John Robinson Sr.

Robinson was born in 1807 or 1808 in South Carolina. He ran away from home as a boy and after several adventures caught on with a circus troupe. A biography published in a compendium of prominent Cincinnati residents in 1872 lists shows that Robinson apparently told the writer he had served with. These were, in order: Page’s Menagerie, Parson & McCracken’s Circus, Aron Turner, Stewart’s Amphitheatre, Hawkins’ Circus, Benedict & Haddock and the Zoological Institute.

1845-1856: John Robinson had the circus Robinson & Eldred together with Gilbert Eldred, from 1845 until they split in 1856, and Robinson sold his part to Eldred.

1856: John Robinson purchased Flagg & Aymar’s International Circus and started his own circus John Robinson Circus.

1879. Gradually Robinson transferred the running of the John Robinson Circus to his sons. Eldest, John F., became manager; Gilbert was treasurer and later superintendent and general agent; James H., front door superintendent and assistant manager; Charles C., assistant and later treasurer; Frank M., privileges.