John Robinson

Born February 3, 1704 in Virginia
Education: attended the grammar school at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia
Occupation: planter
Positions held:
- Delegate, Virginia House of Burgesses, 1736 – 1738
- Speaker of Virginia House of Burgesses, 1738 – 1766
- Treasurer, Virginia Colony, 1738 – 1766
Wives: Marey Storey, Lucy Moore, Sussana Chiswell
Resided at Mount Pleasant Plantation, King and Queen County, Virginia
Died May 11, 1766 at Mount Pleasant Plantation, King and Queen County, Virginia

Multimedia and related links

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Swordmaking in the 18th Century

Colonial tradesmen learned the swordmaking craft as Virginia armed itself for war. Journeyman brass founder Suzie Dye describes the process. March 2, 2009

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A Splendid Coincidence

Inspiration intersects with means in a partnership that resurrects a city. Character interpreter Ed Way portrays W.A.R. Goodwin at Colonial Williamsburg. November 3, 2008

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Colonial Girls

Gentry girls had but one job: to find a husband. Historian Cathy Hellier explains the custom. November 30, 2009

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The Cherokee Nation

The modern Cherokee Nation is enjoying a renaissance in language and culture. Living History Demonstrator Paula Nelson shares the resurgence. November 16, 2009

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Smallpox and the Covenant

America's smallpox eradication has its roots in 18th-century Boston. July 13, 2009

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In Their Own Words

Old sources give fresh voice to slavery's story. Manager of African American programs Tricia Brooks explains how we know what we know. May 18, 2009

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Swordmaking in the 18th Century

Colonial tradesmen learned the swordmaking craft as Virginia armed itself for war. Journeyman brass founder Suzie Dye describes the process. March 2, 2009

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African American Programs at 30

African American programming adapts through the decades. Harvey Bakari outlines the goals of interpreting Williamsburg's enslaved population. February 2, 2009

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The Native Tongue

Native tribes and colonizers began a dialogue without a word in common. Buck Woodard describes the early exchanges. January 19, 2009

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The Chiefdom of Powhatan

Stratified social organization, strategic alliance, and lineage leadership were hallmarks of Powhatan's rule over southeastern tribes. Buck Woodard describes the society that existed before first contact. January 12, 2009

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We Hold These Truths

Examine iconic American rhetoric in Paul Aron's new book, "We Hold These Truths." December 29, 2008

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A Splendid Coincidence

Inspiration intersects with means in a partnership that resurrects a city. Character interpreter Ed Way portrays W.A.R. Goodwin at Colonial Williamsburg. November 3, 2008

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The Bray School

A historic headmistress devotes her days to educating enslaved children. Interpreter Antoinette Brennan shares the biography of Ann Wager. September 29, 2008

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First Lady of Virginia

Lady Dunmore's ease and grace are among Lord Dunmore's most valuable political assets. Interpreter Corrine Dame reflects on the lady who delighted the colony. August 25, 2008

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The Jefferson Blog

A new blog subjects Thomas Jefferson's ideals to modern scrutiny. Add your two cents beginning this July. June 23, 2008

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Liberty or Death

Patrick Henry spoke with a minister's conviction and a patriot's passion. Colonial Williamsburg interpreter Richard Schumann discusses Henry's seminal speech. March 24, 2008

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A Rarity Restored

Two artists collaborate across the centuries: one working with a brush, and the other with a micro spatula. Curator Barbara Luck and conservator Pam Young describe the restoration of a rare watercolor. March 10, 2008

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Washington as a Symbol

Washington's leadership was an appealing surrogate for the king's paternal presence. Historian Kevin Kelly discusses the first president's legacy. February 18, 2008

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No Master Over Me

A man purchases his enslaved family to set them free. James Ingram shares the tale. February 4, 2008

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Founders or Traitors

Not all colonists were ready to follow their leaders into revolution. Interpreters Steve Holloway and John Hamant debate in character as John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. December 3, 2007

