Stephen Girard: The Life and Times of America's First Tycoon

By George Wilson and George Wilson

Book Overview

The Inspiring and Insightful Life of an American Legend

Like a mirror of the young America he thrived in, Stephan Girard (1750-1831) displayed inexhaustible initiative, courage, tenacity, foresight, and compassion. Reflecting his creed of valuing deeds over words, he was in many ways the American Dream personified. George Wilson, a former columnist and editorial writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer, presents the inspiring true story of Girard's epic journey from ship captain to mercantilist to philanthropist-a genuine rags-to-riches tale in which Girard became one of the wealthiest Americans of all time.

Born to a French sea captain, the self-educated Girard went to sea as a cabin boy on a merchant vessel when he was just 14. He later spent several years trading in the West Indies as a ship captain. In 1776, a British naval blockade drove him to dock in Philadelphia. Destitute and in debt, Girard settled there and opened a small store. It was here that his financial acumen and novel business methods shined, and his wealth grew. He sold supplies during the Revolutionary War and founded his own mercantile fleet after the war. By 1807 he'd become America's first millionaire. Girard earned praise and respect for selflessly remaining in Philadelphia to help nurse victims of several yellow fever epidemics, even as most other prominent figures fled.

Despite his extraordinary achievements, Girard faced significant challenges and hardships: born with a deformity that left him blind in one eye he persevered without the aid of family support, and he had the financial and emotional burden of caring for his mentally ill wife. Yet, in the face of these difficulties, he prospered and helped others. Following his death in 1831 most of Girard's vast fortune was left to philanthropic causes, including support for Girard College (initially a school for poor orphan boys) to provide educational opportunity for those in greatest need. Today Stephen Girard is remembered for his generous legacy of humanitarian public service and charity as much as his extraordinary financial success; a shining example of a truly great American. Wilson's Stephen Girard is the definitive biography of Girard's compelling life story.

This book is also available from Echo Point Books as a hardcover (ISBN 1648371558).

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1648371566
• ISBN13: 9781648371561
• Release Date: May 2022
• Publisher: Echo Point Books & Media, LLC
• Length: 402 Pages
• Weight: 1.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A fascinating read on a monumental figure

I live in the Philadelphia area where many places bear Girard's name, and never knew who Stephen Girard is - I'm betting 99% of people don't. I don't want to spoil the read, but suffice it to say I am amazed he is not a household name like his peers Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, ... Girard was an interesting man! The author does an fine job of conveying the life and character of the man, and I would highly recomend this book to anyone who appreciates bipgraphies.