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Dromo's Den
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[Up] [Dromo's Den] Lelend Stanford Biography STANFORD, LELAND (1824-93). An American capitalist and patron of education. He was born at Watervliet, N. Y. In 1849 he removed to Wisconsin and for a time practiced law in Port Washington. In 1856 he established a commercial business in San Francisco. He was elected Governor of California on the Republican ticket in 1861. In the same year he became president of the new Central Pacific Railway Company, and, repairing to Washington, successfully urged upon Congress the passage of a bill granting government aid to the project. In the construction of the road he personally undertook the responsibility and supervision of that part of the road crossing the ridge of the Sierra Nevada, Mountains, and as a result 530 miles of mountain road were constructed in 293 days. The road was completed in 1869. Stanford was elected United States Senator in 1884 and in 1890. He founded Leland Stanford Junior University (q.v.) at Palo Alto, California, as a memorial to his son. His wife, JANE LELAND STANFORD (18251905), was born at Albany, N. Y., and was married in 1850 to Mr. Stanford. She devoted herself largely to the development of Stanford University, particularly in connection with its notable architectural scheme. She also established a system of kindergarten schools in San Francisco, and a children's home at Albany, N. Y. She died at Honolulu. The New International Encyclopaedia Vol. XXI. (New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1920) 446-447. |