THE STUDENTS JOURNAL
Of Kansas State University.
SUPPLEMENT.
CHARLES ROBINSON-
During the vacation which has just closed the State of Kansas and every citizen thereof has been called upon to mourn the death of a friend. Not a friend in the sense of a companion but **in** the better and truer sense of a counselor and a generous benefactor. No institution in the State of Kansas has more cause to feel a sense of loss than the University of Kansas. No individual has more reason for grief than the instructor, the student, or the employee who is in any way connected with the University.
In the following paragraphs it is not intended that formal history shall be interwoven. The newspapers and magazines of the State and Nation have already chronicled the principal facts in the life of Gov. Robinson. I shall merely note personal incidents which go farther to show the real man than the public history. I shall give a few such facts as are often repeated by one man to another after the death of a mutual friend. We were all his friends. Some of his friends may have been more intimate with him than others and as one who knew him well I esteem it a privilege to be granted this opportunity of relating a few of the many occurrences which have come under my personal notice. Charles Robinson came to my native town of Fitchburg, Mass., when I was so young that I but dimly remember the occasion. He was fresh from college, having received his degree of M.D. He occupied as his office a room in my father's house and made his home there for several years. While in Fitchburg he gave evidence of his great-heartedness and generosity. He was universally respected for his manhood and nobility of character. I then learned to look upon him as the truest friend and ally, one to whom I could go for advice and help. He was actively associated with my father in the anti-slavery and total abstinence movements in the early days of those great reforms.
In 1840, Dr. Robinson, as we called him, decided to go to California. In company with others he landed where Kansas City now stands. The party was obliged to travel overland in wagons and from Kansas City westward was in constant danger of attacks from Indians. Dr. Robinson was soon booked upon as the leader on account of his fearlessness, coolness, and unerring judgment. He carried a note-book in which he entered from time to time his impressions concerning the country through which he was passing and various note-worthy incidents. When the party approached the present site of Lawrence he climbed Mount Oread in advance of his companions. He was so pleased with the magnificent landscape which presented itself, even more beautiful than now, that he wrote in his book: "If I were not on a starvation trip to California I would stop here now." He determined to return and did return at the beginning of the great struggle to save Kansas and the Nation from slavery, pre-empting a quarter section of land a part of which forms the present University campus.
the slavery element and the time for war and bloodshed had ended, Gov. Robinson turned his attention to the more peaceful upbuilding of Kansas. He recognized at once that the greatest need was for schools, not primary and common schools alone, but for institutions which would afford future generations opportunities for high and liberal education. During the entire war struggle it seems that he never lost sight of a purpose, formed upon his first arrival in Kansas, of doing all in his power to found a university. The last mention of his name in connection with the University of Kansas is when Amos A. Lawrence, of Boston, employed him to commence the erection of a school building on Mount Oread. This building was begun on the sight of North College. Then Gov. Robinson was made one of the two trustees who were given charge of ten thousand dollars by Mr. Lawrence to be held in trust for the "Lawrence University." Again he is mentioned as one of the directors of a college of high grade to be organized by the Presbyterian church. Next he is named as one of the trustees of the "Lawrence University" in a charter granted by the legislature in 1850. In 1863 the legislature voted to establish the State University at Lawrence provid-
the accomplishment of his life's chief desire. This disposition of his property makes clear to the people of Kansas into what channel the Governor himself would have desired their memorial of his distinguished life and services to be directed.
The story of his return and the part he cook in the Kansas conflict is an oft repeated tale to every man or woman who has had any insight whatever into early Kansas history. It is sufficient to say that never did he in all that struggle, for a moment so forget himself as to do anything that he afterwards had reason to regret. His nobleness and mainly straightforward bearing and conduct won for him the admiration of friend and ooie alike. Isaac T. Goodnow, who wrote the introduction to Gov. Robinson's book "The Kansas Conflict," relates an incident which illustrates this universal respect better than anything I might mention. Goodnow says: "For Dr. Robinson the border ruffians had great respect, and when at Lawrence they had seized the polls and driven all other Free-State men away, on his approach they cried out. Here comes the Doctor; let him vote," and the way was cleared. Even in that terrible massacre during the Lawrence raid, and when the Doctor slowly retired from his barn to the brow of Mount Oread where several of Quantell's men were on guard, they did not molest him. There was a certain something, a strange commanding influence, a presence that neutralized for the time being any power to harm."
When the state had been freed from
But it was not only for his gifts to the University but also for his generosity to individuals that he is especially remembered. When I came to Lawrence in 1860 to take the chair in the new university, which had been tendered me through the influence of him who had been my friend from boyhood, it was with the consciousness that I had in Kansas a friend who would aid me in peace and stand by me in trouble. That I was not mistaken Gov. Robinson fully proved. During those first years of uncertainty and struggle his cheerful encouragement and kindly advice were a constant source of inspiration. There were critical moments when if he had for an instant hesitated to work for the University, and had ceased to take an active interest in its growth, the institution might have been compelled to take its place among the numerous "Lawrence Universities" which have existed for a year but to fail.
