Robert Mullins
Robert Mullins, retired farmer residing at Shabbona, was born in Woodhall, Yorkshire, England, April 24,1811. He is a son of George and Juliana (Gillott) Mullins, natives of that country and was brought up on a farm, receiving the advantages afforded by the common schools.
He was married to Miss Sarah Ulyett, at Elmton Church, Derbyshire, England, Dec. 29, 1834. She was a daughter of John and Margaret (Wardley) Ulyett, natives of that country, and was born June 22, 1810 in Elmton, Derbyshire, England. In 1852, Mr. Mullins emigrated, with his family, to this country. He immediately purchased a farm of 160 acres on section 17, that township, and has since increased his acreage to 580 acres. Of this amount he now owns 160 acres, located on section 8, which he retains.
Mr. and Mrs. Mullins were the parents of eight children, all of whom were born in England. Juliana , the eldest, was born March 6, 1836, and died in infancy. Mary was born June 10, 1839, and is the wife of Septimus Storey, a resident of Shabbona Township. George was born May 3, 1842, married Mary A. Bostock and lives in Lee Co., Ill. John was born Oct. 4, 1844, married Martha Nicholson and is a farmer in Shabbona Township. Robert F. was born March 8, 1846, married Melvina Kennicut, and lives in Ackley, Iowa. Williamwas born April 3, 1848, married Sarah Holmes and resides in Shabbona Township. Henry was born Jan. 30, 1850, married Retie Cisco and lives in Ackley, Iowa. Thomas was born Oct. 12, 1851, and is engaged in the jewelry business at Shabbona.
Mrs. Mullins died June 16, 1860, from fright caused by a tornado.
In the latter part of 1861, Mr. Mullins returned to England and Jan. 7, 1862, he was again united in marriage; Miss Mary E. Challand, daughter of Charles and Ann (Freeman) Challand was the bride. She was born in Bridgeford, Nottinghamshire, England, April 11, 1819. Soon after marriage he returned to this country, and Mrs. Mullins became the mother of a child – Esther A., born Jan 26, 1863. She grew to maturity under the parental roof-tree, became accomplished and educated, and died Feb.26, 1881.
Mr. Mullins has been honored with various official positions in the county. He served several years as Commissioner of Highways and four years as Trustee of the village of Shabbona. He retired from active farm life in March, 1877, and moved into Shabbona. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for 26 years. His wife is a member of Wesleyan Methodist Church. Politically Mr. Mullin is a Republican. He has made three trips to the old country, the last time in company with his wife, soon after the death of their daughter.
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of DeKalb County Illinois; Chapman Brothers, 1885, Chicago, IL
