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Below is a family biography included in The History of Hickory County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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Judge Thomas F. Robinson, a successful farmer and stock man of the county, is in every respect worthy a place in these columns. He was born in Franklin County, Tenn., February 7, 1831, and is a son of James R. and Frances (Eliott) Robinson, who were born in South Carolina and Kentucky, in 1797 and 1799, respectively. Previous to attaining his majority, James R. Robinson emigrated to Tennessee, but in 1837 removed to Missouri, becoming one of the pioneers of Benton County, and here died in 1872, followed by his wife in 1881. Nine of the twelve children born to him and wife grew to maturity, of whom Judge Thomas F. Robinson is the seventh in order of birth. John Robinson, the third child, was a lieutenant in the Mexican War and died near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Joseph Robinson and Thomas Eliott, the grandfathers, were born in South Carolina and Kentucky respectively, and were Revolutionary soldiers, and the latter died in his native State. Judge Robinson, our subject, was reared, educated and married in Benton County, Mo., the latter event being to Miss Elizabeth Jenkins, a native of Franklin, Tenn., born in 1831. The following family have been born to them: James W., Flavens J., Benjamin F., Elizabeth, Sarah F., Thomas F., living; and Nancy, Mary, John J., and Almedia, deceased. In the late Rebellion he joined Company A, Sixtieth Missouri State Militia, and was wounded in a skirmish with Joe Shelby on his raid through the State in 1863. He then received his discharge and returned home. He has held some office nearly ever since, and in 1868 was elected presiding judge of the county, serving in this capacity six years. He read law in the office of John G. Ferguson, of Osceola, and practiced law two years. In 1876 he came to Hickory County, and served as justice of the peace of Hermitage three years, having held this position in Benton County numerous terms. He is a Democrat in politics, and cast his first presidential vote for Lewis Cass. He owns about 110 acres of land, and is a church member.

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This family biography is one of 53 biographies included in The History of Hickory County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Hickory County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Hickory County, Missouri family biographies here: Hickory County, Missouri

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