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 1791
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. Was born in Durham, Connecticut, November 4, 1791; died in Worcester, Massachusetts, January 13, 1881, aged eighty-nine years, two months and nine days. The deceased was the father of Mr. James T. Robinson, of West Lucas. He came to Iowa City in 1841, was our most prominent early leader of the Masonic order and we believe organized here the first lodge. He was the first mayor of Iowa City, under a municipal organization which was made before 1849, and was abandoned for the special charter. He returned east many years ago and reached a great age. Always an active and prominent and wise citizen, a trusted counselor and man of stout judgment, he was a leader in any community and retained these faculties to the end.
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.