Born in New York state William Robinson had settled with his family in the Front of Lansdowne Township, Leeds County before 1812. He was balloted for service in the Flank Company, 1st Regiment Leeds Militia commanded by Lieutenant Jonathan Fulford in July of 1812 and was on duty at Brockville when the town was raided by an American force led by Captain Benjamin Forsyth in February 1813.

Robinson was one of a group of 45 men taken as prisoners to Ogdensburg. Their release was negotiated the following day and they returned home.

William Robinson and his wife Minerva had a family of eight children.

William Robinson d 25 September 1867 in his eightieth year.