MORRIS KETCHUM

See also:

• MORRIS KETCHUM JESUP (1830-1908)

JESUP (1830-1908)  , American banker and philanthropist, was born at Westport, Connecticut, on the 21st of June 1830 . In 1842 he went to New York City, where after some experience in business he established a banking house in 1852 . In 1856 he organized the banking firm of M . K . Jesup & Company, which after two reorganizations became Cuyler, Morgan & Jesup . He became widely known as a financier, retiring from active business in 1884 . He was best known, however, as a munificent patron of scientific research, a large contributor to the needs of education, and a public-spirited citizen of wide interests, who did much for the betterment of social conditions in New York . He contributed largely to the funds for the Arctic expeditions of Commander Robert E . Peary, becoming president of the Peary Arctic Club in 1899 . To the American museum of natural history, in New York City, he gave large sums in his lifetime and bequeathed $1,000,000 . He was president of the New York chamber of commerce from 1899 until 1907, and was the largest subscriber to its new building . To his native town he gave a fine public library .

He died in New York City on the 22nd of

January 1908 .