John Buchanan Robinson

John Buchanan Robinson (May 23, 1846 – January 28, 1933) was an American politician from Pennsylvania who served as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for Delaware County from 1884 to 1888, the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 9th district from 1889 to 1892 and the U.S. House of Representatives for Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district from 1891 to 1897.

Early life and education

Robinson was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania and was the grandson of the politician, businessman and militia general William Robinson, Jr.

He attended private schools in Pittsburgh, entered the University of Pittsburgh and finished at Amherst College. He enlisted in the Union Army in 1864, however the Robinson family already had two sons at the front in the American Civil War and used the influence of his grandfather William Robinson, Jr. to have John released from service against his wishes. As compensation, he was appointed a cadet at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland by Congressman Thomas Williams and graduated in 1868. He was commissioned a Lieutenant and circumnavigated the globe on the USS Colorado. He was a member of the second U.S. party to be granted an audience before the Emperor of Japan.

In 1873, Robinson returned to the U.S. and served on the USS Michigan on the Great Lakes. He also served on the USS Juniata when it sailed to Santiago de Cuba to demand the release of American citizens seized on the Virignius by Spanish authorities. He studied law under John G. Johnson and was admitted to the Philadelphia bar in 1876. In 1878, Robinson moved to Media, Pennsylvania and was admitted to the Delaware County bar. He was also admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Robinson was also a delegate to the Republican National Conventions in 1892, 1896, and 1908.

In 1900, Robinson was appointed by President McKinley as United States marshal for the eastern district of Pennsylvania. He was reappointed in 1905 by President Theodore Roosevelt and again in 1912 by President Taft. Robinson served until 1913.

Robinson was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the American Protestant Association, Knights of Pythias, Order of Chosen Friends, Knights of the Golden Eagle, Improved Order of Red Men, Independent Order of Mechanics and the Bradbury Post No. 149 Grand Army of the Republic.

Robinson died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.