He was a son of Lt.-Col. Beverly Robinson, a United Empire Loyalists in Nova Scotia, and Anna Dorothea Barclay.
Among his large extended family was uncle Sir Frederick Philipse Robinson, a prominent Loyalist.
[5][6] His uncle was Thomas Henry Barclay, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Nova Scotia.
Robinson served as president of Mutual Life until his death in May 1849 after which he was succeeded by Joseph B.
Robinson died in New York City on May 5, 1849, and his funeral was held at St. Thomas Church.