John S. Robb dies after long illness

REAPER CLAIMS

NOTED ATTORNEY

John S. Robb, Sr. Dies After a

Long Illness

WAS A LAWYER AND POLITICIAN

None More Widely Known in

Western Pennsylvania - Distinguish

Noted Churchman.

Emsworth, Pa.- John S. Robb, Sr. formerly district attorney of Allegheny county, died Monday morning at his home, High Cliff, in this borough, after a long illness. Death was due to a nervous breakdown. All the members of his family were at his bedside.

He was born on April 30, 1839, in North Fayette township, Allegheny county, on a section taken up by his great-granfather, John Robb in 1778 or the following year. He was a farmer boy.

After attending the public schools of Fayette township, Mr. Robb prepared for his collegiate course at Mansfield Academy. Jefferson College, Canonsburg, was his alma mater. Standing first in a class of 35 members, he was graduated from the institution in 1864, his class being the last to leave it before consolidation with Washington College to form the institution known as Washington and Jefferson College.

Mr. Robb read law with James I. Kuhn, and was admitted to the bar in the latter part of 1865. He immediately engaged in practice.

At a time when the legislative district embraced the entire county, in 1870, he was a candidate for and was elected to the legislature to serve for 1870 and 1871.

Mr. Robb after leaving the legislature resumed the practice of his profession. He was twice elected district attorney, serving from 1878 to 1884 inclusive.

Professional practice of the attorney had been largely given over to advisory work in late years. In his younger days, however, he was one of the foremost criminal lawyers in the county and actively participated in many of the most prominent cases in the history of this section.

Mr. Robb was a Republican nominee for Judge of Common Pleas Court No. 2, but was defeated by the late Christopher Magee. He was always noted for his energetic interest in Republican politics, and for more than 25 years was active in every campaign from the opening of the primaries to the announcement of the election.

In the summer of 1871 he moved to his late home, High Cliff, Emsworth. It is one of the historic sports spots of the county, formerly being known as Turkey-foot rocks, overhanging the Fort Wayne railroad.

Church affairs always held the closest attention of the attorney, as did beneficial orders. He belonged to the United Presbyterian church and was a member of Canonsburg Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Duquesne Conclave, No. 69, I.O.O.H., and Federal Council, No. 100, Royal Arcanum.

Mr. Robb was married in 1859 to Miss Mary Hemingray. Nine children born of this marriage and his widow survive.