William Andrew Robinson

(1881.02.21 – 1930.12.21)
DLS, SLS, MLS
Commission #046 (1912.04.15)

William was born to Hector O’Neil Robinson and Mary Elizabeth (Cohoe) Robinson (both originally from Ontario) on February 21, 1881 in Ludington, Michigan. His father was a prominent contractor in Winnipeg.

“One day last century, he first blinked at the sun in Ludington, Michigan. At the age of six months, however, that perception and foresight which are particularly his began to manifest themselves, when he migrated to Winnipeg. Matriculating in 1898, he entered Manitoba University, from which he graduated in Higher Mathematics in 1901. Stocked with so much learning, he tried for some years to impart it to the rising generation. In 1906 William’s perception fully manifested itself, when he came east and joined the glorious class of ’08 in the second year. Although unknown as an office seeker, his influence is not inconsiderable. A genial manner and manly kindness bespeak future success.”

“He was educated at Victoria school, Central collegiate, Wesley College where he was graduated in arts, and the School of Practical Science of the University of Toronto.”

William attended the School of Practical Science at the University of Toronto (1906-1908) and graduated with honours. In his college days it is said that he was active in football.  He obtained his DLS commission in 1911; his SLS commission in 1912; and his ALS & MLS commissions in 1913.

Research shows that Robinson was always based out of Winnipeg. From 1910 – 1918 he worked as a clerk, an engineer, and a surveyor for the CPR and the Dominion government. He performed township surveys in Saskatchewan in 1912. 1914 – 1915 Robinson registered quite a few plans in Saskatchewan and looking at a small sampling, they are, as expected, work done for CPR. Through emails with Brian Munday (Exec. Dir. ALSA), Mr. Robinson discontinued his ALS commission in 1915. We would venture to guess that any of the work he performed in Alberta was also done exclusively for CPR.

William married Mary Ann Bedford in 1914 but in 1918 she died in childbirth, as well as the infant. William remarried in 1923 and they had a son in 1926, William George Robinson (he went on to become an engineer in British Columbia).

In 1918 he became the district engineer for the ‘good roads department’ (it’s inception) with the Manitoba Provincial Government; the position he held until his death.

“…district engineer in the good roads section of the provincial department of public works, died Sunday morning at his residence, 301 Niagara St. He had been in poor health for some time but was at work as usual Saturday at his office in the Parliament buildings.”

William was an active curler; a member of the Strathcona Curling Club; and a member of Prince Rupert Lodge, A.P. and A.M. He passed away on December 21, 1930.

Prepared by M. L. J. Waschuk, SLS, P. Surv., 2018

Sources: Library and Archives Canada; NRCan; Al Jensen-Controller of Surveys; ISC; Brian Munday, ALSA; Ancestry.com; NewspaperArchives.com; Jim Watling, MLS; University of Toronto Publications; Wesley College Archives; Tech. Support from Carl Shiels; Winnipeg Tribune; Press; SLSA; Peel’s Prairie Provinces-University of Alberta; Vital Stats-Manitoba