The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-04-26
THE SUCCESSFUL FEW.
New York Miltionaires and HOW
They MadeTheir Money.

NOW YOfA MtELI0uAhre8 ana nVw
They Made Their Money.
New YORK Correspondent Troy Timesl
A. T. Stewart was an Irishman and
landed in this city with no capital but
his education, which enabled him to
make living by teaching. There were
two peculiarities about Stewart, which
may be mentioned here. He was the
only merchant that entered into success
full trade without going through q clerk
ship, and he was the only leading man
of his day that refused to have his por-
trait taken. Peter Giley was native
Of Copenhagen, and came hither to seek
employment at his trade, which was
piano making. He afterward opened a
cigar shop in the Bowery, which his
wife tended while he still wrought at
his trade. This petty shop led him into
the path Of wealth, and he left an i'm
mense estate. Aaron Arnold, founder
of the great house of Arnold, Constable
& Co., was a native of the Isle of Wight,
and landed here poor adventurer.
Daniel Appleton, founder Of the great
publishing house, came from England,
and was book agent in this city for
several years. Robert Carter, who is
still at the head Of the rich firm OF
R. Carter & Brother, is SeOtchman,
and on his arrival in this city taught
school The secret of the success of
these foreigners is that they bring habits
of industry and economy and get good
start by saving what our American popu-
lation waste. Another Scotchman, but
of different type Of character, was the
senior Bennett, who on his arrival was at
first clerk, and then became an ill-paid
Bohemian. At one time he tried his
hand at lecturing in this city ON book
keeping. The effort failed, and yet the
man became wonderful journalist and
left $9,OOo,000. Perhaps some of the
present crowd of emigrants will also
become the great capitalists Of the Con-
tinent.
Stephen Girard died seventeen years
before John Jacob Astor. He was in
his eighty-second year, and expired in
small building which was cared tor by
housekeeper. His latter days were mis-
erable, and his immense SUCCESS added
but little in the way Of comfort. After
Girarfs death Astor was the greatest OF
Americas capitalists, and held this dis
tinction until his death, which occurred
in 1s4S. Stephen Whitney became
known as q millionaire about the time
that Girard died 1881, J, and for many
years stood next to Aster. He was the
most parsimonious of all American capi-
talists, since, as it is said, he was never
known to do liberal act, and not cent
out of his immense property ESTIMATED
at $4,000, ,000) was devised to charitable
purposes.
Peter Lorillard, of tobacco fame, be-
came leading capitalist in 1885, and
the family has held front rank in this
respect ever since. John Mason was the
first dry goods king this city ever con-
tained. He died in 1842, having been
estimated at round million during the
last seven yearsof his life. James Len
OK did not reach the same financial
standard until 1850. Ex-Governor Nor
gan has been a millionaire since 1862,
and the same statement may be made
concerning A. T. Stewart. Jay Gould
took his place in the same rank ten years
afterw,rd, and so did Russell Sage. Geo.
Jones and Robert Bonner are now our
only millionaire journalists, for Bennett,
though worth more than both of the
above, is not practically member Of
that profession.
He In the heir of immense wealth
which he is spending lavishly for his
own benefit and that Of others. Cor
nelius Vanderbilt was not worth mill
ion when he reached fifty. He had been,
however, preparing the way for rapid
profits, which were thenceforth rapidly
acquired. VIM. Libby, who stands at
the head of the present house Of A. T.
Stewart h Co., failed in business in 1S45,
and then became Stewards clerk. He
was made partner fifteen years ago, and
soon became a millionaire.