The Man Who Found the Money: John Stewart Kennedy and the Financing of the Western Railroads

John Stewart Kennedy (1830-1909) was a Scots immigrant and rags-to-riches entrepreneur who prospered during the railroad-building, boom-and-bust cycles that characterized America’s westward drive during the last half of the nineteenth century. In a world where many tried and most failed, Kennedy risked and made fortunes as he mobilized the capital to create railroads that still form part of the backbone of America’s transportation network.   
     Rung by rung, Kennedy pulled himself up th…