Gov. Robinson enjoyed giving more than any man I ever knew. He gave
CHARLES ROBinson.
Born, July 21, 1818; Died August 17, 1894.
ing the city would in addition to other requirements furnish forty acres of land to be used for a university campus. This the city could not have done had not Gov. Robinson come forward with the proposition to furnish the required amount of land. This tract of land forms the present campus. It is well here to note that twenty-one acres of this land were secured by Mrs. Robinson, who always efficiently aided the Governor in every undertaking.
The final application of his large
experience will be written and
University will decide not to bring about
The University was thus given a start. After considerable delay in arranging financial affairs satisfactorily, a charter was granted by the legislature for the government of the University. Gov. Robinson was appointed a member of the first Board of Regents. As a Regent he always took an active interest in University affairs. This interest he maintained until his death. In addition to this gift of the original campus Gov. Robinson has, at various times, made other donations of almost equal value. The block of land lying along the west side of Oread avenue, between the campus and Hancock street, was given over with the plaza that the avenue be graded by the city. This the city failed to do, and fearing lest some unforeseen occurrence might deprive the University of the ownership of the property, he generously donated it without condition. Once more the growing institution was in need of land; this time for the purpose of laying out the physical exercises. Gov. Robinson appreciated the need, and as he always had done proved himself equal to the occasion. He presented the University with six of the twelve acres of land which now form the McCook Athletic field. It was always his openspace grounds; he would take a front rank among the schools of the United States and the highest place among the universities of the West.
quietly, but like all quiet givers gave from the heart. Many a man who came to Kansas in the early days owes a debt of gratitude to him. He was generous not only with his money but also with influence. No deserving man ever asked for assistance in any form and was deplied it. This extreme generosity made for him some enemies—enemies because he engaged in causes not his own. But he did it impelled by his great sense of justice and his feeling that he ought always to maintain the cause of the weak and wronged. Once engaged in behalf of a friend he stood by him until victory or defeat resulted. His quiet giving, unknown to the public and often even to his wife, has been to me one of the most remarkable traits of his character. As soon as the news of Gov. Robinson's death became known his widow received letters of condolence from all parts of the state and from men in every station in life. As indicative of what Gov. Robinson did for many an early settler, I have obtained permis sion from Mrs. Robinson to publish extracts from some of these letters. One of them is from a citizen of west Kentucky is to have served himself in business and who is counted among the influential and prosperous men of his county. He writes: "I have heard of the death of Gov. Robinson, and his unexpected demise fill me with profound sorrow. While I even thought of him as a great and noble person, I still mind the fact that in 1854, when first landed in Lawrence, a total stranger without household goods with only forty cents in my pocket and a wife and four children to care for, he tendered me, as well as others the nice use of a tent and also advance to the frontier of a cooking stove. In later years he often assisted me. I shall ever hold him in grateful remembrance."
from a letter written by a Congregational clergyman, who knew the Governor but slightly and formally, but who feels his death as that of an intimate friend. He writes: "While I was struggling to educate my family, I rode with the Governor from Leavenworth and as I left the cars at Tonganoworth he handed me a small roll and said: 'That may help you to educate your children.' I thanked him and when I unrolled the greenbacks to my surprise I found $50. This was a timely gift, and added to the little I could furnish, inspired them to prepare for their responsible duties as members of society." This is an example of his giving in later times when Gov. Robinson thought it his duty to share with his neighbor whatever he had and to share it without ostentation. These are but few instances which show what Gov. Robinson was constantly doing.
Such is the voluntary expression of a man who was aided by Gow. Robinson. Another quotation will show the same phase of his character. This is
A conversation was lately overheard between some workmen at the Spooner Library while taking their noon rest. in which it was said that Gov. Robinson was always a friend to the working man and that his employees were always generously treated; that he sometimes paid even higher wages than was asked of him. One of the workmen said "when a man went over to the Governor's place to work he was treated as a gentleman and given a nice room and good bed in the house and was not put off in a shed with an old hard bed to lie on, the way some folks treats their men."
Other letters have been received from men who felt that they must in some way express the sorrow they felt on account of the death of Gov. Robinson. I cannot refrain from giving in full one of these letters. This letter was received from a prominent city official in Northwestern Kansas who knew Gov. Robinson in the "war times" and who felt called upon to express to Mrs. Robinson his appreciation of her loss.
