Wicked Words - A True Crime Talk Show with Kate Winkler Dawson Wicked Words - Richard White: Who Killed Jane Stanford?
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Jul 24, 2023 Richard White, an author and Stanford Professor, discusses the troubled legacy and mysterious death of Jane Stanford, co-founder of Stanford University. Topics covered include the complicated history of Jane Stanford, the financial challenges faced by Stanford University, proposed reforms that threatened the survival of the university, a near miss with poisoned water, the aftermath of Jane Stanford's death, and the hidden secrets of her life.
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Jane Stanford's Rise to Riches
- Jane Stanford, from modest beginnings, married Leland Stanford Sr., a lawyer who found success in California through the Central Pacific Railroad.
- Their wealth grew through borrowed money and government subsidies, mirroring modern Silicon Valley stories.
The Stanfords' Contradictions
- The Stanfords, despite their ambition and ideals, were full of contradictions.
- Jane, a feminist, later opposed women at Stanford; Leland, a self-proclaimed self-made man, built his wealth on government loans and exploiting stockholders.
Public Resentment towards the Stanfords
- The Stanfords faced increasing resentment as their wealth was seen as coming at the expense of California's growth.
- Leland's involvement in politics and his control over the railroad fueled public perception of him as a corrupt monopolist.