Merchant; born in
Waldorf,
Germany, July 17, 1763.
Joining his brother, a dealer in
musical instruments in
London, at the age of sixteen, he remained until he was twenty.
when, with a small stock of furs, he began
business in New York.
He built up a vast fur-trade with the Indians, extending his business to the mouth of
Columbia River, on the
Pacific coast, where he founded the trading station of
Astoria in 1811.
By this and other operations in trade, and by investments in
real estate, he accumulated vast wealth.
He bequeathed $400,000 for establishing a library in the
city of New York, which for many years was known by his name, and now forms a part of the
New York Public Library.
He died in New York City, March 29, 1848.
