LEVI ROBBINS.

LEVI ROBBINS is one of the most extensive landowners in Woodson County, his realty holdings comprising twenty-three hundred acres. He has made very judicious investments of the capital which he has acquired through his own efforts, and his broad fields are now the visible

and substantial evidence of a useful, active and honorable career.

Mr. Robbins came to Kansas in April, 1870, from Porter County, Indiana, where his birth occurred on the 31st. of March, 1848. His father, S. P. Robbins, was a farmer by occupation and removed from Ohio to the Hoosier state and from Massachusetts to Ohio. He became one of the leading and influential citizens of Porter County, Indiana, was recognized as a leader in public affairs, and for many years served as county commissioner. His opinions carried weight in public councils and his efforts contributed in no small measure to the growth and advancement of the community in which he resided. He was single when he went to Indiana, and there, in 1835, he married Caroline Coe, a native of Ohio, whose father was from Connecticut. Thus she was, like her husband, a representative of an old New England family, his ancestors having come from old England to America prior to the war of the Revolution. Mr. Robbins died in 1889, at the age of eighty years, and his wife died in Indiana, October 19, 1898, at the age of eighty-three. Their children were: Amos, who died in Indiana; Levi; James B., who also died in the Hoosier state; Lewis H., of Porter County, Indiana, and Joseph D., of Mills County, Iowa.

Levi Robbins secured a common school education in the neighborhood of his boyhood's home and received practical training in the work at the farm. About the time he attained his majority the father turned over to his sons the care of the home farm and he became an active factor in its management and operation. Believing that he would have better opportunities in the west he came to Kansas in April, 1870, making the journey westward by rail, and after reaching Woodson County he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land on section four, township twenty-six, range sixteen. With characteristic energy he began the development of his farm and soon wrought a great change in its appearance, its wild lands being transformed into richly cultivated fields. Soon the golden grain filled his barns and sheds and the sales of his products annually increased his financial resources. He then made other purchases, judiciously investing his capital in farm property until he is now one of the most extensive land owners of southeastern Kansas. He resided at his first location until January, 1900, when he removed to his present home on section eighteen, erecting here a handsome residence—one of the most modern in the township, supplied with all the latest improvements and equipments that add to the comfort and enjoyment of life. Throughout the years of his residence in the county he has engaged in the raising, feeding and shipment of stock, and in his pastures are found the best grades of cattle, horses and hogs. All this is but an indication of the unflagging industry which has ever been numbered among his strongest characteristics.

On the 10th. of December, 1873, in Woodson County, was celebrated the marriage which united the destinies of Mr. Robbins and Miss Mary

Scott, a daughter of Elijah Scott, of Missouri. Seven children grace their union: Lillian, Charles D., James C., Frank, Jesse, Pleasant and Riley. The family have a wide acquaintance in the county, and the members of the household occupy an enviable position in the social circles in which they move. Mr. Robbins was reared in the faith of the Republican party. His grandfather was one of the officers of the underground railroad in ante bellum days and with the organization of the party the Robbins became its supporters. The mature judgment of our subject has sanctioned its policy and principles and thus his ballot is cast for its candidates. Such in brief is the life history of one of the popular citizens, and successful farmers of Eminence township—a splendid financier of excellent executive ability and marked enterprise combined with excellent business judgment. He has practically turned over the management of the old home farm of 1,600 acres to the three oldest sons who are rapidly acquiring a reputation as successful farmers and business men and who enjoy a financial reputation second to none in the county.

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