James Fisher Robinson

James Fisher Robinson

James Fisher Robinson (born October 4, 1800 in Scott County , Kentucky , † October 31, 1882 in Georgetown , Kentucky) was an American politician and governor of the state of Kentucky.

Early years and political advancement

James Robinson received his school education at Forest Hill Academy and Transylvania University , which he successfully completed in 1818. He then studied law and practiced as a lawyer in Georgetown. His political career began in 1851, when he for the Democratic Party in the Kentucky Senate was elected, ten years later, he moved again into this chamber of parliament.

Kentucky governor

At that time, Kentucky was in a difficult position. The state lay on the border between the warring parties in the civil war and was hotly courted on both sides. The incumbent governor Beriah Magoffin , who personally leaned more towards the south, had declared Kentucky neutral. A Confederate counter-government actually played no role. But neither party adhered to neutrality and armies from both camps invaded Kentucky. Citizens' opinion was also divided. Kentucky volunteers fought for the Union or the Confederation, depending on their beliefs. After more and more a political majority was found for Kentucky joining the Union, Governor Magoffin was ready to resign. Since his lieutenant governor Linn Boyd had died in 1859, the Senate president would automatically have followed as governor. However, Magoffin made the condition of his resignation that the then President of the Senate, James F. Fisk, should not be his successor. As a result, Fisk had to resign and make way for James Robinson. Two days later, the old governor resigned and Robinson became governor. His job was to end his predecessor's term in office. During this time, from August 1862 to September 1863, he wanted to join the state of the Union. However, there was no longer any question of a regulated policy: Kentucky became more and more a theater of war. First the Confederates occupied it, then the Union recaptured the area and also kept it under military occupation. Robinson was upset and complained unsuccessfully to President Abraham Lincoln .

Another résumé

After the end of his tenure on September 1, 1863, Robinson retired from politics. He practiced law again and was chairman of the board of trustees of Georgetown College . He was also president of the Georgetown Farmers Bank . James Robinson died on October 31, 1882. He was married three times and had a total of nine children.

Web links

• James Robinson in the National Governors Association (English)
• James Fisher Robinson in the database of Find a Grave (English)