Elisha Smith Robinson

Elisha Smith Robinson (1817–1885) was an English businessman and politician.

He was the son of a Gloucestershire paper maker Edward Robinson. In 1840 his father threatened to replace him within the family business with a Londoner, so he ventured to Bristol with a small loan. Within 20 years his own printing and packaging business E. S. & A. Robinson was the largest buyer of paper in the British Empire. He was a staunch Baptist.

Born 1817 in Overbury on the Worcestershire/Gloucestershire borders where his father Edward lived in Silver Rill House.

Apprenticed to his maternal grandfather Rev. Elisha Smith, grocer and Baptist Minister in Blockley and Chipping Camden

Founded E. S. & A. Robinson in 1844

1845 First marriage to Elizabeth Ring with whom he had eight children, she died in 1871. Soon after he married Louisa Thomas who died in 1875.

Mayor of Bristol in 1866.

Elected as Liberal Member of Parliament for Bristol (UK Parliament constituency) in 1870 but unseated on a technicality.

Stood again as an independent in 1880. He had a belligerent attitude to politics, he published his pledges in his own broadsheet, The Redcliffe Review, and he was satirized in local cartoons.

A Justice of the Peace

Chairman of the Bristol Port Railway and Pier (now Severn Beach Line)

Foundation stone on the front Chipping Campden Baptist Church reads "This stone was laid by Elisha Smith Robinson Esq - of Bristol on the 19th June 1872"

President of the Grateful Society in 1880.

One of the founders and benefactor to Colston Hall where there is a relief

He died in 1885 at Ivy Towers, Sneyd Park, a house he designed. Sermon by Reverend Richard Glover published.

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