[1] He enlisted in the Union Army on May 12, 1864 for a term of 100 days and was assigned to the 133rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment as a private.

[2] After he recovered, Robinson spent the remainder of the war as a clerk in the Provost Marshal's office in Alton.

He ran for reelection in 1887, and received 1,203 votes to Daniel D. Saunders' 1,197 and John S. Parsons' 203.

Due to the close result, a recount was held, which determined that Robinson had beaten Saunders by four votes (1,200 to 1,196).

George A. Davis, a bottler of malt liquor whose license Robinson refused to sign, applied to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court for a writ of mandamus compelling Robinson to sign his license.

[3] Robinson returned to the office of Mayor by defeating incumbent Benjamin F. Cook in 1895.

[6] During his tenure as Mayor, Gloucester erected a number of new buildings, including a new high school, armory, police station and courthouse, and paved a large amount of its streets.

[1][3] The city's financial condition also improved, as its debt was bonded at a reduced rate of interest.

[2] He was a member of the Council's committees on Harbors and Public Lands, Charitable Institutions, Prisons, Military and Naval Affairs, and Warrants as well as the committee that organized the dedication ceremony for the Dorchester Heights Monument.