"In all the records of the early pioneers of Kansas I believe there is not one more purely noble and patriotic thinner than the late Charles Robinson. Of his early history it is not my purpose to speak, I simply desire to pay a fitting tribute over the grave which holds so much that was noble and lovable, to perform the last act of sacrifice, to perform every phase of performance for a friend. For many years an ardent advocate of the anti-slavery cause through the tragic history of Kansas, no man ever labored harder or more zealously. With his strong pure sense for humanity, he some with sympathetic social interest, he some with the love and confidence of all the Free-State men throughout the territory of Kansas, effectively removing the prejudice which was felt against some of the leaders of the Free-State party. In assuming the responsible role in the community, he and growing state no man ever entered its service with a liveliest sense of duty than he, and, throughout all his connection with it he acquitted himself most nobly of his sacred trust. Gov. Robinson was deeply beloved by those who had been his man throughout this commonwealth, Frank, pure, and unselfish in his social intercourse; generous and ardent in his attachments; endowed with no ordinary ability and thoroughly embudged with love of country and mankind. He never suffered any affection and respect. He was most unflinching in his adherence to right and no matter what was considered expedient by however high an authority he never failed to hurl a withering rebuke at whatever he considered wrong. Through every phase of his life, and he was always the unfinishing foe of error and omission."
The life which has just ended has been one man may wisely study and imitate. True, our friend had his faults and made his mistakes. True, our friend had his qualities and traits of character rarely demanded now. But casting out all his faults and counting in the differences in surroundings and conditions there remains a manhood and character worthy of the attention and inclusion of true citizen. The University has been deprived of its oldest, firmest, and best friend. All Kansas mourns the death of a father. F. H. Snow.
GOV. ROBINSON'S PLACE IN KANSAS HISTORY.
In many respects Gov. Charles Robinson was the leading figure in the early history of Kansas. When the lovers of freedom in the east determined to save Kansas by settlement they chose Dr. Robinson to lead the movement. He was peculiarly fitted for such a service. As to personal qualifications he was clear, cool and courageous. Eli Thayer who organized the Emigrant Aid company, chose Dr. Robinson as its agent and leader on
the field. He says of him: "A wiser and more sagacious man for this work could not have been found." He knew the country as very few at that time did know it. He had been a leader in the California trouble which involved some of the same complications which appeared in Kansas. The qualities for which he was chosen became conspicuous as the struggle proceeded. He was the trusted leader of the free state men from the first. There were other leaders who did good service but in every crisis they turned to Dr. Robinson for guidance. He was the author of the policy which the free state people followed for three years and which finally made Kansas a free state. It was a very difficult policy to carry out and involved a great many perilous situations. The pro-slavery party was guided by the shrewdest political leaders in the United States. It was no easy matter to outgeneral them in political management. But Governor Robinson outgeneraled them and defeated them. Robinson's constant effort was to avoid a conflict. Their great effort was to precipitate a conflict, because in case of a conflict the whole force of the National government was on their side. It was a continual struggle of diplomacy for three years. New complications were continually arising, and new perils were continually threatening. In every new crisis the free-state men looked to Dr. Robinson for his judgment. They never made an important move without consulting him, and his judgement never failed them. Without any office or any official position, he practically gave direction to Kansas affairs. He more nearly managed the public affairs of Kansas during those three years, than he did during the time when he was the official governor of the state.
The first time I saw Gov. Robinson was December 2nd, 1857. It was my first day in Lawrence. ∆ Free State convention was in session at the old stone Congregational church. It was one of the largest and most important conventions the party had ever held. Gov. Robinson was president of the convention. In a paper I wrote many years ago, I mentioned that convention, and among other things spoke of Governor Robinson as follows: "The president of the convention was Gov. Charles Ro inson. He led a large company of emigrants from New York to the Free State movement ever since. He is of good height, broad-shouldered and broad-chested, with a well formed head, a clear face and a pleasant eye. He was always calm and self-posed in every emergency, and no sudden turn ever discerns him. He seems to be all the calmer when things about seem wildest. He would not be called eloquent, but he was quite calm and people in such a straightforward, common sense manner that not many speakers can hold an excited crowd, or carry cryation among them more readily than he. During all these times, he was the leader, and has borne his share of the burdens as well as of the horrors. In 1856 he was arrested by the Territorial authorities, and with other leaders, lay in prison at Lecompte and threatened with shooting, and hanged, but was finally liberated unharmed.
There is no man who did more for Kansas in her early struggle than Governor Robinson. He will be remembered as one of the founders of the state and its heroes. In no line has he been more unwavering friendship for our University. It was through him that Amos A. Lawrence gave his first gift for the founding of a college at Lawrence. It was largely through his magnificent gift of land that the institution was located here. He has done more than any other one man in shaping his history. At his death he crowns the work of his life by making the University the heir to his large estate.
I am glad to add this tribute to the memory of a great man, for I count Governor Robinson one of our great men. He will seem greater in the eyes of the next generation than he did in the eyes of his own time. I see an amount of responsibility and devotion to his memory. The people of Kansas will honor themselves in honoring one who had done much for our state. And what shall his memorial be? I have no plan to suggest, but I feel very intensely that a shaft of marble or of bronze would be most unfitting. My father was always kind and would least of all care to be commemorated by idle stone or useless metal. Give him some living moment that not simply perpetuate his name, but perpetuate his work. Let it be some enlargement of the "iniversity he loved so much which should not have been so," so that "though dead, he may yet speak." RICHARD CORDLEY.