[HI-FOOTSTEPS] Hi-Statewide Co. Bios (Robinson)

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Statewide County HI Archives Biographies.....Robinson, Mark Prever July 4, 1852 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
J. Orr orr at hawaii.com October 7, 2009, 7:56 pm

Source: The Story of Hawaii and Its Builders. Published by The Honolulu Star Bulletin, Territory of Hawaii, 1925.
Author: Edited by George F. Nellist

MARK PREVER ROBINSON, Early Builder. Against a background supplied by the 
pioneer history of shipping and shipbuilding in Hawaii, the late Mark P. 
Robinson engaged in business enterprises which linked modern Honolulu with 
early industrial days of the islands. His work is being carried on in Honolulu 
today by three sons.
  Mark Prever Robinson, born in Honolulu July 4, 1852, was the son of James 
Robinson and Rebecca (Prever) Robinson, pioneers in Hawaii. He received his 
education in Honolulu and in 1875, while still a young man, joined S. C. Allen 
in establishing a lumber and shipping business. He continued with the firm 
until 1882, when he sold his interest to Mr. Allen. When the firm was 
incorporated in 1901, however, it continued under the name of Allen & 
Robinson. While Mr. Robinson was connected with the concern the partners 
operated a fleet of sailing vessels between Honolulu and the other islands. In 
this fleet the names of Malolo, Haleakala, Kauikeaouli, Luka, Mele, Moiwahine, 
and Leahi, old inter-island sailing vessels, were listed.
  One of Mr. Robinson’s early business ventures was the formation of Marshall, 
Campbell & Robinson, a firm which operated a side-wheel steamer between Pearl 
Harbor, Waianae and Honolulu and which finally foundered outside Pearl Harbor. 
Later he was associated with B. F. Dillingham in financing the Oahu Railway & 
Land Co., in fact it was his aid which made the enterprise possible in its 
early stages. He was one of the founders of the First National Bank. Mr. 
Robinson was also one of the organizers of the Oahu Sugar Co. and a member of 
the first board of directors.
  When the firm of Allen & Robinson, Ltd., was incorporated Mr. Robinson 
served on the board of directors. Mark A. Robinson, his son, is now second 
vice-president of the corporation.
  The history of the Robinson family shows that the present firm of Allen & 
Robinson, Ltd., was preceded by another firm interested in shipping and of 
which James Robinson, father of the late Mark P. Robinson, was founder.
  James Robinson, first of his line in Hawaii, came to the islands from 
London, his birthplace, as carpenter of the brig “Hermes,” arriving here in 
1820, before the first missionaries, as his ship, when off Cape Horn, passed 
the “Thaddeus,” which was bringing the missionaries from New England.
  Sailing from Honolulu for Japan on April 8, 1822, James Robinson’s ship was 
wrecked on Pearl and Hermes reef 18 days later, April 26. Robinson built a 
small schooner from the wreckage and the survivors of the wreck sailed back to 
Honolulu to remain permanently. With Robert Lawrence, a friend and fellow 
seafarer from England, Robinson established the firm of James Robinson & Co., 
conducting one of the first shipyards in Hawaii.
  This partnership lasted until 1868, when Mr. Lawrence died. For many years 
headquarters of the firm, known as the Pakaka building, was one of the sights 
of the town, being decorated with the figurehead from an old vessel, a 
likeness of a Lord Mayor of London.
  Mark Prever Robinson was one of eight children. His sisters and brothers 
were: Mary E. Foster, Victoria Ward, Bathsheba M. Allen (deceased), Matilda A. 
Foster, Annie Jaeger (deceased), Lucy H. McWayne and John N. Robinson. He 
married Sophia Louise Campbell, November 17, 1877. Their three sons, who are 
now engaged in business in Honolulu, are: James L. P., Mark A., and Allen C. 
Robinson.


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