Part of the Indiana Biographies Project
John F. Robbins
For almost a quarter of a century John F. Robbins has practiced at the bar of Wayne county and during that time his rise has been gradual, but he to-day occupies a leading position among the representatives of the legal profession in Richmond. His reputation has been won through earnest, honest labor, and his high standing is a merited tribute to his ability.
Born in Economy, on the 11th of June, 1853, he is a son of Dr. Robbins, a well-known citizen of Richmond. Liberal educational privileges were afforded him and fitted him well for the practical and responsible duties of life. He attended Earlham College, the Ohio Wesleyan University and the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, his aptitude gaining him a broad classical and literary knowledge. Prior to reading law he engaged in teaching schools for a few years in Economy, and then entered upon preparation for his chosen profession as a student in the office of Charles H. Burchenal, an able attorney of Richmond. Close application characterized this period of his career, and having acquired a broad general knowledge of jurisprudence he was admitted to the bar of Wayne county, in June, 1876. He has always been a student, and prepares his cases with the greatest care, as though a similar question had never before come within his notice.
The first years of his practice were such as fall to the lot of most young lawyers,—a novitiate in which he struggled to build up a business, having to compete against old and experienced lawyers, whose tested powers enabled them to secure the major share of the public patronage. Gradually, however, his practice increased, as he demonstrated his ability to successfully handle the intricate problems of jurisprudence, and to-day he has a large clientage which connects him with the leading litigated interests of the circuit. For a few years he struggled on alone and gradually worked his way upward; in 1881 he formed a partnership with Judge Peelle, with whom he was associated for three years, when he was elected prosecuting attorney, in 1884. For two years he filled that position and then declined a re-election. During that time he prosecuted and convicted the second man that was ever convicted of murder in Wayne county. The other trial had occurred seventy years before, at Salisbury, the county-seat. On his retirement from office Mr. Robbins formed a partnership with Judge H. C. Fox, which was continued until the latter's elevation to the appellate bench. Since that time he has been alone in practice. He served as city attorney from 1889 until 1891, but his attention has been given mostly to the private practice of law, which has now assumed extensive proportions. He is well informed on the subject of jurisprudence in its various departments, and can handle both civil and criminal cases with equal power and success. His arguments are forcible, his reasoning sound, his deductions logical and the aim of his eloquence is to convince. He never fails to make a strong impression upon judge and jury, and has won many notable forensic triumphs.
Within a few weeks after his admission to the bar Mr. Robbins was married, Miss Rena Gunther becoming his wife on the 2d of July, 1876. Their union has been blessed with three sons, Byram, Philip and Malcolm, aged respectively seventeen, twelve and eight years. In his political connection Mr. Robbins is a Republican and takes a deep interest in the political questions which affect the welfare of state and nation and mold the public policy. He is a broad-minded, progressive man and public-spirited citizen, and in all life's relations is found true to all the duties of professional and social life which the day may bring forth.
Source:
Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana, Volume 1, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1899