Stephen Girard Biography

Stephen Girard

merchant, financier, philanthropist
Born: 5/20/1750
Birthplace: Bordeaux, France

He captained ships and settled in Philadelphia in 1776 to become a successful merchant and started his own bank. Loaned money to the United States to finance the War of 1812, and donated millions to found Girard College in Philadelphia.

Died: 12/26/1831