James Fisher Robinson
James Fisher Robinson (October 4, 1800 – October 31, 1882) was the 22nd Governor of Kentucky, serving the remainder of the unfinished term of Governor Beriah Magoffin. Magoffin, a Confederate sympathizer, became increasingly ineffective after the elections of 1861 yielded a supermajority to pro-Union forces in both houses of the Kentucky General Assembly. Magoffin agreed to resign the governorship, provided he could select his successor. He selected Robinson.
James F. Robinson | |
|---|---|
| 22nd Governor of Kentucky | |
| In office August 18, 1862 – September 1, 1863 | |
| Lieutenant | Vacant |
| Preceded by | Beriah Magoffin |
| Succeeded by | Thomas E. Bramlette |
| Member of the Kentucky Senate | |
| In office 1851 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 4, 1800 Scott County, Kentucky |
| Died | October 31, 1882 (aged 82) Scott County, Kentucky |
| Political party | Democrat Whig |
| Spouse(s) | Susan Mansell Willina Herndon Caroline Hening |
| Relations | Brother of John McCracken Robinson |
| Profession | Lawyer, Farmer |
Politically, Robinson opposed both secession and abolition. Though he had Union sympathies, he was considered a moderate, opposing both fugitive slave laws and the enlistment of black soldiers. As a state senator, he supported the Crittenden Compromise and opposed the Civil War. As governor, he drew criticism from the administration of President Abraham Lincoln for opposing the Emancipation Proclamation.