Robinson was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania and was the grandson of the politician, businessman and militia general William Robinson, Jr.[1] He attended private schools in Pittsburgh, entered the University of Pittsburgh and finished at Amherst College.

As compensation, he was appointed a cadet at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland by Congressman Thomas Williams[3] and graduated in 1868.

He also served on the USS Juniata when it sailed to Santiago de Cuba to demand the release of American citizens seized on the Virignius by Spanish authorities.

[1] He worked as editor of the Delaware County Gazette in 1881 and 1882, and as a newspaper correspondent and owner of the Media Ledger.

In 1900, Robinson was appointed by President McKinley as United States marshal for the eastern district of Pennsylvania.