Real Celebrities Never Die!
OR
Search For Past Celebrities Whose Birthday You Share
Died Age: 63
source:wikipedia.org
Mark Hopkins Jr.
Birthday:
03 Sep, 1814
Date of Death:
29 Mar, 1878
Cause of death:
Unknown
Nationality:
American
Famous As:
Treasurer
Age at the time of death:
63
Introduction
Mark Hopkins Jr. was a prominent American businessman who played a key role in the construction of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States.
The Big Four and Railroad Development
He was one of the four investors, known as the Big Four, who founded the Central Pacific Railroad, along with Leland Stanford, Charles Crocker, and Collis Huntington.
Early Life
Hopkins was born in Henderson, New York, on September 3, 1814, to Mark Hopkins and Anastasia Lukens Kellogg, who were first cousins.
Family Background
Hopkins‘s father died when he was a boy, and he moved to St. Clair, Michigan, with his mother and siblings.
Early Career
Hopkins worked as a clerk, a bookkeeper, and a manager for various businesses before forming his own company, the New England Mining and Trading Company, in 1848.
California Gold Rush
He sailed to California in 1849, during the gold rush, and opened a store in Placerville, which failed. He then moved to Sacramento and started a wholesale grocery business with his friend Edward H. Miller.
Central Pacific Railroad
In 1861, he joined forces with Stanford, Crocker, and Huntington to finance the Central Pacific Railroad, which was the western part of the transcontinental railroad project.
Role in the Central Pacific Railroad
Hopkins served as the treasurer and financial manager of the company and was responsible for securing loans, bonds, and contracts. He also oversaw the purchase of land, materials, and equipment.
Business Travels
He traveled frequently between Sacramento, San Francisco, and New York, to supervise the railroad’s operations and negotiate with investors, politicians, and suppliers.
Mark Hopkins Jr.'s Quote's
Marriage and Family
In 1854, he married his first cousin, Mary Frances Sherwood, in New York City. They had no children of their own, but they adopted Timothy Nolan, the son of their housekeeper.
Personal Life and Interests
Hopkins was a frugal and modest man, who preferred to stay out of the public eye. He was also interested in science and technology and collected books and instruments.
Death
Hopkins died on March 29, 1878, at the age of 64 while returning from a trip to New York.
Profile Snapshot
Name:
Mark Hopkins Jr.
Popular Name:
Mark Hopkins Jr.
Gender:
Male
Cause of Death:
Unknown
Spouse:
Mary Frances Sherwood Hopkins
Place of Birth:
Henderson, New York, US
Place of Death:
Yuma, Arizona, US
Occupation / Profession:
Treasurer
Railroad investor
Personality Type
Entrepreneur: Smart, energetic and very perceptive people, who truly enjoy living on the edge. Hopkins had the entrepreneurial spirit and he wasn’t afraid to take risks in life.
Mark Hopkins Jr.'s Interesting Facts
Mark Hopkins co-founded the Central Pacific Railroad, a major western railroad.
He became one of the wealthiest men in California during his time
Hopkins played a key role in building the First Transcontinental Railroad.
Achievements & Awards
He was a well-known business tycoon.
External Links