Gardner Colby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gardner Colby
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| Born | September 3, 1810 |
| Died | April 2, 1879 (aged 68) |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Low Roberts |
| Parent(s) | Josiah C. and Sarah (Davidson) Colby |
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Gardner Colby (1810–1879) was an important businessman and a kind person who gave a lot of money to help others. He was especially known for supporting Christian causes. A famous college in Maine, Colby College, is named after him because of his generous gifts.
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Gardner Colby's Early Life
Gardner Colby was born in Bowdoinham, Maine in 1810. He spent some of his childhood in Waterville, Maine. His father, Josiah Colby, sadly passed away in 1814. Josiah had lost his money during the War of 1812. He had worked making gunpowder in Waterville before he died.
To help Gardner's mother, a Baptist minister named Jeremiah Chaplin stepped in. Chaplin was the first President of Waterville College. This college later became Colby College. He helped the Colby family open a store in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
Colby's Business Career
Gardner Colby eventually started his own store in Boston. He became involved in many other businesses. These included railroads, shipping, and manufacturing. He was a very successful businessman.
Helping Others
Colby was a Baptist his whole life. He was very active in many Christian causes. During the Civil War in 1864, Waterville College was having a tough time. Colby made the first of several large donations to the college. Because of his generosity, the college was renamed "Colby University" in his honor.
He served as a trustee for the college from 1864 until he passed away. Many of his family members also became involved with the school. Colby also served as treasurer and gave a lot of money to what is now Andover Newton Theological School. This school was a seminary located near Colby's home in Newton, Massachusetts.
Places Named After Gardner Colby
Several places are named after Gardner Colby to remember his contributions:
- Colby Hall (Newton, Massachusetts)
- Colby Chapel at Andover Newton Theological School
- Colby College
