ROBESON, George Maxwell, secretary of the navy, born in Warren county, New Jersey, in 1827. He was graduated at Princeton in 1847, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1850, and began practice in Newark, New Jersey, removing afterward to Camden, where he was appointed prosecuting attorney for the county in 1859. He took an active part in organizing the state troops at the beginning of the civil war, holding a commission as brigadier-general under the governor. In 1867 he became attorney-general of New Jersey, but he resigned on receiving the appointment of secretary of the navy in the cabinet of President Grant on 25 June, 1869. He held this office till March, 1877, and was subsequently a member of congress from 18 March, 1879, till 3 March, 1883.