The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1885-02-18

LELAND STANFORD, UNITED STATES SENATOR
ELECT FROM CALIFORNIA, WORTH SIS, 000, 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
g. 1924. His father was a man of wealth and
prominence, and had much to do with the
establishment OF the Erie Canal. After res /
ing law in Albany, Stanford became q resi-
dent Of Fort Washington, Wis. When the
news of the gold discovery in California
swept over the country he became very much
interested, and in 1852 pushed across the
plains and settled st Michigan Bluffs, on the
American River, in Placer County. He took
an interest in mining, but at the same time
became q comm erclai sueculator and found
fortune in the union OF the two. a
recent estimate of his wealth places
it at SO, 900. 900. There is of San
Francisco real estate upward OF s., 600, 900
worth, besides many vineyards, farms and
breeding ranches, while his railroad invest
ments have been on very lerge scale. Four
wears ago he paid a tax on an assessment of
I
million was returned as in personal effects,
diamonds, ETC., of himself and family.
In 1861, Mr.. Stanford was elected Gov
ernor 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 to build transcontinentsl road
After careful consideration of the problem
and the possibilities for profitable invest.
ment IN 1t, bill was drawn up and submit
ted 10 Congress. This was the basis of the
/ great Pacific Railroad act and the opening
/ wedge of an immense mass of legislation
| since placed upon the records of Congress.
| Governor Stanford was elected President of
/ the new corporation. He was thoroughly
convinced OF the practicabllity of the idea
! sought to be developed, and breaking the
! fret earth for the roadbed on February %
1868, saw the completion of the WORK on
| May 10. 1866
Senator elect Stanford is above the usual
height, broad chested and with straight
military bearing. He is courteous, affabe
| and open hauded.
His liberal patronage of art has secured
for him the gallery of fine paintings which
! is one Of the chief features of his elegant
residen &c in San francisco. Stanford Farm
his favohte country seat, is situated st Menlo
Park, in the Santa Clara Valley, about forty
miles from San Francisco. The mansion,
which is its chief orname Mt, was begun five
years sgo. 1t stands in the center of IS
acres. which make up the park and lawn,
and is surrounded by thousands of trees,
constituting one OF the most unique collec-
tons in the world. The owners aim is to
gather here samples of every tree which can
be made TO grow in the soil of California.
At one time Mr.. Stanford had O residence
in New York City. He has given this up,
ard one of the San Francisco papers makes
the point that his selection as Senator will
anchor him to the Pacific Coast His cleo.
| ton TO the United States Senate is reported
to he very gratifying to wealthy circles in
| Washington.