Born near Manchester, Virginia, WYNDHAM ROBERTSON graduated from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg and then studied law, after which he served on the Virginia Council of State. As senior member of the Council, he assumed the office of governor upon the resignation of Littleton Waller Tazewell. His administration was marked by the development of railroads in Virginia. After leaving office, Robertson served in the Virginia House of Delegates for several years. He then retired from politics and engaged in agricultural pursuits but returned to politics to serve once more in the Virginia House of Delegates. He was also a Captain of the Virginia Militia.