John Robinson
of The John Robinson 10 Big Shows Combined.

In her autobiography, Lois Robinson Dougherty left us a record of the recollections of her father (Charles B. Robinson) about the Robinson family history. Charlie told of the three brothers, his grandfather David Robinson, Bill Robinson and John Robinson, who came from Buncombe County, NC to KY. Bill, he said, settled in Clay County or nearby. Of John, all we are told is that he "later was in the show business of the famous Robinson Show."

Perhaps one day we will learn more about what happened to brother John. To this end, some material is presented on this website about the Robinson Show.

The John Robinson who is described below is not the brother of David - and any connection to our family is not known at this time. If anyone can provide further information, please contact me.

Born in Linden, AL, John was the son of John & Elizabeth (Bloomer) Robinson. John's father had been a pioneer wagon showman of America, and had been touring the south at the time of John Franklin's birth. Robinson's first performance was at the early age of six months, when he was "placed as a living valentine in a mail pouch", which was handed to his father as he circled the circus ring on a horse. Influenced by his father and his environment, it was enviable that John Franklin would make a career of the circus life. At the age of two he was a special attraction of the circus as a pony rider. By the time he was eighteen John started a circus of his own.

During the Civil War, Robinson enlisted with the Union Navy and while serving on the U. S. gunboat "Forest Rose", he took part in several sieges on the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers. At the end of the war and with the help of railroad transportation, Robinson's circus covered every state and parts of Canada. At its peak it was one of the largest shows in the country, had its own railroad cars, and employed over 800 persons. With the largest collection of wild animals of any circus in America, Robinson innovated the use of a "spectacle," billed as the main event of the circus, and called "King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba." Other innovations included cook houses and blacksmith's shops on the lot, the use of billboards for advertising, the employment of a doctor and nurse for his crew, and the purchase of Pullman sleeping cars for his actors. The circus was billed as "The John Robinson 10 Big Shows Combined."

In 1910 Robinson sold out to his son, John Gilbert Robinson, and directed his interests to printing and lithograph services. He also became director of the United States Playing Card Company of Cincinnati. Robinson built St. Thomas Episcopal Church near Cincinnati and had stained glass windows added in memory of his wife and children. He was married to Carolina Heyward in 1866, and they had five children, John Gilbert, Carolina, Kate, Pearl, and Maud, who died in infancy. His second marriage was to Maude Logan in 1908.

Submitted by Helen N. Battleson.