Robbins Family
The Robbins family came to Buxton in 1866 when they purchased land in the area that is still owned by descendants of the family. The family history begins with Dennis Calico who was born enslaved and was sold to the Robbins plantation in Tennessee. There was also a woman by the name of Jane who was enslaved on the plantation and had children with the master. It is known that Dennis assumed the name Robbins, married Jane, and they made their way to Canada, with Dennis raising the children as his own. The family would first settle in the Dawn Settlement before relocating to Buxton.
Many of the Robbins family members and descendants are well known throughout the Chatham-Kent area as historians, authors, military veterans, baseball players, business owners and farmers to name a few, but there is a family member who is also helping shape the youth of the future as a school teacher, Heather Robbins.
Heather Robbins is currently a teacher at Indian Creek Public School in the city of Chatham where she goes above and beyond her job every day to ensure her students are receiving the best education they can. Shaping young minds is not an easy task, but Heather’s enthusiasm for teaching really makes an important impact on not only her students but her colleagues and those she is surrounded by.
Not only is Heather making a difference in our schools for our youth, but she is also making that same impact in her community as a board member of Buxton’s Next Generation and a volunteer at the Buxton Museum. Buxton’s Next Generation’s mandate is, “engaging our youth and preserving our culture” meaning Heather along with the other board of directors are helping keep Black History alive in the Chatham-Kent community.
Heather Robbins is a perfect example of a Chatham-Kent citizen keeping history alive, shaping our youth and continuing to show the strength of her ancestors.
(Credit: The Chatham Black Historical Society)
