Peoria and Bureau Valley Railroad Co. signed by Thomas C. Durant and E.W. Dunham - 1868 or 1869 dated Autograph Railway Stock Certificate

Thomas Clark Durant (February 6, 1820 – October 5, 1885) was a prominent American physician, entrepreneur, and financier. He held the position of vice-president of the Union Pacific Railroad (UP) in 1869 during its historic meeting with the Central Pacific Railroad at Promontory Summit in the Utah Territory. Durant was instrumental in establishing the financial framework that ultimately led to the Crédit Mobilier scandal. His interests extended to the hospitality industry in the Adirondacks, and he was once the owner of the yacht Idler.

Durant played a significant role in the development of railroads in the Midwest. Following the passage of an 1862 act of Congress that established the Union Pacific Railroad, John A. Dix was appointed president, with Durant serving as vice president. He took on the responsibilities of management and fundraising, and with substantial financial resources at his disposal, he was pivotal in securing the 1864 legislation that expanded the railroad's land grants and privileges. Although he initially organized and controlled the Crédit Mobilier of America, he lost authority over the company in 1867 to brothers Oliver and Oakes Ames. Nevertheless, Durant remained on the board of directors of the Union Pacific and vigorously advanced the construction of the railroad until it connected with the Central Pacific Railroad on May 10, 1869. Subsequently, the Ames group arranged for his dismissal.