Thinking back to the Revolutionary times in early America, a couple things come to the common citizen’s mind. There’s the war against the evil lobster backs, Paul Revere, Boston Tea Party, Declaration of Independence, fireworks, and all that good stuff. When we are asked of the men who help build up America, the first names to come to mind are those of the Founding Fathers, of course, or all the other men who signed the Declaration of Independence. When we think of great historical figures we turn our thoughts to those such as John F Kennedy, Thomas Edison, or Ben Franklin. As for our general list of famous businessmen, we’ll put down Vanderbilt, Gates, and Carnegie. All of these men are well known for their successes and their contributions…show more content… Stephen Girard’s impeccable character, as displayed through his actions and investments, helped contribute to rock solid stability of the United States. Since the moment of his arrival to America, Girard incessantly worked hard, willingly aided his government, and generously gave back to those in need. “When I arise in the day, my only effort is to labor so hard during the day, that when the night comes I may be enabled to sleep soundly.” Stephen Girard was a hard worker, and started at a very young age. Girard dipped into several areas of profession throughout his lifetime, ranging from farmer to banker, however it was his mercantile experiences that served as the base of his profitable career. At the age of fourteen, Stephen Girard headed for the high seas. Going back and forth between St. Domingo and the French West Indian possessions, he observed the actions of the businessmen around him. Young Stephen studied the general mercantile operations, specifically focusing on the products of each island, the habits of its people, and their methods of buying…show more content… He gave generously through his lifetime, and, in spirit, he continues to give to people he will never meet. In December of 1831, a short while after being run over by a horse drawn carriage, Stephen Girard died. The death of the 81 year old business mogul came as a shock to many people. Most surprising to accompany his death, was large size of his estate and the provisions of his will. Girard had bequeathed nearly his entire estate to charity, which was unheard of at the time. In a letter from a church in France requesting Girard’s help, he was reminded "benevolence is the only treasure which the rich man can take with him to the grave." There is much evidence that shows his donations to charities were much more extensive than he is noted for. Although Stephen Girard was not religious, he gave money freely when asked for the erection of churches and other Christian institutions. In his will, Girard left a generous amount of his fortune for the benefit of his fellow citizens. In addition to people who worked for him, the hospital for the sick, the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, the Orphan's Asylum, the Philadelphia Masonic Fraternity, the Public Schools, and the City of Philadelphia, all received a share of the estate. A great amount was left to the City of Philadelphia for internal improvements and the establishment of a better police system. The bulk of his charitable funds were set aside for the