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Prelude to Victory

"Prelude to Victory" celebrates the anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown with three days of special programs that recall September 26, 27, and 28, 1781. September 24, 2007

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Tempted to Enlist

The prospect of ready money tempted many middling men to enlist. Bryan Simpers and Bereni New interpret the Hoys at Colonial Williamsburg. July 30, 2007

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A Loyal Subject

Loyal subjects of the king walked among Williamsburg's revolutionaries. Colonial Williamsburg's Jack Flintom interprets John Randolph's allegiance to King George III. July 23, 2007

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A Slave's Perspective

The Declaration of Independence was a promise extended to white men only. Hope Smith portrays Eve, a slave in the Peyton Randolph house. July 16, 2007

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Marquis de Lafayette

Portraying the Marquis de Lafayette, Colonial Williamsburg's Mark Schneider tells the story of the Frenchman who helped save the American Revolution. July 9, 2007

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The Declaration of Independence

Hear the words that were catalyst to the Revolution, read by Bill Barker, Colonial Williamsburg's Thomas Jefferson. July 2, 2007

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The Murder of George Wythe

Colonial Williamsburg's Jim McDonald explains how a confluence of convenient circumstances protects the chief suspect. June 4, 2007

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Martha Washington Remembers

This first lady devoted herself to her husband and his troops. May 28, 2007

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Slavery and Manumission

The little-known process of manumission was a means of securing freedom for a handful of Virginia slaves. May 21, 2007

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Jamestown Unearthed

Portraying lesser-known historical figures gives Willie Balderson an opportunity to relate the experiences of the everyday man. April 23, 2007

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Music Suited to a Lady

Colonial ladies played instruments that showed their graceful features to the best advantage, and they never showed their elbows. Music Interpreter Jane Hanson explains. April 9, 2007

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Gowan Pamphlet, slave preacher, cont.

Hear James Ingram, Colonial Williamsburg's Gowan Pamplet, tell how an enslaved man became the leader of Virginia's largest Baptist church. February 26, 2007

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Gowan Pamphlet, slave preacher

Born at the right time, this revolutionary figure was an electrifying force. February 19, 2007

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Researching Revolutionary Citizens

Actor-interpreter Corinne Dame talks about the continual research necessary to give a living and accurate portrayal of Williamsburg's 18th-century citizens. September 18, 2006

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Mr. Wythe's Cook

Valarie Holmes interprets Lydia Broadnax - a cook for one of Williamsburg's most influential men. June 19, 2006

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Alexander Purdie

Dennis Watson speculates on the loyalties of the publisher of The Virginia Gazette in the years leading up to the Revolution. May 15, 2006

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Marquis de Lafayette

Mark Schneider portrays French general Marquis de Lafayette, whose passion for the cause of freedom helped America win liberty from British rule. April 24, 2006

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Williamsburg's Evangelical Preacher

Ron Carnegie interprets the charismatic colonial preacher George Whitefield. April 10, 2006

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Telling the story of colonial women.

Kristen Spivey reveals some surprises about 18th-century women and their role in history. March 6, 2006

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Professor Minnigerode lights a tree

Bob Doares talks about playing the part of the German professor who brought the tradition of the Christmas tree to Williamsburg in the mid-19th century. December 5, 2005

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Dunmore's Proclamation

Dennis Watson talks about the royal governor's promise to free slaves and indentured servants who joined the British army in the American Revolution. November 7, 2005

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James Armistead

Interpreter Richard Josey talks about an enslaved man who became a valuable spy during the Revolution. September 26, 2005

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Interpreting Patrick Henry

Richard Schumann discusses the intensity and passionate character of Patrick Henry. August 29, 2005

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Carolyn Wilson on Interpreting an American Lady

Carolyn Wilson talks about her passion for what it means to be an American citizen and her love for interpreting Betty Randolph in Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area. August 15, 2005

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Carolyn Wilson on Betty Randolph and Independence

In the pursuit of American independence, Betty Randolph played the role of lady and wife, enabling husband Peyton to fight for freedom. June 21, 2005

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