James M. Robinson

JAMES M. ROBINSON, one of the prominent farmers and large land owners of Cherokee County, who has a farm of 620 acres (the home place), situated in section 26, township 31, range 24, in Cherokee township, was born in 1843 in Gallia County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Ritta (Matthews) Robinson.

Both parents of the subject of this sketch were born in Ohio, and both died in Illinois, the father, at the age of 64 years, and the mother, aged 77 years. They reared a family of four sons and four daughters, namely: James M., of this record; William, who married Phene Farwell, and resides near Huntsville, Illinois; Mary (Mrs. George Roberts), who lives at Augusta, Illinois; Phineas W., who married Tillie Ingalls, and lives near Augusta, on the old homestead; Hettie (Mrs. Mitchell Woods), who lives near Huntsville, lllinois; and Emma (Mrs. John Ellis) who also resides near Augusta, Illinois.

James Robinson, grandfather of James M., was born in Virginia, whence he went as an early settler into Ohio. He took part in the War of 1812, and at the battle of New Orleans contracted a sickness which caused his death, at the age of 35 years. He was survived by three sons and one daughter, of whom some are still living.

John Robinson, our subject's father, came to Kansas and bought some land, but decided to return to Illinois, where his death took place as before recorded.

James M. Robinson was about five years old when his parents located in Illinois. He remained at home until he reached the age of 27 years, assisting on the home farm, which was conducted as a large stock farm. In 1869, attracted by the fertile soil and equable climate of Cherokee County, Kansas, he decided to make a home here. He secured a large tract of land but could not purchase at that time, on account of the trouble between the Land League of the settlers and the railroads, which is a matter of State history. He was given sufficient assurance that he would finally be permitted to purchase, to induce him to settle on the land and improve it, and at a later date it came into his possession. He has devoted himself to the business of stock-raising, making a specialty of "White-Face" cattle, Poland-China hogs, horses and mules, and has met with much success.

In 1870, in Illinois, Mr. Robinson married Ellen Andrews, who was born in New York. They have had three children, the two survivors being,—Herbert P., who has one son.— James H.; and Hartell, who is the wife of William Kaher.

Although Mr. Robinson is a very busy man, he gives some time to recreation, and has lately returned from a trip of 8,000 miles through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Washington, Oregon and portions of the Southwest. So pleased was he with its beauties and attractions, that he sent his wife and daughter to make the same trip in the summer of 1904. The family is one of social prominence in this section, and Mr. Robinson is one of the most substantial citizens of Cherokee County.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 6-27-97