biography
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (1816–90)
|
| biography:
| Banker and art collector, born in Alzei, Germany. He began his career sweeping the Rothschild's offices in Frankfurt when he was 14. Showing a talent for finance, he was transferred to Naples and then to Havana to manage the Rothschild branches, but he saw better opportunities in the USA and in 1837 he established what soon became the highly successful August Belmont & Company on Wall Street, with the Rothschilds as his first clients. He became a US citizen, married the daughter of Matthew Perry, and became active in the Democratic Party. Although of Jewish descent, he was accepted into New York society due to his charm and wealth. During 1844–50 he served as US consul-general for Austria, and President Franklin Pierce appointed him ambassador to the Netherlands (1853–7). Although a Democrat, he opposed slavery, and during the Civil War used his influence to obtain support for the Union. He had been a knowledgeable admirer of art since his youth and he acquired a large collection (auctioned off after his death). He also liked horses and racing, and New York's Belmont Park was named to honour his years as president of the American Jockey Club. |
|
|
