McDonough ILGenWeb

The Macomb Journal, Thursday, August 2, 1883 - Poverty---Death---The Poor-House
A pitiful case of sickness came to as can is the third ward of this city Sunday night last, in the death of a man named Lewis Robinson, who, with his wife and an adopted daughter, six years of age, have been living in circumstances of sorest need for some time. They came to Macomb something over a year ago from Schuyler County; Robinson was in poor health, and for sometime, we hear, canvassed as a book agent; finally his disease, consumption, advanced so far that he was unable longer to make a livelihood; the wife, having to wait upon her husband, could not earn any money, and cruel want was added to sickness. Through pride, we learn, they did not call on the Supervisor, and it was only about a week ago that the neighbors knew of their absolute hunger. During last week dysentery attacked the already consumptive man, and Sunday he died.  He was buried Monday. Mrs. Robinson, while waiting on her husband, was also taken with dysentery and was very ill when her husband died. There being no relatives to take care of the woman, Supervisor Imes conveyed her to the county house, where she will be cared for until she recovers. The little girl was taken by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Creel, living east of town.

Contributed by Jim Lowary