James S. Rollins

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

James Sidney Rollins (April 19, 1812 – January 9, 1888) was a nineteenth century politician and lawyer from Missouri.

Born in Richmond, Kentucky, Rollins completed preparatory studies, attended Centre College and graduated from the Indiana University in 1830. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1834, commencing practice in Columbia, Missouri. In Columbia he became involved in the founding of the University of Missouri because of his efforts he is often known as the "Father of the University." He served as a Major (United States) in the Black Hawk War, was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from 1838 to 1840 and was a delegate to the Whig National Convention in 1844. Rollins served in the Missouri Senate from 1846 to 1848, was an unsuccessful candidate for Governor of Missouri in 1848 and was again a member of the Missouri House of Representatives in 1854. He was again an unsuccessful candidate for Governor of Missouri in 1857 and was elected a Constitutional Unionist to the United States House of Representatives in 1860, reelected a Unionist in 1862, serving from 1861 to 1865. During the lame-duck session of the 38th Congress, Rollins changed his vote to support of the Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery. Afterwards, Rollins resumed practicing law, was a delegate to the National Union Convention in 1866, was, once again, a member of the Missouri House of Representatives in 1867 and was president of the board of curators of the University of Missouri from 1869 to 1886. He died in Columbia, Missouri on January 9, 1888 and was interned in Columbia Cemetery in Columbia.

[edit] External links

Preceded by Thomas L. Anderson	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri's 2nd congressional district March 4, 1861 – March 3, 1863	Succeeded by Henry T. Blow
Preceded by (none)	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri's 9th congressional district March 4, 1863 – March 3, 1865	Succeeded by George W. Anderson