California Biographies Transcribed by Peggy Hooper This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm Source: History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from its earliest settlement to the present time. Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M. The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905 Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176 CAPT. ROBERT M. ASKIN. Although not one of the early settlers of Visalia, the business interests and the high character of his citizenship place Captain Askin among the leading resi- dents of the city. Travel and extensive reading have made him familiar with many portions of the United States, but among them all California is his favorite state, and he believes its business openings to be as substantial as its climate is fair. In business his specialties are plumbing and iron work and along these lines he has built up an extensive and important trade among the peo- ple of Visalia and Tulare county. Captain Askin was born in Dublin, Ireland. April 10, 1838, and received his education prin- cipally in the King's hospital of his native city. His father, John Askin, was born in England, and under the supervision of the grandfather learned the trade of plumber, which he followed from the time of his removal to Ireland until he died. After leaving England for the Emerald Isle he married Sarah Sophia Shea, a native of Dublin. They became the parents of five chil- dren, of whom two sons and two daughters attained mature years, Robert M. being third in order of birth. Hoping to find more advantageous openings in the new world than his native isle offered, in November, 1852, he crossed the ocean to the United States and joined an uncle at Trenton, Canada, where he served an apprenticeship to the tinner's trade. From there in 1854 he went to Jefferson county, N. Y., and after working at his trade for two years there, joined another uncle in New York City. On settling in Missouri in 1859, Captain Askin found employment in St. Louis, but soon ac- companied a Mr. Crippin to Steelville, Crawford county, Mo., where he started a tinsmith's shop. Soon after his commencing in business at that place the Civil war opened. September 6, 1861, found him accepted in Company E, Phelps' regiment, where he served for six months, mean- while witnessing the battle of Pea Ridge. On the expiration of his time he was honorably dis- charged. August 14, 1862, he re-enlisted in Company E, Thirty-second Missouri Infantry, as a private, but in October of the same year was made lieutenant, and April 14, 1864, received a commission as captain. During the early period of his service he was under General Grant, but from 1863 until the close of the war he took part in the campaigns under Sherman. It is a note- worthy fact that, while he bore a brave part in thirty-two general engagements, he never missed a roll-call or a meal with his company, and was injured but once, that being a mere surface wound made by a ball while he was charging on a battery at Jonesboro, Ga. July 18, 1865, he was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., one hundred and twenty-six members of the regiment being mus- tered out at that time, of whom twenty-six belonged to his own company. When the arms of a soldier were laid aside for the more peaceful equipments of commercial life Captain Askin returned to Steelville and took up work as a tinner, also handled hardware of all kinds. In 1870 he removed to Cuba, Crawford county, Mo., and from there in 1878 went to Salem, Dent county, where he carried a large stock of stoves, hardware and house furnishing goods, and also officiated as postmaster under President Harrison. In the various places of his residence he was an active worker in the Republican party and for one term he served as pre- siding justice of the county court. For twenty years he was one of the most influential busi- ness men of Salem, but finally closed out his interests in that city and removed to California in 1899, since which year Visalia has been his home and business headquarters. The first marriage of Captain Askin took place February 22, 1866, and united him with Clara Alice Jameson, who was born in Missouri, and died at Cuba, that state. Four children were born of that union, namely : Charles Robert and Mary Catherine, both deceased ; William C, who still lives in Missouri ; and John Herbert, who is connected with his father in business at Visalia. The present wife of Captain Askin, whom he married at Cuba, Mo., April 12, 1876, was Frances Amelia Shepard, a native of New York. The children of this union are Arthur Wesley, Adney Horace, Mervyn Leroy, Matie Amelia and Flora Dell. Before coming to California Captain Askin was active in the lodge and commandery of Masons at Salem, Mo., and the Ancient Order of United Workmen at the same place. For years he has been deeply interested in the activities of the Grand Army of the Republic, and when the first post was organized at Salem he became a charter member and was honored by being chosen its first commander. After coming west he trans- ferred his membership to the Gen. George Wright Post No. in, department of California and Ne- vada, of Visalia. In religious connections he and his family are members of the Episcopal Church.