John Robinson (US Marshal)

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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