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Genealogy
Robertsons / Robinsons of VA, NC, TN, KY and related families

Table of Contents

Tracing the Robinson lineage, we begin in Prince George Co., Virginia during the middle of the 17th century. Nicholas Robertson (b. 1655-67) of Bristol Parish and wife Sarah Marks are the earliest confirmed progenitors. (Leading researchers offer credible evidence of the identity of Nicholas' parents and grandparents, but no conclusive proof has yet been found.) Seven generations later, in the early years of the 20th century, we find our Robinsons flourishing in south-central Kentucky. During the years between, we follow the family through their migrations across North Carolina and Tennessee.

Genealogy and history go hand in hand; in tracing our lineage, we are also tracking the development of the Old Southwest. The growth of the family chronicles the expansion of settlement across western North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky. From pre-Revolutionary War days, we find our ancestors taking part in the shaping of our nation, often at the vanguard of the movement westward. Along the frontier, Robinsons can be found pressing the boundaries of civilization forward into the wilderness, participating in the struggles that guaranteed our liberty, and building communities to ensure the safety of their families and neighbors.

Recommended reading for a perspective on our family's place in American history:
The Conquest of the Old Southwest: The Romantic Story of the Early Pioneers into Virginia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Kentucky 1740 - 1790
— Archibald Henderson (annotated).

In the late 1700s and early 1800s, Kentucky held a promise of prosperity for pioneers willing to brave the hardships of the new frontier. The Robinsons were one of several Buncombe County, NC families who followed Boone's Wilderness Road to Clay and nearby Kentucky counties. There they flourished and multiplied, helping to carve out homes and communities on hillsides and valleys throughout the area.

One descendant, Lois Robinson Dougherty, wrote of her respect and love for our Robinson pioneer ancestors. She understood the significance of their lives to those of their descendants. We who study family history may echo her words:

"You are all strong bridges from the dim past to the shadowy future. A human span. So many of your seeds have been nurtured that your earthly immortality flows on in a mighty stream of humanity. A long strong file, linking you with the ancient boundaries of the past, projecting you into the limitless expanse of the future. The bright-dull threads of your lives are interwoven forever into the changing fabric of your country."

Genealogy Table of Contents

Robertsons and Robinsons of VA, NC, TN and KY: the Descendants of Nicholas Robertson

Related families


The Robinsons of Clay and surrounding counties in south-central Kentucky are a confusing and tangled lot. What is presented within this website is an attempt to clarify the family lines, but undoubtedly contains errors.

All information found on these pages should be personally verified.

If you can provide additions or corrections to any information within these pages, please contact me. Also, please submit any primary documentation you have for these individuals, and I will be glad to post it here.

Much of the information has been generously shared by Robinson cousins; many thanks to all who contributed. Without your help, this website would not be possible.

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Information on this website has been contributed by the Robinson Cousins. For details on lineage and contact information for individual Cousins, see the directory. License is granted to use information on this site for personal research purposes only. Any commercial use of personal information or non-public domain material is prohibited. This site may be freely linked to on a not-for-profit basis. Linking to any of these pages by a fee-based organization is prohibited. Please contact me if you wish to republish or discuss any material contained within this website. Photo of David Robinson farm, Jackson Co., KY and Robinson Cousin Homestead logo copyrighted by
Laura Altevers, 2002