Franklin C. Robinson Biography


	This biography appears on pages 423-424 in "History of Dakota Territory" 
	by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. IV (1915) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				FRANKLIN C. ROBINSON. 

	It has ever been the endeavor of the public on the whole to place 
in office those men whose capabilities and qualifications fit them for 
responsible duties. On various occasions Franklin C. Robinson has been 
chosen for public office, and as chairman of the South Dakota state 
railway commission he is proving most efficient. His position 
necessitates his residence in Pierre, and he dates his connection with 
the state since 1881, at which time Dakota was still under territorial 
rule. 

	Mr. Robinson was born in Salem, Maine, a son of Sullivan and 
Emily (Clarke) Robinson. His great-grandfather emigrated from England 
to Nova Scotia before the period of the Revolutionary war and at the 
close of hostilities between the colonies and the mother country he 
removed to Maine, since which time representatives of the family have 
resided on this side of the border. The mother, Mrs. Emily (Clarke) 
Robinson, was born in this country of Scotch parentage. 

	It was in the year 1850 that the family came west, settling in 
Wisconsin, and Franklin C. Robinson acquired his education in the 
public schools of that state and in Brockway College at Ripon. In 1867 
he removed to Minnesota, where he resided until 1881, and during that 
period he attained to a position of leadership in relation to public 
affairs. He served in the Minnesota general assembly and was the author 
of the first legislation regulating railways in that state in 
connection with freight and passenger rates. 

	As previously stated, Mr. Robinson arrived in Dakota territory in 
1881, settling at Clark, where through the succeeding six years he 
engaged in the grain business. He then removed to Groton, Brown county, 
where he continued for some time in the same business. He is still 
largely interested in the Robinson line of grain elevators in North 
Dakota, and has become an extensive operator in that branch of 
commercial activity, his carefully directed efforts bringing to him a 
gratifying measure of success and his well formulated plans finding 
tangible expression in prosperity. He also has large investments in 
ranch and farm lands, wherefrom he derives a most gratifying annual 
income. 

	Along political and official lines, too, his activity has been 
pronounced and resultant. Since age conferred upon him the right of 
franchise he has been a republican, casting his first presidential vote 
for Abraham Lincoln. He was called to office in 1907, when he was named 
a member of the state board of agriculture, on which he served for two 
years. In 1908 he was elected a member of the state railway commission, 
assuming the duties of the office in January, 1909, and serving 
continuously since. His fellow members of the commission elected him 
chairman of the board for the years 1913 and 1914. He has studied 
thoroughly the grave problems of railway control in relation to the 
public. For over thirty years he has given much attention to the 
investigation of railway rates and service and their relation to the 
general good, particularly as affecting a rapidly developing country. 
His broad knowledge makes him peculiarly fitted for the 
responsibilities of the important position which he now fills.  

	Mr. Robinson has been married twice. In 1863 he wedded Miss 
Rebecca J. Smith, who passed away in 1899, leaving four children. In 
1901 Mr. Robinson was again married, his second union being with Zada 
M. Amsden.  

	Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to the lodge, chapter, 
commandery and Shrine, and the basic principles of the organization 
which recognizes the brotherhood of mankind find expression in his life 
He is today a man of wealth, resulting from his judicious investment 
and capable direction of his business affairs; he is a man of 
prominence as the result of his capability and devotion to the public 
welfare; and his public spirit has made him a valuable and efficient 
member of the board of railway commissioners.