Education
He attended public schools until age 17, at which time he attended the academy at East Greenwich, where he studied "good hand-writing and
He attended public schools until age 17, at which time he attended the academy at East Greenwich, where he studied "good hand-writing and
Robbins was the mayor of Providence, Rhode Island from 1887 to 1889. book-keeping." Upon finishing his studies, he joined brother-in-law Serril Mowry"s ready-made clothing business. The firm, Mowry, Robbins & Company, was successful. Robbins was interested in politics and rose through the ranks.
He was elected to the Common Council from the 7th Ward in 1879, then to the General Assembly.
By 1883 he was president of the Board of Aldermen. As president of the Board of Aldermen, Robbins became acting mayor of Providence upon the death of Thomas A. Doyle.
During his tenure, he oversaw construction of a cable car tramway on Providence"s East Side and electrification of city streets.