Wayman Crow was born in central Kentucky in 1808. He moved to St. Louis in 1835, investing his holdings in the wholesale trade and later branching into insurance, railroads and real estate. He soon rose to a high position in the business community and even served twice in the state senate. While working in the senate, Crow wrote a charter for an educational institution, which he introduced on February 9, 1853. This charter was for the formation of the Eliot Seminary. The name was changed to Washington Institute of St. Louis in 1854, and O'Fallon Institute in 1855, before finally becoming known as Washington University in 1856.
From the description of Papers, 1836-1992. (Washington University in St. Louis). WorldCat record id: 244292674
