John Robinson (Virginia politician, born 1822) facts for kids

John Robinson (1822, or October 28, 1825, or 1826 – January 1908) was an innkeeper and politician who represented Cumberland County, Virginia, in the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1868. He later represented Cumberland and other counties, whose boundaries changed between elections, in the Virginia Senate.

Early life

Robinson was born free in Cumberland County, Virginia, either in 1822 or October 28, 1825, or 1826. His mother was Catharine “Kitty” Lipscomb. His formal education was limited.

Career

The Virginia Capitol at Richmond VA
where 19th century Conventions met

Around 1857, Robinson purchased his first property. It was a twenty-four-acre plot of land.

In 1867, Cumberland County voters elected Robinson to the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1868. He was a Republican and the only delegate elected from Cumberland County.

Beginning in 1869, voters from Cumberland and bordering counties elected Robinson to the Senate of Virginia twice. He was elected in 1869 to a district that also included Amelia and Nottoway Counties. While Robinson was serving in the Senate, the district's boundaries were altered again after the U.S. census of 1870. Nottoway County was substituted with Prince Edward County.

Robinson served from 1869 - 1873. Edgar Allan, a white lawyer and Republican who had emigrated from England, was elected to serve after Robinson.

In 1877, Robinson purchased the Effingham House tavern.

Death

John Robinson died in January 1908.

Interesting facts about John Robinson

• Before and during the American Civil War, Robinson was a successful businessman in [[Cumberland County, Virginia]Cumberland County]], but he moved to Amelia County in 1864 after mobs attacked him twice.
• He was related to James F. Lipscomb, who served eight years in the Virginia House of Delegates.

See also

• African-American officeholders during and following the Reconstruction era