Kentucky. Governor (1862-1863 : Robinson)

James F. Robinson served as governor of Kentucky for thirteen months, following the resignation of Beriah Magoffin. In his brief period in office he faced the difficult task of guiding the state in time of civil war.

Robinson was born in Scott County, Kentucky in 1800. He graduated from Transylvania University in 1818, and later completed his studies for the bar. In 1851 he was elected to the Kentucky Senate as a Whig, serving one term. Robinson was again elected to the Senate in 1861, this time as a Democrat.

In August 1862, as a result of the mistrust that existed between Governor Beriah Magoffin and the General Assembly, the governor decided to resign. The lieutenant governor, Linn Boyd, had died in 1859, and Speaker of the Senate, John Fisk, was legally next in line of succession. Magoffin wanted Robinson as his successor, however. An agreement was reached whereby Fisk resigned as speaker and Robinson was appointed in his place. Magoffin then resigned as governor, Robinson succeeded him, and Fisk was reappointed speaker.

When Robinson took office in August 1862, Kentucky was in a period of turmoil as a result of the Civil War. Unionists controlled the legislature, but the populace was still deeply divided. The state was open to invasion by both sides, and guerillas operated freely. The federal military authorities were involved in the internal affairs of the state, as habeas corpus was suspended and martial law declared.

One of the major problems caused by the war, Governor Robinson believed, was the breakdown of the system of tax collection. The resulting revenue deficiency impaired the function of state government even further. The governor appealed for more money; the state militia could be restored and strengthened, and could then attempt to protect the citizens of Kentucky from at least some of the ravages of war. Robinson also suggested that the state school system, seriously affected by the war, deserved the attention of the General Assembly.

By early 1863, Kentucky had contributed over 40,000 men to the Union cause, but many Kentuckians, even some ardent Unionists, resented what they considered to be harsh and possibly unconstitutional treatment at the hands of federal forces. Governor Robinson supported the Union cause, but questioned many of the methods used in Kentucky.

Following the gubernatorial election of 1863, Robinson retired to his farm and law practice in Scott County. He died in 1882, and is buried in Georgetown.

From the description of Subunit history. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 145416027