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Note: From written Robinson family history, author unknown: "William Robinson, Grandfather of Murray Robinson, came to America at 17. Married Miss Kirk, one of three sisters, daughters of James Kirk, a well to do planter of those times. I only know of two children by this marriage. William Robinson and my father John Robinson. He afterwards married and had a son. This part of the family moved to Alabama." John Robinson was born Waxhaw, Lancaster, S.C., 1st of January, 1776. Susan Thomas Robinson was born in Charleston, S.C., 24th June, 1784. Buried 2nd Presbyterian Church, Charleston, SC. Inscription on his tombstone: "His active benevolence and untiring devotion to the comfort and happiness of all within his influence have embalmed his memory in the hearts of those who now mourn his loss. This was the Church of his affections at whose altar he first dedicated himself to the service of his Heavenly Father. He was one of the founders and its principal benefactors and its records exhibit the devotedness of his zeal for its welfare in times of adversity as well as prosperity." "Beneath this tomb Consecrated by conjugal and filial affection lies the remains of John Robinson, who was born in the District of Lancaster of this state on the 1st of January 1776 and died in this city on the 19th of May 1849." "Pious without ostentation he exhibited in all the duties of the domestic and social relations the highest traits of the Christian character. For with him Religion was the rule of the business of life and God was remembered even in the most active scenes. He was consecrated in all his dealings, Diligent in his calling, Innocent in conversation and charitable and forgiving towards others." John Robinson was a cotton merchant and a large land holder, owning many plantations in S.C., one of which is now in the city limits of Charleston, developed in a sub-division. He built homes in it, opened many streets, which still bear the name of his daughters. He built for his home a mansion on #48 Elizabeth St. and left his mark as a builder and in various ways. The mansion was three stories, of brick construction, marked by its simplicity, no elaborate carvings, the rooms with high ceilings, spacious and dignified, the grounds are rectangular, and remarkable for their symmetry of planting. The house is still standing and afterwards was owned by Gov. William Aiken. John Robinson was a cotton merchant of the firm of Caldwell and Robinson, later of John Robinson and Sons. He shipped cotton abroad, in his own ships, and in 1836, heavy losses came to him in the loss of two ships, and the cargoes which were burned at sea by the French, who at that time were unfriendly to the United States. Later the French Government offered to pay for all losses suffered during this period. The grand-daughter of John Robinson sent his papers for the claim to a lawyer in France but unfortunately the papers were lost and the claim was never paid. At a great sacrifice, John Robinson, although not legally bound to pay the shippers and planters, paid the losses in full. It was at this time, his beautiful home passed into the hands of William Aiken, later Governor. John Robinson was a Director of the South Carolina Rail Road and Canal Co. and on Nov. 11, 1828, the Charleston Courier paper carried the following notice: "The Directors of the S.C. Rail Road and Canal Co. anxious to obtain the assents of the Proprietors of both sides of the Ashley River, through which lands the Rail Road may pass, request all landholders to attend meetings at Prior's Tavern on Nov. 13th; at Major Black's home on Dorchester Road on Nov. 14th, at the Club House on St. Andrew's Parish on Nov. 15th, and at Johnson's Tavern on King Road on the 17th. A full attendance is requested. Signed Joseph Johnson, Alex Black, John Robinson and H. F. Faber, Committee of Directors." Also a notice in the Charleston Courier, Mar. 24, 1836. The following request for funds from the Port Society - a charitable institute to help the sea-faring men. "The Port Society of Charleston, S.C., the first of its kind in the U.S. asks assistance of the citizens to carry on the work of this Society in the Church, Sunday School, and all other means of benevolence. Signed by John Robinson, President, William Lloyd, Secretary." His name is bound with the History of the Second Presbyterian Church of Charleston, S.C.He was one of the Founders in 1809, and helped organize the Church, March 24, 1809. In its beautiful setting among the live oaks, this old sanctuary is precious to its members, and appealing to visitors, and stands as a silent witness to the Glory of God. John Robinson served on the committee to purchase a site for the church; served as chairman of committee to erect the building, served as Secretary of Church for 12 years from 1809 to 1821; as President from 1821 to 1825; 1828 to 1834, and from 1841-1845. In Aug. 1827, was elected one of the 5 trustees of the Church property. A loyal and devoted member. His will can be found in the Charleston SC library. Will was in Probate Court Jan 30, 1850. Proved before M. J. Menderhall, May 22, 1848. Vol 4-5, (509). From "Buildings of Charleston", published by the SC Historical Society: p 60548 Elizabeth Street, Aiken-Rhett House Constructed circa 1818; renovated with additions circa 1833, 1858. The Aiken-Rhett House is the best preserved complex of antebellum domestic structures left in the city. John Robinson, a well-to-do merchant, began construction shortly after acquiring the site, which was at the head of the Public Mall reserved in the development of Wraggborough, in December 1817. Following financial reversals, Robinson advertised his residence for sale, stating that it included four rooms on each floor "all well furnished, cypress and cedar piazzas and fences, and large cellars and store rooms under the dwelling." William Aiken then acquired the site as rental property........ p 608 6-8 Judith Street, John Robinson Tenements; Constructed 1817-1820 John Robinson,the builder of the Aiken-Rhett House, erected these nearly identical weatherboarded Charleston single houses on raised brick basements in the second decade of the nineteenth century. Exemplifi\ying the contemporary Neoclassical style, both houses retain their nine-over-nine windows, paired east chimneys, pilasters. and archtraves on the piazza screens. Robinson constructed these houses with one-story piazzas, but a later owner constructed a second-story piazza at 6 Judith Street some years later. p 60910 Judith Street, John Robinson House, Constructed 1814 After the Aiken Rhett House, this was John Robinson's most finely crafted Wraggborough building. Retained by his widow after Robinson's other properties were lost due to debt, the house has since generally remained as a single family residence. The two-and a-half story stuccoed brick dwelling with a front-facing neoclassical piazza features corner quoining, and a cross pediment with a well-detailed lunette window. p 60915-17 Judith Street, John Robinson Houses, Constructed 1835-38. Robinson, the Wraggborough real estate developer, built these Greek revival, side-hall, double-parlor houses as investments for his children. He obviously employed the same builder or craftsman used by Augustus Taft in the construction of the house at 57 Laurens Street. All three frame houses retain the same pattern-book door surrounds approached by marble staircases with iron balustrades and identical fenestration. The Laurens Street example, like 17 Judith Street, possesses a flat roof with masking parapet, while 15 Judith Street rises to a closed gable roof with a tripartite window and projecting dormers. Extensive enclosures added by modern owners mar the piazzas of both Judith Street houses. From the Charleston City Directory, 1829: Robinson, John factor, Judith Street, north side. See also:1268180 ged See also GED 1818897.
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