My Genealogy Hound

J. M. Robinson, one of the prominent and substantial tillers of the soil of Lonoke County, is the son of Cumberland and Elizabeth (Marchbank) Robinson, natives of Tennessee. The former, who took his name after the Cumberland Mountains, was born in 1797, and most of his early life was spent in his native State (Tennessee), where he received an education, and afterward married Miss Marchbank. To this union thirteen children were born, six boys and seven girls. Mr. Robinson immigrated to Arkansas from Tennessee in September, 1850, and located in Prairie County, where he remained until his death, which occurred October 16, 1850. He was a successful farmer, and took no little interest in the education of the young, thinking that a substantial literary foundation fitted them for any position, whether they possessed a fortune or not. Himself and wife were active members of the Baptist Church, the former being deacon in Big Black Church while in Tennessee. Mrs. Robinson was called to her final home in 1865. J. M. Robinson was born in Hardeman County, Tenn., May 8, 1833, and received his primary education in the schools about his home. When a young man he immigrated with his father to Arkansas, locating at Des Arc, where he engaged in business on his own account. At that time he possessed a pony which he valued at $40, and which seemed to him quite a fortune. On January 15, 1855, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Smart, a daughter of George and Rachel Smart. To them was born on December 27, 1856, a child, James, who is now deceased. Mr. Robinson was bereft of his wife July 15, 1856, and in November, 1860, he was united in marriage with Vina (Lesley) Sanders. They are the parents of eight children, namely, Franklin P., Cumberland L., Martin L., Moses G., Pliant A., Albert N., Samuel A. and Minnie H. Four of the children are still living and three reside at home. Mr. Robinson is actively engaged in farming and owns 160 acres of land, seventy of which are in cultivation. He has held a membership in the Wheel, and is a man who gives his support to all worthy enterprises, exercising not a little influence in the county. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church.