California’s Leland Stanford Junior University was founded by Leland and Jane Stanford in 1885. As reported by Stanford University, the university was built as a memorial to their son Leland Jr., who was overcome with typhoid and died in 1884. The Stanfords’ goal for the university was to provide students with a “nonsectarian, co-educational, and affordable” option for obtaining a higher education.

In its early years, Stanford University suffered a number of setbacks, including the death of Leland Stanford Sr. in 1893. However, his wife Jane assumed her husband’s leadership position and kept the university open despite ongoing financial concerns.

Twelve years after her husband’s death, Jane Stanford was murdered by poisoning. Although there are many details known about the circumstances of her death, it is unclear who actually killed Jane. 

As reported by Stanford Magazine, some sources, including a number of history books, list Stanford’s cause of death as heart failure. However, Stanford physician Robert W.P. Cutler confirmed reports that she was actually killed by strychnine poisoning.

On the evening of January 14, 1905, Jane Stanford was relaxing in her San Francisco home with a glass of Poland Spring mineral water. After a few sips, Stanford realized the water tasted unusual. In an effort to avoid becoming ill, she “induced herself to vomit” and immediately called for help. Stanford’s secretary and her servant each drank a sip of the water and confirmed it had an unusually “bitter” flavor.

Jane Stanford's second poisoning and death

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