My Genealogy Hound

JOHN E. ROBINSON is considered one of the substantial business men of Johnson County, and, aided by his estimable wife, has worked his way to a position of influence and financial prosperity within the past two decades. His landed possessions number some seven hundred and sixty acres of desirable farm land, all of which lie within the boundaries of this county. His home is on section 23, township 47, range 24, only three miles distant from his birthplace. The father of our subject, Jehu Robinson, was born in Roane County, Tenn., and with his parents came to Missouri when only six years of age. He was reared in Saline County, but became a resident of this county in 1833. He took up his abode in what was then called Washington, but since Grover Township. From that time until shortly before his death, which occurred October 16, 1886, he was engaged in farming and stock-raising. It is a strange coincidence that his grandfather, his father and himself died at the age of seventy-four years. His wife, whose maiden name was Julia Ann Oglesby, is still living in Henry County, Mo., and is well preserved, though advanced in years.

John E. Robinson was born August 23, 1841, and is the second in a family numbering six children. He did not receive many educational advantages, as his father, who was an extensive dealer in live stock, needed the assistance of the youth as soon as he was large enough to prove of any service. When he was nineteen years old the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in Company A, Fifth Missouri Infantry, being assigned to McCowan’s Regiment, First Brigade, under General Bowen. For two years he was in active service with this company, after which he was assigned to Company I, Tenth Missouri Cavalry, Marmaduke’s Brigade, serving for two years as First Lieutenant, and having command of his company at the close of the war. October 4, 1862, he was wounded by a shell in the right shoulder and was disabled for a short time, but he was strong and hearty and soon recuperated. On his return home he found his father financially ruined by the ravages of the war, and helped him to raise a crop and get on his feet again. The following year he came to this county and in 1867 began farming on his own account.

The same year Mr. Robinson married Margaret, daughter of Larkin and Eliza J. (Thornton) Hocker. The latter were natives of Kentucky, but located in this county in 1834, and were numbered among its most respected citizens. Mrs. Hocker died in December, 1894, but the father is still living. Mrs. Robinson was born in this locality, and by her marriage with our subject became the mother of four children. Mary Margaret died when but four years of age; Jehu F. is a well known physician of Grover Township; and Larkin H. and Eliza A. are both at home. The mother is a devoted member of the Christian Church and is a lady who is beloved by all who know her. In his political affiliations Mr. Robinson is a Democrat.