James Robinson
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
from the Calumet district
In office
January 3, 1870 – January 2, 1871
Preceded byCasper Petersen
Succeeded byWilliam H. Dick
In office
January 5, 1863 – January 4, 1864
Preceded byWilliam F. Watrous
Succeeded byThomas McLean
In office
January 4, 1858 – January 3, 1859
Preceded byGeorge A. Jenkins
Succeeded byHarrison Carroll Hobart
In office
January 3, 1853 – January 2, 1854
Preceded byJames Cramond
Succeeded byAlexander H. Hart
Personal details
Born(1828-01-05)January 5, 1828
New York City, U.S.
DiedApril 8, 1878(1878-04-08) (aged 50)
Colton, California, U.S.
Resting placeAgua Mansa Cemetery, Colton, California
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse
Eleanor Mangan
​
​
(m. 1850; died 1878)​
Children
  • Andrew Robinson
  • Mary J. Robinson
  • Frank Robinson
  • (b. 1849; died 1923)
  • Eugene Robinson
  • (b. 1851)
  • William T. Robinson
  • (b. 1856; died 1896)
  • Nellie J. Robinson
  • (b. 1860; died 1878)
  • James A. Robinson
  • (b. 1864; died 1907)
  • Mary R. (Kersten)
  • (b. 1868; died 1905)
  • Catherine Belle (Thayer)
  • (b. 1875; died 1938)
Military service
AllegianceUnited States Army
United States Volunteers
Union Army
Years of service1848 (USA)
1861 (USV)
Rank1st Lieutenant, USV
Unit
Battles/warsMexican–American War
American Civil War

James Robinson (January 5, 1828 – April 8, 1878) was an American merchant, Democratic politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Calumet County in the 1853, 1858, 1863, and 1870 sessions.

Biography

James Robinson was born in New York City in January 1828.[1] When he was six years old, he moved with his parents to Chester County, Pennsylvania, where he was raised and educated.[2]

At the outbreak of the Mexican–American War, Robinson attempted to enroll with the militia, but was prohibited due to his young age. As soon as he was able, he enlisted with the regular United States Army, and was enrolled in the 4th U.S. Infantry Regiment, where he was promoted to acting quartermaster sergeant, serving under Ulysses S. Grant, who was then a lieutenant and quartermaster of the regiment.[2]

After the war, Robinson moved to the new state of Wisconsin and settled initially at Green Bay in 1848. By 1850, he had moved to Calumet County, at the site that would later become Chilton.

Shortly after settling there, Robinson was elected to represent Calumet County in the Wisconsin State Assembly. During the 1853 session, he helped to secure a charter for Chilton and the status of Chilton as the county seat for Calumet County.[3] He was subsequently elected to three more terms in the Assembly, serving in 1858, 1863, and 1870.[1] He was also chosen as a delegate to the 1876 Democratic National Convention.[4][5]

He briefly enrolled with the Union Army for the American Civil War, and was commissioned first lieutenant of Company K in the 4th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, but he resigned before the regiment left Wisconsin.[6]

In 1877, he relocated to Colton, California, due to health problems. He died of Pneumonia in April 1878, after his wife and daughter died of similar symptoms.[4]

Personal life and family

James Robinson married Eleanor Mangan in 1850. He had at least 9 children. After his death, five children were still living.[7]

Electoral history

Wisconsin Assembly (1869)

Wisconsin Assembly, Calumet District Election, 1869[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
General Election, November 2, 1869
Democratic James Robinson 875 52.11%
Republican J. H. Cook 804 47.89%
Plurality 71 4.23%
Total votes 1,679 100.0%
Democratic hold

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Wisconsin State Government and State Institutions" (PDF). The Legislative Manual of the State of Wisconsin (Report). State of Wisconsin. 1870. p. 358. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  2. 1 2 "Hon. James Robinson". Chilton Times. April 13, 1878.
  3. ↑ "History of Calumet County". The History of Northern Wisconsin. Western Historical Company. 1881. p. 176. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  4. 1 2 "Hon. James Robinson". Janesville Daily Gazette. April 19, 1878. p. 1. Retrieved May 31, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ↑ Barish, Lawrence S.; Lemanski, Lynn, eds. (2007). "Feature Article: Those Who Served - Wisconsin Legislators 1848–2007" (PDF). State of Wisconsin 2007–2008 Blue Book (Report). Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. p. 170. ISBN 978-0-9752820-2-1. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  6. ↑ "Fourth Regiment Cavalry". Roster of Wisconsin Volunteers, War of the Rebellion, 1861–1865. Office of the Adjutant General of Wisconsin. 1886. p. 192. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  7. ↑ "Death of a Good Man". Green Bay Advocate. April 11, 1878. p. 2. Retrieved May 31, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
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