1824–93, American railroad builder, politician, and philanthropist, b. Watervliet, N.Y. After
   practicing law in Wisconsin, he went (1852) to California, where he became a successful merchant.
   He served as governor (1861–63) of California and was one of the four founders of the Central
   Pacific RR. He was its president until his death, and he personally served as superintendent during
   part of its construction. He was also president (1885–90) of the Southern Pacific RR. From 1885
   to his death he was a U.S. Senator. He founded and endowed Stanford Univ. as a memorial to his
   son, Leland Stanford, Jr. His wife, Jane Lathrop Stanford, 1825–1905, b. Albany, N.Y., shared
   in founding the university and continued to aid it after her husband’s death.

Nagel, Gunther, Iron Will: The Life and Letters of Jane Lathrop Stanford , 2nd ed. (Stanford: Stanford Alumni
    Association, 1985), 224 pp.

        As yet the only biography of Jane Stanford, this work evolved from the story told in Mrs. Stanford's
        correspondence. Though a sentimental account, it offers Mrs. Stanford's views and experiences in her own
        words.