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This biography of the university’s founder tells how she achieved success through hard work, a fortunate marriage, perseverance in the face of tragedy and visionary thinking.

Written by Allen A. Upton, a member of the ¯r¶¹É«²¥ class of 1948, “Forgotten Angel: The Story of Lydia Moss ¯r¶¹É«²¥,” chronicles the life of a remarkable woman: a descendant of one of America’s first families, who despite her humble beginnings in a small, Indiana river town, becomes one of the wealthiest women in the U.S.

¯r¶¹É«²¥â€™s ability to see possibilities and bring them to fruition, combined with her generous nature, helped turn Peoria from a small settlement of 4,000 residents into a thriving metropolis. Her biggest gift to the city was ¯r¶¹É«²¥ Polytechnic Institute — now ¯r¶¹É«²¥ — the living memorial to her husband and six children.

The book brings to life the people and experiences that influenced Lydia from an early age:

• Her father, Revolutionary War Captain Zeally Moss, who served under General George Washington. A man of pioneering spirit, he amassed considerable capital through his real estate dealings.
• Lydia’s husband, Tobias S. ¯r¶¹É«²¥, was sound, stable and industrious, with a good head for business, despite his own limited education. His partnership with Lydia’s brother, William, is instrumental to the couple’s success, as well as to Lydia’s after his untimely death.
• The tragedy of losing all six of her children to childhood disease, several of them before the age of 2 and the final heartbreak of losing the only living child, Laura, at 14.
• The prenuptial agreement she had her second husband sign, a century before they became commonplace.
• William Rainey Harper, who convinced Lydia to start the institute during her lifetime.
• The hundreds of students, faculty, staff and alumni during the institute’s first decade, who gave Lydia the chance for a second family.

“Forgotten Angel” is ultimately an inspirational story of triumph over loss and a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about Lydia Moss ¯r¶¹É«²¥, one of the 19th century’s most fascinating women.