David I. Robinson

Robinson was born on October 6, 1844, in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, to John Robinson, a shoemaker and singing teacher, and his wife Sarah Lufkin (Ingersoll) Robinson. In 1851 the family moved to Alton, Illinois. After he graduated from Alton High School, Robinson taught in the Alton public school system.[1] He enlisted in the Union Army on May 12, 1864 for a term of 100 days and was assigned to the 133rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment as a private. He reenlisted on September 24, 1864, and was appointed as first lieutenant. However, a severe illness prevented him from being mustered back into the service.[2] After he recovered, Robinson spent the remainder of the war as a clerk in the Provost Marshal's office in Alton.[1][2] After the war, Robinson was involved in various business pursuits in Alton.[1]

In 1868, Robinson moved to Gloucester, Massachusetts. On January 21, 1869, he married Helen Amanda Smith.[1] Soon afterward he was hired as a bookkeeper by Stockbridge & Smith. He later became a partner in the business, which became known as Stockbridge & Co.[3] In 1876 Stockbridge & Co. consolidated with the Gloucester Fresh Fish Company and Stenson & Company to form the Atlantic Halibut Company. Robinson was Atlantic Halibut's treasurer and secretary.[4] In 1895, Atlantic Halibut consolidated with some smaller firms to form the American Halibut Company. Robinson was the new company's treasurer.[2][4] In addition to his work with Atlantic/American Halibut, Robinson served as a president of the Gloucester Fisherman's Institute for five years and was a director of the City National Bank of Gloucester.[1]

Robinson was involved with a number of fraternal organizations. He was twice elected Supreme Templar of the Templars of Honor and Temperance. He was also elected Grand Commander of Massachusetts of the Knights of Malta and in 1890 was a representative to the Imperial Body of the Knights of Malta in Glasgow.[2] From 1902 to 1912, Robinson was president of the Robinson Genealogical Society.[5] He was also a member of the Sons of Temperance, Grand Army of the Republic, and the Freemasons.[3]

In 1879, Robinson was elected to the Gloucester Common Council. In 1881 he was elected Council President. He ran for Mayor in 1881, but lost to William Williams 1,011 votes to 863. He ran again in 1883. In a four way race, Robinson received 635 votes, which put him behind incumbent William H. Wonson III (873 votes), but ahead of fellow challengers Daniel D. Saunders (454) and William Williams (282).[3]