James Robin

James Robin (pronounced ROE-bin) (14 November 1817 – 23 July 1894) was a prominent businessman in the early days of colonial South Australia. Several of his descendants were significant, in the Methodist Church and other fields. Also worthy of mention are his brothers Charles (c. 1826 – 27 November 1872) and Theophilus Robin (c. 1830 – 19 September 1874).

Their father, Nicholas Robin (1788? – 5 January 1873), a citizen of Guernsey, was married to Esther de Quetteville (ca.1819 – 20 August 1855), daughter of Rev. Jean de Quetteville "The Apostle of French Methodism". He died at his home at St Jacques, Guernsey.

James Robin (14 November 1817 – 23 July 1894) was born on Guernsey and educated at Elizabeth College. Around 1835 he left for Brazil, where he spent six years with the firm of Bramley Moore & Co, returned to Liverpool, where he established a shipping agency, and married the daughter (b. 1820, d. 1? August 1907) of Thomas Rowland of Gravesend, in 1844.

In May 1851 he arrived in Adelaide, where he set up a wholesale import business Robin & Le Bair (see below).

In 1866 he was appointed vice-consul for Brazil, an honorary position he held until his death.

He had 5 sons and 3 daughters. At least three of his sons attended J. L. Young's Adelaide Educational Institution. Those who featured at prizegivings were James (from 1856 to 1861), Rowland (1858 to 1864) and Henry (1858 to 1865).

He suffered from a speech defect which prevented him from public speaking, but was an ardent Methodist church-goer, and was the prime mover behind the formation of Prince Alfred College at the Wesleyan Lecture Hall, Pirie Street. He was, with brother Theophilus, on the building committee in 1867 when Prince Alfred laid the foundation stone of the main building at Kent Town. Many boys from the various branches of the Robin family left their mark in the academic and sporting records of "P.A.C.".

brother Charles Robin (c. 1826 – 27 November 1872) was a land dealer with an office in Gilbert Street, Adelaide. He arrived in South Australia in October 1851, a few months after his brother James.

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