John M. Robinson, a farmer near New California, was born in Darby Township, Union County, Ohio, February 29, 1820. He is a son of Thomas and Sarah (Moderwell) Robinson, the former a native of Lancaster County and the latter of York County. They were married ande migrated to the West in 1805, settling in Darby Township, where they were among the earliest pioneers. The country was heavily wooded and populated with its original inhabitants -Indians and wild animals. Mr. Robinson located 200 acres of this woodland about three miles from the Mitchell settlement, where resided his nearest neighbors. Mr. Robinson cleared up most of this farm, and afterward added 100 acres, which were situated on the opposite side of the stream. About the same time he entered 160 acres of land in Henry County. He was for several terms Trustee of Darby Township, and was prominently connected with the United Presbyterian Darby Church for over fifty years. He died near New California. His marriage to Miss Sarah Moderwell was blessed with six children, viz.: Adam P., Sarah J., James D., Thomas, John M., the subject of this sketch, and Alexander C. Our subject was reared on the old home farm, and remained with his father till 1847, when he came to Jerome Township and bought fifty acres of land, to which he added sixty-nine acres more. In 1864, he purchased and located on his present farm. He was first married in January 1845, to Miss Mary J. Roney, a daughter of James Roney, and a native of Chester County, Penn. Of nine children by this union, seven are living: Chester L., Elvira, wife of David McKitrick, Delbert, Maria, Oscar and Olive (twins) and Anna. Mrs. Robinson died January 28, 1864, and Mr. R. was married the second time, June 8, 1865, to Miss Harriet E., daughter of William and Elizabeth Taylor. Mr.s. Robinson was born in Campaign County, Ohio, June 11, 1832. Hattie M. and Bert S. were born to this marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are respectively connected with the Presbyterian and Baptist Churches. Mr. R. is an Elder. He is connected with the I. O. O. F., and in politics is a Republican. He has served Jerome Township as Assessor thirteen years. For the past four years Mr. Robinson has been contractor in the construction of pikes, with the exception of which time, he has pursued the evocation of farming and stock-raising.