Van Horne, Sir William Cornelius (1843-1915), was a railroad executive. He became, in turn, general manager, vice president, and president of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Van Horne's forcefulness contributed to the prompt construction of that railroad, which was completed in 1885. His executive skill enabled the company to pull through its difficult early years. He was born near Joliet, Illinois, on Feb. 3, 1843, and he died on Sept. 11, 1915.