Cobb, Silas B
pioneer, merchant, philanthropist, was born Jan. 23, 1812, in Montpelier, Vt. For years he was the controlling spirit in the Chicago and Galena railroad, now the Chicago and North Western, and in the Beloit and Madison railroad. When the new university of Chicago sought to secure $1,000,000 for its buildings, Mr. Cobb came forward at the critical moment and gave $150,000, which assured the success of the undertaking.
The Cobb Lecture hall now stands on the university campus, a monument to his liberality, and the university is pledged to replace it, should it ever be destroyed.