2018), Edgar Flemming Robinson and Lily Edith Rhodes Cole, 16 Jun 1915; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11379, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,983,707.

1921 Canada Census, Lily E Robinson in household of Edgar F Robinson, Reference Number: RG 31; Folder Number: 17; Census Place: Richmond, New Westminster, British Columbia; Page Number: 7. Ancestry.com. 1921 Census of Canada [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2013.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLY7-D2D : 8 November 2017), Lily Edith Robinson, 1968; http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/84b56285-2400-4f0f-9c6d-ee0f7fc64411.