John Robinson (US Marshal)

John Robinson (May 8, 1838- April 28, 1917) was a farmer, businessman, and politician from Vermont. A Democrat, he served as Sheriff of Bennington County and United States Marshal for the District of Vermont.

John Robinson
United States Marshal for the District of Vermont
In office
June 24, 1886 – June 18, 1890
Preceded byWilliam W. Henry
Succeeded byRollin Amsden
Sheriff of Bennington County, Vermont
In office
1890–1892
Preceded byAndrew J. Pike
Succeeded byHenry S. Wilson
In office
1882–1884
Preceded byJasper Viall
Succeeded byJames McCall
Personal details
Born(1838-05-08)May 8, 1838
County Meath, Ireland
DiedApril 28, 1917(1917-04-28) (aged 78)
Bennington, Vermont, U.S.
Resting placePark Lawn Cemetery,
Bennington, Vermont
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Margaret Erwin (m. 1864-1917, his death)
Children1
OccupationBusinessman
Farmer
Government official

Early life

John Robinson was born in County Meath, Ireland on May 8, 1838, a son of Thomas Robinson and Mary (Flood) Robinson.[1][2] His family immigrated to the United States in 1839, and Robinson was raised and educated in Shaftsbury and Bennington.[1] Robinson became a farmer, worked as a foreman for the Henry Burden & Sons iron ore mines, and settled in Bennington.[3]

Business career

Over time, Robinson's farm grew to over 400 acres, and he raised sheep, cattle, and horses.[3] In addition to farming, Robinson was an auctioneer and wool broker.[3] He also speculated in real estate and served on the Savings Bank of Bennington's board of trustees.[3] In addition, Robinson was a member of several fraternal organizations, including the Elks and the Improved Order of Red Men.[3]

Political career

A Democrat[2] during an era when Vermont's politics were dominated by Republicans, Robinson served in several elective offices despite his party affiliation, including town selectman and justice of the peace.[3] He was Bennington's first constable and tax collector from 1872 to 1885, and a deputy sheriff of Bennington County from 1878 to 1882.[2][3] From 1882 to 1884, Robinson served as Bennington County Sheriff.[2][4]

Democrat Grover Cleveland assumed the presidency in 1885, and in 1886 he appointed Robinson US Marshal for the District of Vermont.[2][3] Cleveland lost his 1888 bid for reelection and Republican Benjamin Harrison became president in 1889.[5] In 1890, Harrison appointed Rollin Amsden to succeed Robinson as marshal.[6] Later that year, Robinson was again elected sheriff, and he served until 1892.[4]

Cleveland returned to the presidency in 1893, and in 1894 he appointed Robinson to serve as Bennington's postmaster.[7] Republican William McKinley became president in 1897, and appointed Arthur J. Dewey to succeed Robinson.[8]

Later life

Robinson maintained his interest in politics, including accepting Democratic nominations for various offices.[9] In 1904 and 1905, he was an unsuccessful candidate for town trustee of public money.[10][11] In 1905 he was also an unsuccessful candidate for school board member.[11] In March 1910, he was an unsuccessful candidate for town selectman.[12] In September 1910, he was an unsuccessful candidate for assistant judge.[13] In 1913, he was again an unsuccessful candidate for town trustee of public money.[14]

Death and burial

Robinson died at his home in Bennington on April 28, 1917.[1] He was buried at Park Lawn Cemetery in Bennington.[1] The cemetery was created on land that Robinson had once owned[1] and he was the first president of the corporation formed to found and operate it.[15]

Family

In 1864, Robinson married Margaret Erwin (d. 1923).[1] They were the parents of an adopted daughter, Elizabeth (1877-1964).[3][16]

References
  1. "Twice Appointed by President Cleveland".
  2. Vermont Legislative Directory.
  3. Genealogical and Family History of the State of Vermont.
  4. "Historical Listing of Sheriffs".
  5. "Benjamin Harrison is President".
  6. "Vermont News Items: Rollin Amsden".
  7. "New Vermont Postmasters".
  8. "State Notes: Arthur J. Dewey".
  9. "Democrats Formally Organize".
  10. "Republican Victory".
  11. "Result of Town Vote".
  12. "Cromack Elected Selectman".
  13. "The County Vote".
  14. "Republicans Win Most Places on Ticket".
  15. "Park Lawn Cemetery Annual Meeting".
  16. "Mrs. Louis M. Haussler".

Sources

Newspapers

Internet

Books
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