was City Treasurer in 1851, School Commissioner in 1854, and District Attorney in 1852–1855, President of the Board of Trustees for San Diego during 1853–1855. Robinson helped establish the Democratic Party in San Diego, and was its early leader. Robinson built an adobe house in Old Town San Diego. The first floor was leased out as a store. At various times, The adobe also served as a schoolroom, office building, Railroad Building, at times. In 1856, Robinson built porches around the first and second floors, causing the local newspaper to call it "the most pleasant in the City." This adobe has been reconstructed and serves as Old Town State Historic Park headquarters, and is open to the public. Robinson realized that transportation would be important to San Diego. With his associate Louis Rose, Robinson founded the San Diego and Gila Railroad and was elected its president in 1855. The railroad was never built. Around 1855 Robinson begin to have serious health problems. Robinson Died 1857 in San Diego, California. His obituary in the San Diego Herald said that he was: the most prominent man during the last six years, in every enterprise which relate to our prosperity and advancement. Robinson's estate wasn't settled until 1903, after all his children died. By that time he had several descendants. External links and sources Biography in Handbook of Texas Online Read James W. Robinson's entry in the Biographical Encyclopedia of Texas hosted by the Portal to Texas History. "James W. Robinson and the Development of Old Town San Diego" by Ronald Quinn, The Journal of San Diego History 31:3 (Summer 1985) 1850 Census, San Diego, California, p. 278B Obituary, San Diego Herald October 31, 1857. Says he died the 27th age 65. Lieutenant Governors of Texas 1791 births 1857 deaths Mayors of San Diego Texas Consultation delegates 19th-century American politicians San Diego City Attorneys 19th-century American lawyers