John S. Robinson, the grandson of Vermont’s 2nd governor, Moses Robinson, was born on this day in Bennington in 1804.He became a lawyer, renowned for his legal prowess.

Robinson served Vermont in the Legislature as a Democrat, at a time when that party was in shambles, and in the minority.

When Robinson became governor in 1853, he was the first Democrat to serve as governor in more than half a century.

The achievement would be short-lived. Although friends and foes alike sang Robinson’s praise, the Republicans ran Stephen Royce in the next election cycle and regained the Governor’s office.

Historic image courtesy “The Vermont Political Tradition” by Senator William Doyle