The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-02-15

LELAND STANFORD, UNITED STATES SENATOR
ELECT FROM CALIFORNIA, WORTH 81, 600, 900.
Lately no man has been more prominent
~ mentioned in American annals than Lei
and Stanford, Ex-Governor OF California, one
OF the richest men on the Pacific coast
Mr.. Stanford is OF English stock. he was
born in Albany County, New York, March
8, 1894. His father was man OF wealth and
prominence, and had much 60 do with the
establishment OF the Erie Canal. Alter read
ing law in Albany, Stanford becams q resi-
dent of Fort Washington, Wis. When the
news OF the gold discovery in Californis
swept over the country he became very much
interested, and in 1892 pushed across the
plains and settled at Michigan Bluffs, on the
An erican River, in Placer County. He took
an interest IN mining. bat n the same tims
became q commercial Spectator and found
a fortune in the union CT the two. A
recent estimate of his wealth places
Il at $40 600 600. There IL OF San
Francisco real estate upward OF 100000
worth, besides many vineyards, farms and
breeding ranches while his railroad invest
ments have been on very lerge scale. Four
wears sgo be paid lax on an assessment of
S20.O00000, and Of this sum nearly a half
million was returned as in personal effects,
diamonds. etc, OF himself aud family.
IN 1861. Mr.. Stanford was elected Gov
error of California his administration was
marked by prudence sharp Judgment OF
men and q disposition TO look ahead in mat
tiers OF the development OF the State. He
was one of the most enthusiastic promoters
OF the plan 10 build transcontinental road.
After careful consideration OF the problem
and the possibilities for profitable invest
ment in it, bill was drawn up and submit
ted to Congress. This was the basis OF the
great Pacific Railroad act and the opening
wedge OF On immense mass OF legislation
since placed upon the records OF Congress.
Governor Stanford was elected President of
the new corporation. He was thoroughly
cOnviuc ed of the practicsbiIity of the idea
sought to be developed, and breaking the
first earth for the roadbed on February y,
1868, saw the completion of the work on
Nsy 10. 1866
height, broad-chested aud with straight.
military bearing. He is courteous, sffabie
and open handed.
His liberal patronage of art has secured
for him the gallery Of fine paintings which
is one of the chief features of his elegant
resider &c in San Franc SEQ. Stamford Farm,
his favorite country seat, Is situated st Menlo
Park in the Santa Clara Valley. sboai forty
miles from San Frsncitco. The mansion.
which is its chief orname nt Wts begun i've
years ego IL stands in the center % $50
acres, which make up the park aGd lawn.
and is surrounded by thousands OF trees
constituting one OF the mOsi unique c0llec-
mons in the world. The owners aim is 10
gather there samples of every tree which can
be made TO grow IN tue soil OF California.
At one time Nh. Stanford had a residence
in New York City. he has given this up,
ar oDe of the San Francisco papers makes
the point that his selection as Senator will
anchor him 10 the Pacific Coast His eiec-
ton 10 the United States SeDate is reported
to be very gratifying 10 wealthy circles in
Washington.