William Waddell Robey was born on Dec. 27, 1818 in Washington Township, Portsmouth, Scioto Co., Ohio. He married Sarah Eleanor Young (daughter of Robert Young and Sarah Wallace) in 1850 in Freeport, Illinois. Sarah was born on Sep. 23, 1828 in Union County, Pennsylvania. She died on June 26, 1902. William moved with his parents to Illinois in 1834. He was a collector of revenues, sheriff, and a merchant. He was also active in politics, and unlike the rest of the family, was an ardent Republican and had many hot arguments with the rest of the family. William and his family remained in Illinois with his brother, Levi, and sister, Cynthia, and their families when the rest of his family moved to Texas. He died on May 28, 1890 and was buried in Freeport, Illinois.

Sarah's obituary reads:
SARAH E. YOUNG-ROBEY

PASSING OF A PIONEER

Mrs. Sarah E. Robey, widow of the late William W. Robey, died at the residence of Charles Morgan at 6 o'clock last night. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. N.H. Axtell to officiate.Mrs. Robey was one of the pioneers of the county, having come here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Young, in 1839, from her native place, Union county, Pennsylvania, where she was born in 1828. The Youngs located near Cedarville, and became one of the best known families in this section. One, Capt. William Young, a brother of Mrs. Robey, served with distinction in the war of the rebellion, passing away a few years ago. Mrs. J.H. Graham of this city; Mrs. Thomas Bell of Cedarville are sisters, and Robert Young of Freeport and T.B. Young of Rock City, are brothers of the deceased.On a farm near Dakota, Mrs. Robey was married to W.W. Robey, who came to this county in 1834, and who was widely known and highly respected. He was elected sheriff in 1862 and held the office six years; he was afterwards a government revenue collector, and died in 1890. W.W. Robey, postmaster at Pipestone, Minn. is a son, and Mrs. Charles Morgan, and Mrs. James F. Burns of this city, are daughters of Mrs. Robey.For a year or more Mrs. Robey had not enjoyed good health, and during her illness she was given every possible care and attention. A member of the Methodist church since childhood, a kind, noble hearted woman, she will not only be mourned by her relatives, but all who enjoyed her acquaintance will regret her demise.

From a Freeport, Illinois newspaper, 27 June, 1902. ~ From Randy & Toni Campbell

*Alice was born on August 14, 1855 in Epliana, Stephenson, IL. She died in October 1912. She was married to Charles Morgan on October 29, 1879.

**Jane Margaret was born on May 3, 1866 in Freeport, Stephenson Co., Ill. She died after 1940. She was married to James Burns on October 29, 1891.

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