Railroad Magnate. Born in Barnard, Vermont, he was noted as one of the most influential individuals of New York’s railroad service. In 1842, He established a commission transportation business  and became a director in the Utica and Buffalo Railroad Company. With the establishment of the New York Central Railroad Company in 1853, he was chosen the first vice-president of the company. He went on to be president of New York Central Railroad Company, (1864-66). In position he set guide lines for freighter and passenger train service, plus was responsible for the standardized size of railroad tracks, used on all railroads to date. He also served as chairman of the New York Democratic State Committee from 1857 to his death at age 62 in New York City. (bio by: John “J-Cat” Griffith)