Our subject, a native of this county, was born in township 13, Aug. 13, 1864, and was reared at his father's homestead, becoming familiar at an early age with agricultural pursuits, and receiving his education in the district school. He continued with his parents until his marriage, which took place March 11, 1884, at the home of the bride in Franklin. Mrs. Rawlings was formerly Miss Lavinia Wilson, daughter of George and Sarah (Mortimer) Wilson, who were also natives of England, and who emigrated to America about 1882. They were the parents of thirteen children, of whom Mrs. Rawlings was the eldest. She, like her parents, was born in Yorkshire, England, Sept. 28, 1864, and was a maiden of seventeen years when they came to America. She remained with them until her marriage, receiving careful home training and a common school education. Of her union with our subject there have been born two children - Amy A. and Gertrude.

The parents of our subject were James and Frances (Hembrough) Rawlings, natives of Yorkshire, England, and whose family consisted of eight children, of whom Robert was the sixth in order of birth. They crossed the Atlantic about 1839, and settled at once in township 13, this county, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits, and where they still live. The family is widely and favorable known, and represents the best element of the community. Our subject, politically, like his honored father, votes the straight Republican ticket, and without question will in due time rank among the leading men of this community, contributing his full quota to its moral and financial welfare.