Douglas Robinson

Douglas Robinson Jr. (January 3, 1855 – September 12, 1918) was an American businessman involved in real estate and banking activities. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, the son of Douglas Robinson Sr. (1824–1893) and Frances "Fanny" Monroe (1824–1906). His family had notable connections; his maternal grandfather was James Monroe, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York and nephew of President James Monroe. His paternal grandparents were William Rose Robinson and Mary (née Douglas) Robinson, residing in Scotland. Robinson graduated from Oxford University in 1876.

Robinson was a prominent figure in New York City real estate, serving as president of the Douglas Robinson, Charles S. Brown Company, and the Douglas Land Company. Following the Panic of 1907, he was appointed as one of the receivers for the Metropolitan Street Railway Company in 1908. He also held directorships in several financial and insurance institutions, including the Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company, the Equitable Life Assurance Company, and the Astor Trust Company.

His social standing in New York was recognized in 1892 when he, his wife, and his father were included in Ward McAllister's "Four Hundred," an enumeration of the city's prominent families. Robinson was a member of various social clubs, such as the University Club, the Riding Club, the Downtown Club, and the Essex Country Club in West Orange, New Jersey.

In 1893, upon the death of his father, Robinson inherited Overlook, a 72-acre estate located in West Orange, New Jersey. The estate, initially a weekend retreat, became their primary residence between 1894 and 1911. His wife, Corinne Roosevelt, was known for hosting social events at the estate, earning her the nickname "Queen of the Orange Mountain." The estate played a role in the social life of the Roosevelt family, notably hosting the first dance and courtship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt during a Christmas party in 1898.

Robinson married Corinne Roosevelt on April 29, 1882, at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. Corinne was the youngest child of Theodore Roosevelt Sr. and Martha Bulloch Roosevelt, and the sister of President Theodore Roosevelt and Bamie Roosevelt. The couple maintained residences in New York City at 147 East 61st Street and at Gelston Castle in Mohawk, near Jordanville, New York.

They had four children:

- Theodore Douglas Robinson (1883–1934), who served in the New York State Senate and married Helen Rebecca Roosevelt, a member of the prominent Roosevelt and Astor families.

- Corinne Douglas Robinson (1886–1971), a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives who married Joseph Wright Alsop IV.

- Monroe Douglas Robinson (1887–1944), who married Dorothy Jordan, granddaughter of Eben D. Jordan of Jordan Marsh.

- Stewart Douglas Robinson (1889–1909), who died in a fall while a student at Harvard University.

Robinson died unexpectedly on September 12, 1918, in Amsterdam, New York. His funeral was held at Henderson House, his country estate, and he was buried at Robinson Cemetery in Herkimer County, New York. His widow died of pneumonia on February 17, 1933, in New York City, leaving her estate to her children and grandchildren.

His descendants included his grandson Douglas Robinson (1906–1964), and through his daughter Corinne, notable grandchildren Joseph Wright Alsop V and Stewart Johonnot Oliver Alsop. His granddaughter Dorothy Douglas Robinson married diplomat Randolph Appleton Kidder, son of archaeologist Alfred Vincent Kidder.