William Greenleaf Eliot Jr. (1811-1887)

William, one of eight children, graduated from Georgetown in 1831 and three years later finished his education at Harvard University's Divinity School. After moving to St. Louis, Eliot established the First Congregational Church and was ordained pastor of the church. During the Civil War he was appointed a member of the Western Sanitary Commission. He was a large benefactor of educational institutions in St. Louis and co-founded Washington University with his good friend Wayman Crow. Originally named Eliot Seminary, the name was eventually changed to Washington University. Eliot became chancellor in 1871 and was associated with the university for the rest of his life. William Greenleaf Eliot was the grandfather of author T.S. Eliot.

Bio by: Connie Nisinger