Sara Tappan Doolittle Robinson facts for kids
Sara Tappan Doolittle Robinson (born Lawrence) was an important American writer and historian. She was the first First Lady of Kansas from 1861 to 1863. She was married to Charles L. Robinson, who was the first Governor of Kansas. Sara Robinson is best known for her book, Kansas: its interior and exterior life. This book was written in 1856 and was very important for its time.
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Her Life Story
Sara was born in Belchertown, Massachusetts, on July 12, 1827. She was the oldest daughter of Myron and Clarissa Lawrence. She went to school in Belchertown and also studied at the New Salem Academy.
While she was in school, Sara had an accident. She hurt her spine, which caused her to temporarily lose her eyesight. Dr. Charles Robinson, who later became the Governor, was a doctor in Belchertown. He met Miss Lawrence and helped her get well. They got married on October 30, 1851.
Sara Robinson was a member of the Betty Washington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.). This group helps preserve American history. She also helped young women study science. She created a special research spot for them at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.
Sara also made the first donation to help mark the Santa Fe Trail. This was an important path for trade and travel in early American history. Sara and Charles Robinson did not have any children. She lived in the Sunflower State from its very beginning. She passed away in Lawrence, Kansas, at her home called "Oakridge" in 1911.
The Robinsons left their property, worth about $200,000, to the University of Kansas. Their personal papers, from 1834 to 1911, are kept at the Kansas State Historical Society.
Her Important Writings
Sara T. D. Robinson wrote important books about Kansas. Her most famous book is:
- Kansas; its interior and exterior life. Including a full view of its settlement, political history, social life, climate, soil, productions, scenery, etc. (1856)
This book tells the story of Kansas. It covers how the state was settled, its political history, and what life was like there. It also describes the climate, soil, and scenery. This book was very important for understanding Kansas during its early years.
