In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1829
From History of Johnson County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, and its townships, cities and villages from 1836 to 1882. Together with biographical sketches .. (1883)
JAMES ROBINSON, farmer, post-office, Lone Tree; was born in Scotland, November 20, 1829, where he spent his early life, and got a good common school education. He came to America in 1849, and lived in New York for a number of years, in Broome county. August 20, 1862, he enlisted in company I, Seventh Rhode Island volunteer infantry, and served to the end of the war; was wounded at Fredricksburg, Virginia, the first battle he was in, being shot in the side of the face, the ball going in at the cheek, and knocking out two teeth, he spitting out the bullet. After the war he returned to New York and emigrated to Iowa in the fall of 1865, and settled in Muscatine county, where he lived until 1870, when he came to Johnson county, and now owns 200 acres of finely improved land, and has a pleasant home, and pays considerable attention to raising stock, now having a small herd of pure bred Short-horns. He was married May 15, 1859, to Miss Emily Jayne, a native of Wayne county, Pennsylvania. They have six children, viz.: Mary R., Elsie K., Linda M., Emma C, Nellie, Belle, and Jessie E. Mr. Robinson and wife are members of the Baptist Church.
As printed in History of Johnson County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, and its townships, cities and villages from 1836 to 1882. Together with biographical sketches .. (1883). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1883. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.