Stephen Girard
American banker and philanthropist
Died when: 81 years 220 days (979 months)Star Sign: Taurus
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Stephen Girard (May 20, 1750 – December 26, 1831; born Étienne Girard) was a naturalized American citizen, philanthropist, and banker of French origin.He singularly saved the U.S. government from financial collapse during the War of 1812 by personally financing the war, and is known to have been the first multi-millionaire in US history.
He is estimated to have been the fourth richest American of all time, based on the ratio of his fortune to contemporary GDP.
Childless, he devoted much of his fortune to philanthropy, particularly the education and welfare of orphans.His legacy is still felt in his adopted home of Philadelphia and his estate continues to fund philanthropic endeavors to this day.
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