Charles Wilkes (banker)
Charles Wilkes | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Britain |
| Died | August 28, 1833 (aged 68) |
| Occupation | Banker |
| Years active | c.1782–1832 |
| Known for | First teller and later president of the Bank of New York; Cashier of the New York branch of the First Bank of the United States; trustee of the New York Society Library; treasurer of the New-York Historical Society |
Charles Wilkes (born 30 August 1764 – died 28 August 1833) was an American banker originally from Britain.
Early life
Born to Israel Wilkes III (1722–1805) and Elizabeth de Ponthieu (1726–1802), Wilkes had several notable siblings, including John de Ponthieu Wilkes, who wed Mary Seton, the sister of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, and Frances Wilkes, who became the wife of Lewis Simond in New York in 1809. His father was involved in the business De Ponthieu and Wilkes, collaborating with Josias, Henry, and John de Ponthieu.
His paternal lineage traces back to Israel Wilkes Jr., a distiller, and Sarah Heaton Wilkes. His uncle John Wilkes was a prominent radical journalist and Member of Parliament for Aylesbury and Middlesex, additionally holding positions such as High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, Sheriff of London, and Lord Mayor of London. Through his brother John, Charles was the uncle of Admiral Charles Wilkes and Eliza Wilkes, who married John Vernon Henry. On the maternal side, his grandfather was Josias de Ponthieu, a Huguenot merchant descended from Charles de Ponthieu of Saintonge and Marguerite de La Rochefoucauld. Furthermore, through his uncle Henry de Ponthieu, he was first cousin to John de Ponthieu, MP representing Helston and Westbury.
Career
Around 1782, Wilkes relocated from England to America, reportedly accompanying John Jacob Astor on his journey back from Europe. In 1784, he played a key role in establishing the Bank of New York with Alexander Hamilton, where he initially served as the first teller. By 1794, he had advanced to Cashier of the Bank, succeeding William Seton. Later on, he held the position of Cashier for the New York branch of the First Bank of the United States. After General Matthew Clarkson resigned in 1825, Wilkes was appointed president of the Bank of New York, a position he maintained until 1832.
In addition to his banking career, Wilkes acted as a trustee for the New York Society Library during two periods (1793–1794 and 1798–1824) and was appointed as the inaugural treasurer of the New-York Historical Society, serving from 1805 through 1818.
Personal life
Wilkes married Janet Shaw (1762–1851), daughter of David Shaw, Esq., a gentleman from Scotland, in 1787. The couple maintained a friendship with James Fenimore Cooper. They had four children:
- Charlotte Wilkes (1791–1850), who married Francis Jeffrey, Lord Jeffrey—an MP for Perth Burghs, Malton, and Edinburgh—in 1813.
- Frances Wilkes (1796–1877), who became wife to David Cadwallader Colden, son of Cadwallader David Colden, former Mayor of New York and U.S. Representative.
- Ann Wilkes (1800–1890), who never married.
- Dr. George Wilkes (1801–1876), who wed Harriet King in 1836; she was daughter of U.S. Representative James Gore King.
Wilkes passed away in 1833 and was interred at Trinity Church Cemetery.