Gentleman Jim Robinson facts for kids

James Robinson (born October 6, 1799 – died October 15, 1875), known as Gentleman Jim, was a very successful African American businessman and farmer. He was born free on a plantation in Virginia. His home became famous because it was right in the middle of two major battles during the American Civil War.

The Life of Gentleman Jim

James Robinson, also called "Gentleman Jim," was born a free person. He even owned land from the time he was born. He received a good education from a private teacher. This was the same teacher who taught his half-sister, Judith Carter.

Jim built his home in Bull Run, Virginia. This area became very important during the Civil War. Two major battles were fought right near his house.

Becoming a Wealthy Landowner

"Gentleman Jim" became one of the richest free African Americans in his area. This was a big achievement because free black people had very few rights in Virginia during the 18th century.

James Robinson used his education and worked very hard. He also had a strong business sense. He is believed to have taken his teacher's name, James Robinson, as his own. By the time he passed away in 1875, he had bought about 1,500 acres of land.

Family stories suggest that Landon Carter, Jr. was James Robinson's father. This seems likely because James and his mother had a special status on the plantation.

Owning Land as a Free Person

Gentleman Jim was unique in many ways. One unusual thing was that he owned land from birth. Experts believe that for him to own land from birth, he had to be born free. For him to be born free, his mother also had to be free.

This means that Landon Carter, Jr. likely freed James's mother. This allowed their son, James, to be born free. This was not as rare as it might seem. Many enslaved people were being freed during this time.

The Robinson House in Battle

The Robinson House was right in the middle of the battlefield. This is where the first and second Battles of Bull Run took place.

During the fighting, James's family had to leave their home. They moved to another house nearby for safety. Jim himself found shelter under a bridge over Young's Branch of the Bull Run River.

Family Life and Children

Starting a family was very hard for black people during these times. Even as a free man, "Gentleman Jim" faced challenges. When he "married" Susan "Sukey" Gaskins, they could not get a legal marriage license. This was because Susan was enslaved. So, their relationship was not officially recognized by law.

Despite this, they raised eight children together. James was able to buy his wife and some of their children. This allowed him to grant them their freedom before the Civil War began. However, two of their sons were sold to a new owner in New Orleans. Alfred later returned home, but James, Jr. never did.

Robinson Children

Here is a list of their children. Their birth and death dates have been checked by researchers. They used records from Prince William County, family stories, and information found in the old house.

• Jemima (born: 1817 - died: 1914)
• James, Jr. (born: around 1822)
• Alfred (born: March 15, 1828; died: 1904 at the Robinson House)
• Tasco, Sr. (born: 1829)
• Henrietta (born: June 1840)
• Bladen (born: May 1843)
• Diana (born: 1843)
• Pascal (born: 1855)

Notable Descendants

• Edward W. Crosby
• Carl Stokes
• Louis Stokes
• Rick James
• Steve Harvey