A convention met in Topeka in October, 1855, and completed on the 11th of November the draft of a constitution which prohibited slavery.

On the 15th of December the constitution was approved by a practically unanimous vote, only free-state men taking part in the election.

A month later a Legislature was elected and at the same time Charles Robinson was elected Governor of the new commonwealth.

In the previous October, Reeder had been chosen Free-soil delegate to Congress.

The Topeka freestate Legislature met on the 4th of March, 1856, and after petitioning Congress to admit Kansas under the Topeka constitution, adjourned until the 4th of July pending the action of Congress.