1841

THE ROBESON FAMILY

A historic dwelling was built at the corner of the park in 1833 by John P. B. Maxwell for his bride, who did not live to enter it. It was later owned by his sister, Mrs. William P. Robeson, the mother of the Hon. George M. Robeson, Secretary of the Navy under President Grant. It was regarded as the homestead of the Robeson family, which was so long identified with the history of the State. Martin Van Buren was entertained at this house when a candidate for the presidency, and was driven by Judge Robeson in his carriage drawn by four white horses to Schooley’s Mountain. Bishop Doane, the author of several familiar hymns, was a frequent visitor here. One of his hymns begins: “The morning light is breaking, the darkness disappears.”