As a child in Springfield, Robert attended an cademy operated by a man named Abel W. Estabrook (not Esterbrook; the correct spelling was noted by Dr. Wayne C. Temple on p. 42 of the Spring, 2000, edition of the Lincoln Herald). In 1853, Robert enrolled in the Illinois State University (in Springfield) which was a preparatory school with our instructors. Apparently the studies weren't difficult. In Robert's own words, "We did just what pleased us, study consuming only a very small portion of our time." In 1859 Robert applied to Harvard, but he failed its entrance examinations. It was apparent his education in Springfield was quite deficient.