Joshua was born into a Quaker family who migrated out of Virginia, through Ohio, Indiana, then into Missouri. It was in 1836 in Indiana when Joshua was dismissed from the Quakers and in the same year married his first wife Elizabeth Green on November 24th. They left with Joshua's parents, Jehu and Mary, and all of his siblings except for William and Mary to settle in Henry County, Missouri. Elizabeth died in 1850.

Children born to Joshua and Mary were Robert G. b.1837, Levi b. 1839, Sarah R. b. 1841, Eli b. 1843, Vianna b. 1845, Charles b.1847 and William b.1850.

Joshua married Leticia Bowlen on Feb 27, 1851 in Missouri. Of this union were born: Eliza Ellen b. 1853, Mary A. b. 1856, Margaret Ann b. 1859, Cornelia b. 1864 and John B. b. 1868.

He married for a third time to Eliza Jan Reeves Franklin June 12, 1890 at Eddyville, Iowa.

Census records starting in 1870 show Joshua was a physician, although it is not known where he studied. One source indicates Joshua became a Seventh Day Adventist minister in Missouri.

Although the Robinsons prospered for a while in Missouri the ravages of the Civil War took their toll and by 1870, census records show Joshua and his family had moved to Iowa where he lived out the rest of his life.

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Obituary

Eddyville Tribune
July 5, 1901, page 8

Joshua Robinson Dead

Dr. Joshua Robinson, at the home of his son-in-law, John Jones, of the west side, last Sunday evening, June 30, 1901, aged 91 years. He was born in Indiana Nov. 22, 1810 and came to Iowa in an early day. He was a mill wright, having built two mills in Mahaska and two in Monroe county. His has been a busy life; being a doctor and a preacher, he would work all day at his trade, make calls at night and preach on Sunday. He was driven out of Missouri during the war because of loyalty to his country, and lost all his property. He has visited England and other foreign countries. He was a Quaker, but lately held to the Advent belief, and preached for them many years. He was married three times and leaves a large number of children and other relatives to mourn his loss. The funeral was held Monday afternoon and the remains interred in Highland Cemetery.

NOTE: Although obituary states he was born in Indiana, census records from 1850, 1860, and 1890 states he was born in Virginia. Only the 1900 census states he was born in Indiana.