The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-08-21
JOHN ROBINSON.
Some Facts About the Vetcra
Ring Master.
HIS REMARKABLE CAREER
How He Began His Life Helping
South Carolina Democrats.

tsa benefactor, and when he dies thousands
mourn his loss.
Such a man was John Robinson, the veteran
Snowman whose death was chronicled only a
few days ago. For nearly half century lac
amused . nation and made hundreds OF thous-
aud of people laugh. He has been the delight
of children as well as older folks, His coming
was always hailed with gladness by old and
young alike. No picture gallery in America
has so delighted the people and afforded more
merriment to the masses than the huge pla
cards anl posters which have decorated the
boards O. towns throughout the country adyer-
Using John Kobinsons mammoth circus aud
mona ,ere. The exaggerated animals with
their Candy glare OF color, tie bareback riders,
eyrating over the heads of the tented multi
tude and the king OF all
Uncle john Robinson-in gided medallion,
poised amid the COngOmeIation OF distorted
art The artists of renOwn, such AS the Iur-
nefs the Bierstadts, the Meissonneirs and
Others have not eXerted such an influence upon
the minds and hearts Of the American masses
es have ti4e wonderful pictorial Advertisements
which always announced the coming OF John
Robinson unmatched aggregation OF cirLuS
talent The advent OF Uncle John was always
the occasion for the practice OF rare economy
by the small boys, who would subject them
solves Ia any degree OF hardship that they
might get ticket TO the show.
CfcU- eoers from Maine TO California knew
John Robinson, and he was popular from one
eud OF the continent to the other.
lie WIS one Of natures noblemcn-a rugged
honest liberal man, with many virtues and
few vices. This was remarkable, considering
Tue nomaiic life he led for moro than fifty
years.
the writer's notice about ten years ago There
was a worthy woman the vile of n mechanic,
who lost her husband and her only chfid
within one week. She was desolate and IN
the most INDECENT circumstances She made
an appeal 10 some OF the officers OF the rail
way company for aid. Several Of them were
stsudiug in the freight depot, chatting with
John Robinson, when tho woman made her
application for aims. The officials heard her
tale and one after the other, said THAT is
too had. and / am really sorry for you" But
they gave her nothing. "Ilow much are you
cory" asked the great Snowman, pulling
wallet of money out OF his pocket; u am
sorry Just twenty dollars WORTH saying
which tie cave the poor woman u bill OF that
denomination This WAS rebuke to the
othots who at once put their hands in their
pockets and gave various sums to the worthy
object OF charity.
John Robinson was once poor, but no
ama5sed "A large fortune with his various circus
companies lie began his career brushing flies
from the hoses in his fathers blacksmith
shop, but his industry and energy soon caused
I,im to seek better employment. When only
ioined blanchards circus. Blanchard was an
1uRlshludn, and owned n number OF circus
houses that were established in ali the largo
towns of New York. Robinson began as
property boy about the time that Rockwell
who allerward became celebrated circus
man, started in the business.
Mr. Robinson first appeared in Cincinnati 30
make IL his home In 1854. After seling his
Interest IN the circus known as Robinson &
Eldrich ) circus, he remained idle for one sea-
An itp va off a
purchased tho circus and menagcrie. With
this show he travelled north in the summer and
south in the winter until 1885, when no took
William Lake into partnership and for the sea
sons OF 1883, 1860, 1867 and 1862 the show was
known rs the Robinson x Lake circus and
menagoric In 1868 Mr.. Robinson took his
brother, Aleck, into partnership, and the firm
was known as Robinson q Brother. This
lasted only Tor one season. Then the show
was known rs tho Old John Robinson, which
name s,ll remains, although for several years
MIR. Robinson has had no interest i'll the circus,
A belonging to his son Jack"
Tn Ia The time of the breaking ont of tho
war Mir. Robinson had always been demo
GRAFT lie mad travelled a great deal IN the
south, and had many warm friends here. When
the war broke out, however lac was strong
uuou man. He never held an office, though
he never hestated TO express his opinions both
forcibly and with emphasis. In the spring OF
1876, white the late George w. G. johnson
was serving his first term MS mayor, number
OF republicans brought cut "Uncle John"
Robinson As candidate for mayor at the spring
election Il was urged that MIR. Robinson was
n large property holder in favor OF an oConom-
Zeal cip government, and il was also consider
ed thAt lac hid a strong pull with the boys. Al
the Turner hall convention in March, 1870, he
was nominated, and accepted III "a modest and
appropriate letter, lie was defeated by 1900
vote.
Mr. William c. Purse, of Cincinnati, was
talking 60 group in the kmball house and
he gave spme interesting ronlnicousoS of the
old Snowman. Said he: Tho first circus |
over saw was Rohiuson's in Charleston. and II
was about thrrty-hve yeaIS ago, was then
youue, Ter and was in heaven for tho tme,
Though, 10 was tho GrandcSt circus Ill the
world, and still think so. II made an im-
PRECISION upon me which nothing IN after
wears ever Niped out. | once met Robinson S
circus IN Omaha. This was about seventeen
years ago ! became very intimate with Mir.
Robinson, who spent money lavishly. One
night he, he's treasurer and myself got on the
outside ot twelve quarts ut champagne and all
OF Us were blnld Tor twenty-iuur hours. Robin
son NotC drink large quantities OF liquor
without feeling any bad elect. lie was
never dguukard, and for mNuy years
he was u teetutler. | was very fond OF the old
circus master. lie was as liberal RS any man
ever saw. No needy applicant ever appealed
20 him IN Naini he never TUNED away any
%orthY ohieCi OF charity. lie was brave, n
reckless man. There was nothing in the
world hN Leaned, once IN an Arkansas town
he was attacked 10y a crowd OF rowdos who
had been carrying on with some of the female
elders IN The circus, Robinson wnS alone and
I've men were in the crowd that assaulted
him he happened to have his revolver, and
10 brought it into play with great eftc,t
three Of The rouRhs were wounded and the
Others hgd. During his long and chcckered
lie he had many strange adventures and mar
I0N escapes, He was q man Of peaceful dis
position AVID never sought u fight. But whom
tusulted he was there every time.
II met Mr. Robinson \ few months ago and
VAS with him several days. He was serious
md seemed 20 have n prcmontion of death
Tie talked about religion and said he had the
ighesI respect for the church. lie was VIC
lently opposed 10 sham, but anything of the
genuine stamp received his appreciation /
understand that he has leftla very handsome os
tale.
About eight years ago, John Robinson took
his cilVus 10 Columbia, ). G.. The show han
penod 20 be there election day There had
been hot canvass and the republicans were
leaking strenuous efforts 20 carry the county
They were IA the majority and things looked
blue foI tie democrats The democratic exec
Itire committee conceived brilliant idea,
which, .A the cooperation Of John Robinson
the tt irtf, gft.