Stephen Girard
French-born American banker and major philanthropist who saved the US from bankruptcy.
Chronology: 1750-05-20 – 1831-12-26
Origins & Early Life
Stephen Girard (born Étienne Girard; May 20, 1750 – December 26, 1831) was a French-born American banker and philanthropist. Born in Bordeaux, Girard subsequently immigrated to the Thirteen Colonies where he established himself in the American banking industry. During the War of 1812, Girard single-handedly saved the federal government of the United States from bankruptcy by personally financing the American war effort. Eventually accumulating a large estate which included a slave plantation in Louisiana, Girard was, according to a 2007 article in Fortune Magazine the fourth-richest American in history.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
Having no children, Girard devoted much of his fortune to philanthropy, in particular the education and welfare of orphans, and his estate continues to fund philanthropic endeavors in the present day. == Early life == Girard was born in Bordeaux, France, on May 20, 1750, the son of a sea captain. He lost the sight in his right eye at the age of eight and had little education. In 1760, he travelled to the colony of New York as a cabin boy and stayed there, working in the coastal trader system along the east coast and as far south as the Caribbean. He was licensed as a captain in 1773...
Enduring Legacy & Impact
The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.
Source: Wikipedia