 Robinson was born to Jonathan and Jane Black Robinson in Scott County , Kentucky on October 4 , 1800 . His early studies were done under a private tutor , then under Presbyterian minister Robert Marshall . He was of English and Scottish descent . He attended Forest Hill Academy and Transylvania University , graduating in 1818 . His brother , John McCracken Robinson graduated in the same class and moved to Illinois , where he eventually served two terms as a U.S. Senator . James Robinson studied law under William T. Barry , and was admitted to the bar , beginning his practice in Georgetown , Kentucky . 
