Stephen Girard

Stephen Girard (May 20, 1750 – December 26, 1831; born Étienne Girard, was a naturalized American philanthropist, banker, and slave owner of French origin. He personally saved the U.S. government from financial collapse during the War of 1812, and became one of the wealthiest people in America, 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.