Silas Robbins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Silas Robbins
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Phototype from the Progress, June 21, 1890
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| Born | February 14, 1857 |
| Died | September 11, 1916 |
| Cause of death | ... by gunshot to the temple |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
Silas Robbins (born February 14, 1857 – died September 11, 1916) was a very important person in Nebraska's history. He was the first African American to become a lawyer in the state of Nebraska in 1889. He was also the first black person in Omaha, Nebraska to join the Nebraska State Bar Association, which is the official group for lawyers.
Contents
Silas Robbins' Life and Work
Early Career as a Lawyer
Before he worked in Nebraska, Silas Robbins was allowed to practice law in other states. He was approved to be a lawyer in Indiana and Mississippi. This showed his dedication to the legal field.
Running for Office
In 1887, Robbins became the second African American to run for a seat in the Nebraska Legislature. This is the group of people who make laws for the state. He even got support from a big newspaper, the Omaha World-Herald. Even though he didn't win that election, he kept working hard in Omaha.
Making History in Nebraska
Just two years later, in 1889, Silas Robbins made history. He became the first black lawyer allowed to practice law in Nebraska. This happened 16 years after the Nebraska Supreme Court decided that black people could not be stopped from serving on juries. Juries are groups of citizens who help decide court cases.
Inventing a Game
Silas Robbins was also creative! In 1893, he got a special approval, called a patent, from the United States Patent Office. This patent was for a game he invented. He called his game "politics."
Public Service in Omaha
Later, a political group called the Populist Party gained power in Omaha. This party focused on helping regular people. Silas Robbins served the city as the tax commissioner during this time. A tax commissioner is someone in charge of collecting taxes for the city. He held this job from 1900 to 1901 and again from 1903 to 1905.
After his time as tax commissioner, Robbins mostly worked on real estate law. This type of law deals with buying, selling, and owning land and buildings. He was known as one of Omaha's "best known colored attorneys."
See also
