Robert College, the first American educational institution…
September 1863 CE
Today the oldest American school still in existence in its original location outside the United States, Robert College is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools.
Christopher Robert was born on March 23, 1802 in Brookhaven, Long Island, New York.
His mother was Mary Tangier Smith (1763-1829) and father, Dr. Daniel Robert III (1742-1804).
He served five years as a shipping clerk in New York City before starting business for himself in New Orleans.
Robert, whose business is "the buying and selling of merchandise and the refining of sugar" had come into contact with the American Home Missionary Society in about 1829, when he asked them to provide a minister for a mining settlement in Galena.
This began an association that will last or nearly forty years during, which time he is a supporter, counselor and treasurer.
He also provides bursaries for many theological students and funds Beloit, Lookout Mountain and Hamilton colleges and a seminary at Auburn.
In 1856 Robert had met Cyrus Hamlin when visiting Istanbul.
From this meeting came the founding of the Robert College with the financial backing of Robert and others
Robert, who remained the senior partner in Robert & Williams until he retired in 1862, is also stockholder in the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad.
In 1857 the then president, George Dwight Phelps, had accused several of the managers and the treasurer of conflicts of interest.
In particular this concerned contract made between them and the Central Railroad of New Jersey.
Robert had been appointed to investigate the matter and had come into conflict with Phelps, who later resigned.
In 1858 Robert was appointed the President of the rail road and has remained so until his retirement in 1863.
He leaves provision in his will for the support of the College.
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