Page:One of a thousand.djvu/533

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ROBINSON. Ki iKINM IN. 5>9 the East. In January, 1869, he married Nellie A., daughter of Samuel E. and Han- nah (Gott) Smith, of Gloucester, and settled in that town ; of this union are three chil- dren : Willie A., Emma C, and Helen D. Robinson. He entered the firm of Stockbridge >S: Smith, first as bookkeeper, then became partner, under the firm name of Stockbridge & Co. Later on he became a stockholder and active partner in the Atlantic Halibut Company, one of the largest fresh-fish com- panies in the United States. He is a part- ner in the firm of Pool, Gardner & Co., vessel outfitters and fish packers ; and also treasurer of the Gloucester Fish Company (incorporated), of Boston. In politics a Republican, he has served in various official positions in the city of Gloucester — precinct officer, councilman in 1880 and '81, serving the latter year as president of the common council. He was elected mayor in 1886, serving during the year 1887. His administration was char- acterized by a vigorous campaign against the liquor traffic. At the close of the year he was re-elected. In May, 1888, licenses were issued by the board of aldermen, but he stoutiy refused to affix his signature. The case was carried to the supreme court, and a decision was rendered that a mayor of a city could not use discretionary powers in the granting of licenses, but must sign them ; and a writ of mandamus was ordered to be issued. He immediately resigned the office, against the wishes of many supporters, rather than sanction the sale of liquor by an official act within his control. During Mr. Robinson's mayoralty many radical improvements were inaugurated — among them the erection of two public buildings, high school house, and the police station and court room. The city debt was bonded at reduced interest, and the general financial and municipal affairs were managed to the satisfaction of all, without respect to party affiliation. In temperance organizations he has been prominent, and held the highest office in the gift of the Temple of Honor. In religion he is a Baptist, actively engaged in Sunday- school work, for many years superintend- ent, and at present is a deacon of the First Baptist church, Gloucester. He is a mem- ber of the G. A. R., and F. & A. M. ROBINSON, George Dexter, son of Charles and Mary (Davis) Robinson, was born in Lexington, Middlesex county, Janu- ary 20, 1S34. He passed through the common district schools of Lexington ; attended Lexing- ton Academy one year, and was one year in Hopkins classical school, Cambridge. Having fitted for college, he entered Harvard, and was graduated therefrom in the class of 1856. While pursuing his college course, he taught district schools during two winters, in Lexington. Immediately after graduating he became principal of the high school at Chicopee, and held the position until March, 1S65. He then studied law in Charlestown, with his brother, Hon. Charles Robinson, and was admitted to the bar in March, 1866. He immediately opened an office in Chicopee. He was first married in Lexington, November 24, 1859, to Hannah E., daugh- ter of William and Nancy (Pearce) Stevens, who died September 5, 1864. He was again married in Lexington, July n, 1867, to Susan E., daughter of Joseph F. and Susan (Mulliken) Simonds. By the first GEORGE D. ROBINSON. marriage he has one child : Walter Stevens Robinson, born March 22, 1861, and by the second : Annie Florence Robinson, born October 4, 1869. He wa,s a representative in the Legisla- ture in 1874; senator in 1876, represen- tative in the 45th, 46th, 47th and 48th United States Congresses. He was elected governor of the Com- monwealth of Massachusetts in 1884, and