Bennington

ROBINSON, John

Genealogical and Family History of the State of Vermont: A Record of the 
Achievements of Her People in the Making of a Commonwealth and the Founding 
of a Nation. Carleton, ed. Chicago: Lewis, 1903, pp 519-520

John ROBINSON, of Bennington [Bennington County, Vermont], who is extensively 
engaged in farming, stock raising, and in buying and selling wool, and who 
has many times he has been called to public office, was born 08 May 1837, a 
native of the Emerald Isle [Ireland]. His father, Thomas ROBINSON, was a 
farmer by occupation, and while still in his native land [Thomas ROBINSON] 
was united in marriage to Miss Mary FLOOD, also born in the same country 
[Ireland]. About 1838, when our subject [John ROBINSON] was but an infant, 
the parents [Thomas and Mary (FLOOD) ROBINSON] brought their family to the 
New World, locating in the western part of Bennington, Vermont, where the 
father [Thomas ROBINSON] carried on agricultural pursuits for a number of 
years. Later he [Thomas] purchased a farm in Bennington and likewise became 
the owner of a valuable tract of land at Shaftsbury [Bennington County, 
Vermont], carrying on agricultural pursuits throughout his business career. 
The Democratic party elicited his political support, and by his ballot he 
supported its men and measures. He [Thomas ROBINSON] was one of the first 
Irish settlers of Bennington, and at an early day he frequently walked from 
this place to Troy [Orleans County, Vermont] to attend church. He died at an 
advanced age, and his wife passed away at the age of ninety-five years. They 
[Thomas and Mary (FLOOD) ROBINSON] were the parents of seven children, of 
whom five are still living: Mrs. John CRAHAN, of Bennington [Bennington 
County, Vermont]; Mrs. Martin MURRAY, of Shaftsbury [Bennington County, 
Vermont]; John, the subject of this sketch; George H.; and Thomas W., who are 
also residents of Shaftsbury.

John ROBINSON spent his early years in Shaftsbury and Bennington, remaining 
upon his father's farms, and in the common schools acquired his education, 
which was completed by study in the North Bennington select school. He was 
afterward associated with his father [Thomas ROBINSON] on his stock farm in 
buying and selling stock for eighteen years. At the age of twenty-six he 
began working for Henry Burden & Sons, as foreman in their large iron ore 
mines, continuing in that position for three years, during which time he was 
also engaged in farming to some extent and in dealing in flax. On the 
expiration of that period he purchased his present farm, becoming owner 
originally of two hundred and twenty-five acres, to which he has since added, 
making an aggregate of four hundred and fifty acres in his home farm, so that 
he now has one of the most extensive stock farms in this portion of the 
state. He raises sheep, cattle, and horses, and is also engaged in buying 
and selling wool on a large scale. His operations are bringing to him all 
kinds of domestic animals, and his investments are judiciously made in all 
kinds of stock. He readily recognizes a superior animal and buys 
accordingly. As his financial resources have increased he has added to his 
property until his farm now extends from Bennington to the Pownal line. As a 
wool buyer he is well known, going as far north as Canada in the interest of 
this department of his business and also buying and selling throughout the 
west in addition to his own state. He has likewise dealt extensively in real 
estate, and for a number of years he has been a trustee of the Savings Bank 
of Bennington. He is a man of sound judgment and rare discrimination; forms 
plans readily; is determined in their execution, brooking no obstacles that 
can be overcome by determined and honorable effort.

Mr. [John] ROBINSON not only controls extensive business interests, but has 
long been recognized as an active factor in political circles. In 1870 he 
held the office of constable and was chosen collector of taxes, in which 
capacity he served for seventeen years. He has also been receiver for 
numerous estates. For three terms he served as deputy sheriff; in 1884 was 
appointed United States marshal by President CLEVELAND, serving until 
President HARRISON was elected; and was elected and served as sheriff from 
1884 until 1886, when he resigned to accept the office of postmaster, which 
he held until 1889. He has since been selectman; for a number of years was 
justice of the peace; has served his town altogether in public office for 
twenty-seven years; and is presently one of the board of civil authorities. 
His public record indicates the confidence and trust reposed in him, and his 
capability in the discharge of duty.

Fraternally Mr. ROBINSON is an Elk and a member of the Red Men. He is one of 
the leading and representative citizens of Bennington and of this portion of 
Vermont. The scope and extent of his business affairs and his capable 
control thereof have gained him prosperity, while his loyal and 
public-spirited citizenship and probity stand as unquestioned facts in his 
life history. On 19 January 1864 Mr. [John] ROBINSON was united in marriage 
to Miss Margaret ERWIN, who was born in Ireland and during her childhood was 
brought to the United States by her parents, who settled in Bennington. Her 
father was a farmer and spent his last days in Chicago [Cook County], 
Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. ROBINSON [John and Margaret (ERWIN) ROBINSON] have an 
adopted daughter, Elizabeth, who is now twenty-two years of age.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly