Asa Packer
#232888 Most Popular
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.
