William Robinson

William Robinson (January 26, 1693 – September 19, 1751) was a deputy governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Early life Robinson was born on January 26, 1693, in South Kingstown in the Rhode Island colony. He was the eighth of twelve children born to Mary (née Allen) Robinson (1656–1705) and Rowland Robinson (1654–1716), who married in 1676 and acquired a fortune and considerable land holdings.

His mother was a granddaughter of Governor Henry Bull, and his father was a deputy to the general assembly. He was a relatively late immigrant to Rhode Island, arriving in Newport from Cumberland, England in 1675. His maternal grandparents were John Allen, a wealthy farmer, and Elizabeth (née Brown) Allen. The following year, the "woods" part became the new town of Middletown.

In 1745, Robinson was selected as Deputy Governor of the colony for a one year term, and then selected again in 1747 for another term, serving under Governor Gideon Wanton both times.

In the early 18th century, Robinson began the serious development of the Narragansett Pacer with a stallion named "Old Snip", speculated to be either an Irish Hobby or an Andalusian and considered the father of the breed.

Robinson enslaved numerous people throughout his lifetime. At the time of his death, his estate included 19 people named in his will Old Sue, Old Mingo, Jeffrey, Lucy, Phillis, Peter Knowles, Sue, Cynthia, Simon, Old Peter, Lydia, Roco, Young Peter, Jo, Jack, James, Jemmy, Samuel, Isabel and Nanna. Upon his wife Abigail's death, her estate included the enslaved people Mingo and Morocco.

Personal life Robinson married twice, had 13 children, and resided at South Kingstown.

Rowland (1720–1806), who married Anstis Gardiner (1721–1773) in 1741. John (1721–1739), who died unmarried. Martha (1725–1768), who married Latham Clarke in 1747.

Christopher (1727–1807), who married Rhuhama Champlin in 1752. He is buried in a Robinson family cemetery near Narragansett Pier. His widow Abigail died on May 22, 1772.