John Cleveland Robinson (April 10, 1817-February 18, 1897) was born in Binghamton, New York. He was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He was a non-graduating member of the class of 1839, leaving West Point to study law. In October 1839, he rejoined the military and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 5th U.S. Infantry. He was promoted to first lieutenant and served in the Mexican-American War. In 1856 he led a series of expeditions against the Seminoles during the Third Seminole War. After the Seminole War, he was assigned command of Fort Bridger and sent to Utah Territory. In 1857-1858 he fought the Mormon war. He was then ordered back east to assume command of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. At the close of 1861 he was commanding a brigade of volunteers in Newport News, Virginia. In April 1862, he was again promoted, this time as a brigadier general of volunteers, and was soon transferred to the Army of the Potomac. He served with distinction during the Peninsular Campaign, especially during the Seven Days Battles. He also fought during Second Bull Run. He missed the Maryland campaign as his brigade was not present. He did however participate at Fredericksburg during the cold month of December. Early 1863 began with him being transferred to command of the Second Division of the First Corps. The first day of July, in a small town called Gettysburg, found him in command of his division north of the borough. He participated in the Mine Run Campaign and the 1864 Battle of the Wilderness.
 
After the war he received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the preliminary action at Spotsylvania Courthouse, at Alsop's farm at Laurel Hill, Virginia, on May 8, 1864. Having been shot through the left knee and permanently disabled following the amputation at the thigh, Robinson never returned to the field. He was elected lieutenant governor of New York State under Governor John Dix. He was president of the Grand Army of the Republic from 1877-1879.In his elder years he lost his sight and became totally blind. He died at the age of 79 and was buried in the Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, New York.

(October 19, 2008) Enlarge

(October 19, 2008) Enlarge Bottom line of inscription reads: "I have fought a good fight, I have stayed the course, I have kept the faith." 2Tim 4:7

(October 19, 2008) Enlarge

(October 19, 2008) Enlarge Monument at Gettysburg National Military Park. Brigadier General John C. Robinson, Oak Ridge, Doubleday and Robinson Avenues