The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-02-01

We have to announce this morning 'ho
death Of another virginian, than whom Few
have occupied more prominent poshioh
IN their chosen profession or reflected more
Iustre on their native State for purity OF
character and probity in all the relations OF
life. Conway Robinson, the distinguished
lawyer, died at the residence OF his broiher'
Moncure Robinson, in Philadelphia wed
nesday. Mr.. Robinson was the son OF
John Robinson, and was born In this CITY
IN ISO5-boln, Il might be said, to the
law. His early life was spent In the
clerks Office OF the Circuit Superior Court
of Law and Chancery OF Henrico county,
that Court having Jurisdiction In Richmond
also, and here he acquired the habits Of
research and industry which during his
after life made him one the most indie
fatigable workers in the legal profession.
Sitting at the feet of eminent judges OF that
court; taught to venerate the judicial er-
mine MS the highest insignia of honor that
could be bestowed, and associating daily
with the greatest legal inteIlects OF one
Of the brightest periods Of the Virginia
Bar. Mr.. Robinson graduated in law well
equipped to maintain, as he has so well
done, the dignity Of the profession.
When quite young Mr.. Robinson be-
came the author OF several books OF forms
for the use OF clerks, which, after more
than fifty years, are authority; but these
were only an earnest Of the measure OF
usefulness he was TO fill outside Of his prac-
ticc. From the beginning OF his legal
career he enjoyed a large and exacting
practice, but found time for constant con-
tributions to legal literature. In addition
to Roblnson's Forms and other law books,
he gave TO the law libraries OF the world
in the eleven voumns OF Robinson's prac-
tice one OF the most valuable compediums
OF legal learning known to the profession
work OF equal authority on law points in
England and the United States.
Though never a politician in the accepted
sense of the term, Mr.. Robinson was ever
ready to serve his native city and State in
any position to which he might be called.
He several times represented Richmond in
the City Council and the General Assembly.
In 1s49, together with the .late Hon. John
M. Patton, he codfied the laws Of Virginia.
Nor were bis labors in the field of letters
his works, not the least valuable book on
account of accuracy and the exhaustive
research it embodies, is the volume he
prepared for the Virginia Historical Society
on the early voyages to America. One
Of his latest works was English Institu-
TONS" and at the time Of his death he had
a large mass Of material for other literary
In 1867 Mr.. Robinson removed to the
vicinity Of Washington. in which city
his reputation as lawyer had preceded
him, and where he had already large and
lucrative practice in the Supreme Court of
the United States. Here among the lead
ing lawyers or the country he had long
been recognized by the judges and his
brethren, as well as by the public, as an
to the bar IN all that the enco-
MUM comprehends. In learning. in pow
er OF analysis, in ability TO state clearly
whatever he wished to bring to the atten-
ion OF the court, he had few. ii any, SUI
periors-in appreciation of the response
Dilities Of his profession none.
Mr.. Robinson was one OF large family
If children. His brothers were Moncure
Robinson, Edwin Robinson, Eustace Ro-
)inson, Alfred Robinson, Cary Robinson,
md Or. Moore Robinson. Moncure Robin
,on is he only one that survives. The sis
ers Of deceased were Mrs. Richard Barton |
Iaxall, Mrs. John n. Shields, Mrs. Gun
bingham, Of Norfolk, and one other who |
lever married.
Dir. Robinson married daughter Of the !
ate Benjamin Watkins Leigh. and leaves !
everal children. 1t can be truly said that |
n his death the State loses devoted son,
Who has filed a large and enviable space
n the public view; the bar member that |
IGNORED it; the social circle. pure and !
UPRIGHT man. His remains will be brought |
o this city for interment Saturday.
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