Colonel William H. Robinson, treasurer and general manager of the Beidler & Robinson Lumber Company, with headquarters at Mayville, is a gentleman of much executive ability and is widely known as an intelligent and public-spirited citizen. He is identified with various financial enterprises in that part of the state, and has made a success of life, winning his way upward by energetic efforts and faithful service.
Our subject was born in Chicago, Illinois, October 21, 1843, and was the eldest of a family of five children born to Henry and Jane (Hutchings) Robinson. His parents were natives of England, and the mother still lives at Albert Lea, Minnesota. After entering upon his business career Mr. Robinson was called to defend his country, and enlisted, in 1861, in Company F, Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Returning from the war, he began clerking, for J. Beidler Lumber Company in Chicago, and was with that firm about twelve years, and in 1876 began for himself in Allerton, Iowa, and in 1882 disposed of his Iowa interests and arrived at Portland, Dakota, in May, and under the firm name of Beidler & Robinson established the lumber business at Portland, and in 1885 the firm of Beidler & Robinson Lumber Company was incorporated. They now own twenty-six lumber yards in North Dakota and Minnesota. Soon after the incorporation of the company the headquarters were taken up in Mayville, and the business of the company has been more than successful. Mr. Robinson is also junior member of the firm of Dibley & Robinson, dealers in steel combination and wood bridges, the firm having headquarters at Fargo. Mr. Robinson is also Indian trader at Standing Rock agency at Fort Yates, North Dakota.
Our subject was married in 1870 to Miss Lillian Abbott, of Chicago. One daughter was born to this union, who is now Mrs. R. H. Bush, of Grand Forks. Mr. Robinson was married in 1896 to Miss Edith Anderson. Mr. Robinson was a member of the senate in the first state legislature, and did very efficient work toward passing the prohibition bill through the senate. He also assisted in securing the location of the State Normal School at Mayville. He is prominent in public affairs, and has been prominently identified with the Republican party of the state; was a delegate to the Minneapolis national convention, and attended the St. Louis convention and was there elected national committeeman for North Dakota. He was chairman of the state central committee during three campaigns, and at present is chairman of the state central committee and a member of the national committee. Mr. Robinson is a Knight Templar and thirty-second-degree Mason, and also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Source: Compendium and History of North Dakota 1900 Page 179