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Field (CYRUS WEST an American)

CYRUS WEST, an American capitalist; born in Stockbridge, Mass., Nov. 30, 1819; received a fair CYRUS WEST FIELD education; began the manufacture and sale of paper in 1840, and soon became wealthy. About 1845 he turned his attention to ocean telegraphy. In 1854 the Newfoundland Le Legislature granted him the right for 50 years to land cables between the United States and Europe on that island. He later organized the New York, Newfoundland, and London Telegraph Company, of which Peter Cooper, Moses Taylor, Marshall O.

Roberts, and Chandler White were members. In 1866, after many disappointments and failures, a cable was success- FIELD fully stretched across the ocean (see ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH). For his achievement Congress voted him a gold medal and the thanks of the people. In 1867 the Grand Medal, the highest honor of the Paris Exposition, was bestowed on him. He died in New York City, July 12, 1892.