The New York Central Rail Road Company Signed by Corning, 1853
The New York Central Rail Road Company, 1853; No 379. Signed by Erastus Corning as President.
Erastus Corning I (December 14, 1794 – April 9, 1872) was an American businessman and politician. The City of Corning was named for Erastus Corning, an Albany entrepreneur who probably never visited the city. His business interests were in iron works, railroads, merchandising, insurance, banking, and land development across the young United States. He very skillfully integrated his various businesses to create prosperous enterprises and great wealth. He was also involved in politics at every level which helped to leverage his business opportunities.
Erastus Corning is most known for leading the merger of 8 railroads to form the New York Central Railroad in 1853. For 12 years he was president of the railroad which was eventually purchased by Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1867.