Toombs, Robert

(1810-1885), one of the most influential Sece ionists, was graduated at Union College and rose to distinction as a lawyer in Georgia. He served in the Creek War, in the Legislature, and as a State-Rights Whig in Congre from 1845 to 1853. While in Congreas he favored and took part in the compromise measures of 1850. He was U. §. Senator from Georgia 1853-1861. Senator Toombs was one of the most active champions of the slave power, and when the crisis occurred in 1860 he was second to none in energy as a disunionist. He aided powerfully in forcing his State to secede. During the war he was at different times Congre man, Secretary of State, and a brigadier general. Afterward he practiced law, and refused persistently to take the oath of allegiance to the Government. In his last years he devoted himself to a contest with the railroad power. ‘ Topeka, Kan., was founded in 1854, received a city charter in 1857 and became the State capital in 1861. 301