History of Newton Center, (Middlesex County) Massachusetts United States of America

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Gardner Colby, philanthropist, was born in Bowdoinham, Maine, Sept. 3, 1810; son of Josiah C. and Sarah (Davidson) Colby. His father died poor when Gardner was quite young, and his mother, to meet the wants of her children, removed to Charlestown, Mass. Gardner secured a fair education and engaged in mercantile pursuits in Boston in 1830. He was interested in various enterprises, including the china trade, real estate and manufacturing woolen goods. He gained a large fortune, principally through the sale of woolens during the civil war, and through the rapid rise in Boston "South Cove" lands. He was elected in 1870 president of the Wisconsin central railroad and built a line of 340 miles of railway, penetrating the forests of the state. During his lifetime, even when a clerk, he was a systematic contributor from his earnings to philanthropic causes. Brown university, the Baptist missionary union, Waterville college and Newton theological institution were his most conspicuous beneficiaries, and Waterville college became Colby university in acknowledgment of his princely gifts at a time of desperate need. He was treasurer of Newton theological institution, 1844-68; president of the board of trustees, 1870-79; a trustee, 1843-79; and trustee of Colby university, 1865-79. His son, Henry Francis Colby, born in 1842, was graduated from Brown in 1862, became a Baptist clergyman, and was elected president of the board of trustees of Denison university in 1890. Gardner Colby died in Newton Centre, Mass., April 2, 1879.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Newton Center, (Middlesex County) Massachusetts

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