The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1933-12-01
INDUSTRIAL Chief
AND BANKER HELPED
:, BUILD BIG EMPIRE
In Company With Brother RuI.
ed Over Far.FIung Bust
ness Enterprises
HAD MANY PHlLANTHRoPIEs
Donated Money to Research
Work and Helped to Found
Big University

Ion. president of the Mellon National
bank and brother Of Andrew Mellon.
died Friday at hesage of IS.
The millionaire banker and
philanthropist had been in failing
health for month and last Wednes-
day his condition took turn for the
worse.
Richard Beatty Mellon, younger
brother Of the former secretary Of
the treasury, helped to build the vast
Mellon business empire centered
around Pittsburgh and though always
quiet and unaSsuming was prominent
in philanthropic circles.
His last appearance in the public
was Just three weeks ago, when he
: asked the federal government to re-
examine his income tax report for
1880. A payment of $18,95l was In dis
pute. The petition disclosed that the
banker had an income Of $3,598,93l for
the year in question.
Had Many Interests
Richard Beatty Mellon was q men,
Der Of the noted family Of business
men and financiers whose activities
were known In all parts OF the world.
Like his brother. Andrew w. Mellon,
secretary OF the treasury under Presi-
dents Harding and Coolidge. he was a
banker. but his interests reached out
in many directions. taking In business.
civic, railroad educational, humane
tartan and other projects. +
Throughout his active life. Richard
Mellon held to his fathers theory of
banking-extension of financial aid
to industrial. mining and commercial
projects. OF quiet, reserved man
ner. he never sought public position,
but Pittsburgh as whole knew of
the burdens he shouldered and credit
ed him with responsibility for the pros
perity Of many Of the industrial and
mining projects Of the district.
Born in Pittsburgh on March 10,
1858. Mr.. Melons interests centered in
that city for the most part.
His first business venture was out
side banking circles, for he turned
his attentions to the lumber industry.
Soon hearing the call of the banking
world, however. he entered the firm
Of T. Mellon & Sons from which grew
the present Mellon National bank.
During his early years as q banker he
took q leading hand In the construc-
ton Of the Ligonier Valley railroad.
Supported Researches
Sensing the importance Of research
In industries, Richard and Andrew
Mellon founded the Mellon Institute
of Industrial Research. Their educa-
tional activities extended also to the
University Of Pittsburgh which, with
the Mellon support, grew into one Of
the greatest universities Of the day.
Richard supported also many denomi-
national and civic bodies.
When his brother Andrew became
secretary Of the treasury, Richard took
over active control Of the Mellon in
terests. He was president Of the Mel
Ion National bank, was identified with
other financial institutions Of Pitts
burgh, and was a director Of the Guar
anty Trust company Of New York and
Of the Federal Reserve bank Of Cleve-
land.
He was closely identified as an exec
utive with many OF America, S foremost
industries, including the Aluminium
Company Of America, the Standard
Steel Car company. the Pittsburgh
Plate Glass company. the Westing-
house Electric and Manufacturing
company. the Gulf Oil corporation and
the Pittsburgh Coal company.
MIR. Mellon was member Of the
leading clubs Of Pittsburgh, New York
and Washington, and maintained
homes In Pittsburgh and Watch Hill,
r. I.
In 1897 he married Miss Jennie
King. They had two children, Rich
ard Mellon and Sarah Cordelia Mel
Ion.