Born in the old homestead near Trinity, North Carolina, Robbins pursued classical studies.

He served four years as major in the Fourth Alabama Regiment of the Confederate States Army during the Civil War.

In 1865, Robbins moved in Salisbury, North Carolina and continue to practice law.

He served as chairman of the Committee on Expenditures in the Department of War (Forty-fourth Congress).

He was appointed by President Cleveland as the southern commissioner on the Gettysburg Battle Field Commission in 1894, which position he held until his death in Salisbury, North Carolina, on May 5, 1905.