Rowland Evans Robinson

Rowland Evans Robinson (May 14, 1833 – October 15, 1900) was an American farmer, artist, and author. He is best known as the author of several novels and short stories that captured details about life in rural Vermont, including attitudes towards Native Americans, African Americans, and foreigners, as well as the pre-Civil War regional differences of the Northern and Southern states.

Early life

Rowland Evans Robinson was born on May 14, 1833, at his family's farm, Rokeby in Ferrisburgh, Vermont. He was the youngest of four children born to Rowland Thomas Robinson and Rachael (Gilpin) Robinson, prominent Quakers and abolitionists who continued to improve Rokeby, which had been started by Rowland T. Robinson's father in the late 1700s. The younger Robinson attended the public schools of Ferrisburgh and Ferrisburgh Academy, but later said that he had been at best an indifferent student.

Start of career

Rachael Robinson was a talented painter and drawer, and when Robinson showed an interest, his mother encouraged it. By the time he was a teenager, the butter tubs sent from Rokeby to markets in New York and other cities were often decorated with Robinson's work. At age 18, he moved to New York City intending to improve his skills by working for a draftsman, but he was disappointed in the experience and soon returned to Rokeby. In 1866, he returned to New York City, where he found work as an artist on works published by Orange Judd and Frank Leslie.

In 1870, Robinson married Ann Stevens (called Anna) of East Montpelier, Vermont. They were the parents of two daughters and a son -- Rachael Robinson Elmer (1878–1919), Rowland Thomas Robinson (1882–1951), and Mary Robinson Perkins (1884–1931). In 1873, Robinson began to experience difficulty with his vision and returned to Rokeby. In 1877, his wife suggested that Robinson turn to writing and illustrating his literary work. His article on foxhunting was published in Scribner's Monthly in early 1878 and was favorably received. Once inquiries about the anonymous author had identified Robinson, he was hired at Forest and Stream magazine, and he remained on the staff for several years. In addition, Robinson was a contributor to other periodicals, including The Atlantic.