Across Fortune's Tracks: A Biography of William Rand Kenan Jr.

Title: Across Fortune's Tracks: A Biography of William Rand Kenan Jr. Author: Walter E Campbell ISBN: 9780807822685 Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press Published: 1996 Binding: Hardcover Language: English Condition: Used: Near Fine H 1628073 Publisher Description: William Rand Kenan Jr. (1872-1965) is best remembered throughout his native North Carolina as a major benefactor of his alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. But he was also a gifted scientist and business executive. In this first comprehensive biography, Walter Campbell charts Kenan's achievements in areas as diverse as chemistry, dairy science, media management, and railroad and resort development. While still a student at UNC, Kenan played an important role in the discovery of calcium carbide--the major component in the manufacture of acetylene--which led to the formation of Union Carbi