Holliday, Cyrus Kurtz, 1826-1900

Railroad founder, investor, banker; of Topeka, Kan.

From the description of C.K. Holliday scrapbook and letters [microform], 1864-1875 [i.e. 1927] (bulk 1864-1883). (Kansas State Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 55871900

Cyrus K. Holliday (1826-1900), promoter and railroad builder, graduated from Allegheny College in 1852 and moved to Kansas, where he founded the city of Topeka and succeeded in having it declared the territorial capital. Holliday secured the charter for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, which was organized in 1860. He was elected its first president and was director until the time of his death. Holliday was a leader in Republican politics, served in the Kansas state legislature, and was active in many business enterprises.

From the description of Papers of Cyrus Kurtz Holliday, 1854-1883. (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 228721069

Cyrus K. Holliday (April 3, 1826 – March 29, 1900) The son of David and Mary (Kennedy) Holliday, he was born in Kidderminster, PA. He was the first president of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway and a railroad director for nearly 40 years. He became involved with railway companies in Meadville PA. After earning a law degree from Allegheny College, he prepared legal documentation for a new railroad line in exchange for a partnership in the railroad.

He married Mary Dillon Jones. They had two children, Lillie and Charles King. In 1854 Holliday travelled ahead of his family and settled in Kansas. He is most well known as one of the founders of Topeka, Kansas.

In 1855 Holliday received the honorary title of Colonel for his role in the Wakarusa War. He served in the state Senate in 1861 and was Adjutant General of Kansas during the Civil War. Holliday is buried in Topeka Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas.

From the guide to the Cyrus K. Holliday Papers, 1854-1934, (University of Kansas Kenneth Spencer Research Library Kansas Collection)