Field, Cyrus W. (Cyrus West), 1819-1892

Variant names
Dates:
Birth 1819-10-20
Death 1892-07-12

Biographical notes:

Cyrus West Field (1819-1892) was a merchant and capitalist who promoted the laying of the first Atlantic cable linking the U.S. with Europe. He formed a company to build cable communications between Newfoundland and Ireland, helped establish elevated trains in New York City, and participated in the development of the Wabash Railroad. Other business ventures included ownership of a New York newspaper, the Mail and Express.

From the description of Cyrus W. Field papers, 1831-1905, bulk (1880-1890). (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 122346221

From the guide to the Cyrus W. Field papers, 1831-1905, 1880-1890, (The New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division.)

Merchant.

From the description of Cyrus W. Field papers, 1858-1886. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 79456055

American financier and promoter of the transatlantic cable.

From the description of Autograph letter signed : New York, to Benjamin Silliman, 1861 Dec. 31. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 541041045

From the description of Autograph draft of an address : [New York], [1858 Sept. 1]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 527737245

From the description of Copy of an autograph note signed : New York, to Tiffany & Co., 1858 Aug. 21. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 547103340

From the description of Diary written on board the steamship Great Eastern : autograph manuscript signed, 1866 June 30-Sept. 8. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 549315693

From the description of Autograph letter signed : London, to his "dear, dear children," 1855 Feb. 25. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 527805811

From the description of Autograph letter signed : New York, to Edward L. Burlingame, 1871 Oct. 26. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 541026878

American financier.

From the description of Autograph letter signed : New York, NY, to General Albert J. Myer, 1877 Oct. 22. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270526157

Cyrus Field was an American businessman, entrepreneur, and visionary. He left school at age fifteen to work as a stockboy, and soon became partner in a paper manufacturing company; he was able to retire at forty, a wealthy man. He then spearheaded an effort to lay telegraph cable across the Atlantic Ocean. Although an initial success was short-lived, Field's determination and leadership eventually allowed him to realize his vision.

From the description of Cyrus Field letter to Gentlemen, 1866 Nov. 13. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 53432456

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Subjects:

  • Aqueducts
  • Aqueducts
  • Businessmen
  • Cables, Submarine
  • Estates, (Law)
  • Government purchasing
  • Newspapers
  • Newspapers
  • Railroad companies
  • Railroads, Elevated
  • Railroads, Elevated
  • Telegraph
  • Transatlantic cables
  • Transportation
  • Transportation

Occupations:

  • Capitalists and financiers
  • Merchants

Places:

  • United States (as recorded)
  • New York (N.Y.) (as recorded)
  • United States (as recorded)
  • United States (as recorded)
  • New York (State) (as recorded)
  • Croton Aqueduct (N.Y.) (as recorded)
  • Croton Aqueduct (N.Y.) (as recorded)

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