My Georgia Robison Family

Seven of the eight children of 

William Henry Robison and Lula Jones Robison

Back row left:  Dewey Robison, Avon Robison, Rudolph Robison

Front Row: Left, Mildred Robison Whitley, (youngest girl), Edith Robison Blitch, Lois Robison Council,(my mother), Berma Robison Blitch.  Missing from the picture is Eva May Robison Green.  Two siblings died as babies.

The family of William Henry Robison and his wife, Malula Jones Robison, originated in Decatur County, Georgia, near Whigham, Georgia.

Like many rural families at that time, they heard of the cotton mill in Pelham, GA, and moved the family because Willie and his older children could work there. At that time, even young children could work and earn a small amount. In 1870, around 600 children worked in the Georiga mills. That was 22% of the employees. By 1900, that number had grown to more than 4400, 24% of the mill operatives. The children made 10 cents to 50 Cents per day, while the mills were declaring 60 - 95% dividends. 

Finally, bills regarding the end of child labor were passed. 

The 1920 census recorded a decline in child labor, a trend that would continue into the 1930s with the passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which established minimum wage and hour standards nationwide, thereby discouraging the employment of minors. By setting minimum wages, it decreased incentives to hire children.

By 1940, child labor laws were in force, and in October of 1940, the Fair Labor Standards Act went into effect, making life a little easier on the mill worker.