Asa Packer

Entrepreneur

Birthday December 29, 1805

Birth Sign Capricorn

Birthplace Connecticut

DEATH DATE May 17, 1879 (73)

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About

Pioneer of railroad construction who established Lehigh University.

Before Fame

He was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1841 until 1842. He also served in the U.S. House of Representatives for two terms.

Trivia

He donated 115 acres of land for Lehigh University, which was tuition-free for its first 26 years.

Family Life

He worked as a carpenter's apprentice with his cousin Edward. He had seven children with his wife Sarah Minerva Blakslee.

Associated With

He was born in the same year as Joseph Smith.