Joseph T. Robinson: Statesman Mason

U.S. Senate Painting of Robinson

Joseph Taylor Robinson, born on August 26, 1872, in Lonoke, Arkansas, was a towering figure in American politics whose life and career were deeply shaped by the principles and ideas of Freemasonry. From his early days as a lawyer to his rise as a prominent U.S. Senator, Robinson’s commitment to Masonic values remained a steady influence throughout his journey.

His Masonic path began in his hometown, where he joined Lonoke Lodge #51, F.&A.M. Inspired by his father, a Master Mason, Robinson found early purpose in the values of the fraternity. In a speech to his fellow Masons in Clarendon in June 1899, Robinson shared a powerful memory from his childhood during the Civil War. He recalled a band of drunken soldiers descending on his family’s home. In one room, his father had a severe fever, while his mother stood between the soldiers and the home, begging them not to burn the building that sheltered her sick husband and their defenseless children. As one of the ruffians raised a torch to set the house ablaze, a young soldier stepped forward. Striking the torch from the man’s hand with his sword, he declared that he would protect the home, the woman, and her children or die trying. Within moments, the men turned back and rode away. Before departing, the young soldier, who had discovered Robinson’s father's Masonic regalia in a drawer, saluted Robinson’s mother and assured her, “Madam, fear not. You will be disturbed no more while our commander is in this vicinity.” The moment left a deep impression on young Joe, stirring in him both gratitude and a desire to someday join the brotherhood whose ideas had inspired such courage.

On October 24, 1906, while serving as a U.S. Congressman, Robinson deepened his Masonic commitment by receiving the 4th through the 32nd degrees of the Scottish Rite in the Valley of Little Rock. At the time, his Scottish Rite membership card listed him as a lawyer residing in Washington, D.C. Although he never affiliated with a lodge in the capital, he remained connected to the fraternity throughout his time in national office.

One notable occasion came on April 9, 1913, when Robinson attended a distinguished congressional dinner at the New Ebbitt in Washington. The event was hosted by James D. Richardson, then Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite, former Congressman, and former House Minority Leader. The guest list included 16 senators, 20 representatives, Vice President Thomas R. Marshall, Speaker of the House Champ Clark, and President Pro Tempore of the Senate James P. Clarke of Arkansas, among others. In his remarks, Richardson captured the evening’s spirit and the unity that Freemasonry promotes: “On the hill you may, perchance, be democrats or republicans or progressives, including survivors of the bloody field of Armageddon, or even socialists, but here we are simply brethren—brethren of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.”

Robinson speaking with Sen. Hattie Caraway at the Democratic National Convention, 1936.

In 1912, Robinson was elected Governor of Arkansas, but his term was short-lived. The following year, he was chosen by the state legislature to serve in the U.S. Senate, where he would remain a powerful figure for the rest of his life.

Among his early efforts in Congress, Robinson proposed legislation in December 1913 for the federal government to deed land to Hot Springs Lodge #62, F.&A.M. for the creation of a National Masonic Sanatorium.

His political stature continued to grow, and in 1928 he was selected as the Democratic nominee for Vice President, running on a ticket with Al Smith. The two ultimately lost to Republican nominee Herbert Hoover in the general election. As Senate Majority Leader from 1933 until his death in 1937, Robinson played a central role in shaping key legislation and guiding national policy during the New Deal era.

1928 vice presidential candidate Joe T. Robinson (right) with Democratic chairman John Raskob and 1928 presidential candidate Al Smith.

Beyond his political and Masonic commitments, Robinson was also active in several other

fraternal organizations. He belonged to the Woodmen of the World and the Knights of Pythias, and he was a charter member of the Jefferson Islands Club, a retreat in the Chesapeake Bay where government officials could briefly step away from the demands of public life.

Joseph T. Robinson laid down his working tools on July 14, 1937. His legacy, both as a Mason and as a statesman, endures. His life stands as a testament to how the guiding ideas of Freemasonry can shape a life of integrity, purpose, and public service.