Midas of the Wabash

the long version

"John Purdue (1802-1876) donated his time and money to foster the founding of Indiana's great land-grant university, Purdue University. His contributions went well beyond that, though, contributing his ideas and financial resources to change the face of Lafayette, Indiana by building bridges and railroads and by advancing institutions like the Lafayette Savings Bank, Battle Ground Collegiate Institute, and the Lafayette Public Schools.". "The first full-length study of Mr. Purdue's life and a work that goes beyond casual street talk and rumor, this thorough biography incorporates research efforts by previous writers with facts gleaned from newspaper coverage, official documents, and rare letters from John Purdue himself."--BOOK JACKET.