Gardner Colby
Gardner Colby | |
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| Born | September 3, 1810 Bowdoinham, Maine, United States |
| Died | April 2, 1879 (aged 68) Newton, Massachusetts, United States |
Resting place | Newton Cemetery, Newton, Massachusetts |
| Occupations | Businessman, philanthropist |
| Known for | Textile manufacturing, philanthropy to Colby College, president of Wisconsin Central Railroad |
| Spouse | Mary Low Roberts (m. 1836) |
| Children | Gardner Roberts Colby, Charles Lewis Colby, Henry Francis Colby, others |
| Parent(s) | Josiah C. and Sarah (Davidson) Colby |
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Gardner Colby (September 3, 1810 – April 2, 1879) was an American businessman and philanthropist active in textile manufacturing, railroad development, and Baptist educational institutions in New England. He served as president of the Wisconsin Central Railroad from 1871 to 1878 and became the namesake of Colby College in Waterville, Maine, following his $50,000 donation in 1865.