Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2026 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== USGenNet Data Repository Notice: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ============================================================================= Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. ============================================================================= The Muskegon Chronicle Thursday, 3 April, 1919 DEATH TAKES OLDEST LIGHT KEEPER IN U.S. WILLIAM ROBINSON for 47 Years Had Tended Beacon at White Lake IN CONTINUOUS SERVICE Was Retired With Pension March 15; Succeeded by Oldest Grandson CAPTAIN WILLIAM ROBINSON on the day of his recent retirement the oldest light-keeper in active service in the United States, died at Whitehall Wednesday morning at the age of 87 years. CAPTAIN ROBINSON was keeper of the White Lake light for 47 years, taking that position when the lighthouse was established and being the only keeper at White Lake since that time. His oldest grandson, WILLIAM BUSH, will succeed the aged captain as keeper. For many years CAPTAIN ROBINSON lived in the home which the government furnished him near to the light- house that stands by the entrance to the White Lake channel. During these years the waves of Lake Michi- gan that lapped quietly on the sandy beach when the weather was fair or raged angrily when the storm winds blew, were his constant companions. During the entire 47 years the captain remained faithful to the trust that was put in him and the light never failed to shine out over the lake when darkness was upon it. On March 15, 1919, he was re- tired on pension but continued in service until March 15, the day of his retirement. He will be buried in the old cemetery at the mouth of White River, which, like the captain, has grown vener- able with age, having been in use for more than sixty years. The captain was a native of Lynemouth, England, and came to White Lake in 1867. MRS. ROBINSON died 27 years ago. Nine children survive the aged keeper; MRS. P. H. FITZGERALD of Whitehall, MRS. E. M. DONA- HUE of Ashtabula Harbor, Ohio, MRS. H. E. POTTER of White Lake, MRS. WILLIAM MURRAY of Sylvan Beach, MRS. SARAH BERG, MRS. E. J. WHELAN and THOMAS ROBIN- SON of Muskegon, WILLIAM ROBINSON of South Haven, and GEORGE ROBINSON of Manistee. One brother, ROBERT ROBINSON of Grand Rapids, and three sisters, MRS. ISABELLA SPRIGG of Michil- linda, MRS> ROBERT FLAIT and MRS. NELL SHAW of Spokane, Wash., also survive. The are 49 grand- children and 38 great grand children. The funeral will be held from the residence at the station Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock. ===============================================================================