STEPHEN GIRARD
Name: Stephen Girard
Born: May 20, 1750 Bordeaux, France
Died: December 26, 1831 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Stephen Girard (May 20, 1750–December 26, 1831) was an American philanthropist
and banker.
He was born in Bordeaux, France, and became a sailor at the age of 13. By 1773
he was master and captain of a vessel operating between New York, New Orleans,
and the West Indies. In 1777, as a result of British blockades of seaports
during the American Revolutionary War, he engaged in a mercantile career in
Philadelphia, a city where his business interests could prosper, and his atheism
was not a disadvantage. From 1780 to 1790 he resumed maritime trade with the
West Indies, in partnership with his brother John. He developed a large fleet of
vessels that engaged in worldwide trade. His efficient business practices
enabled him to rapidly build a sizable fortune.
Name: Stephen Girard
Born: May 20, 1750 Bordeaux, France
Died: December 26, 1831 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Stephen Girard (May 20, 1750–December 26, 1831) was an American philanthropist
and banker.
He was born in Bordeaux, France, and became a sailor at the age of 13. By 1773
he was master and captain of a vessel operating between New York, New Orleans,
and the West Indies. In 1777, as a result of British blockades of seaports
during the American Revolutionary War, he engaged in a mercantile career in
Philadelphia, a city where his business interests could prosper, and his atheism
was not a disadvantage. From 1780 to 1790 he resumed maritime trade with the
West Indies, in partnership with his brother John. He developed a large fleet of
vessels that engaged in worldwide trade. His efficient business practices
enabled him to rapidly build a sizable fortune.