Dominick Lynch (wine merchant)
Dominick Lynch | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1754 Galway, Ireland |
| Died | 1825-06-05 Westchester County, New York, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Military officer, wine trader, merchant |
| Known for | Founder of Lynchville (now Rome, New York) |
Dominick Lynch (born 1754 in Galway, Ireland – died 5 June 1825) was an Irish-born American military officer and wine trader who amassed his wealth initially in Bruges, Austrian Netherlands before relocating to New York City. He is recognized as the founder of what is now Rome, New York, originally named Lynchville.
Life
A member of the Lynch family, one of the prominent Tribes of Galway, Dominick descended from a lineage that included multiple Galway mayors. The son of James Lynch and Anastatia Joyce, he was well-educated. On 31 August 1780, he wed his cousin Jane Lynch from Dublin. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Bruges to oversee a branch of his father’s enterprise, concentrating on the flax seed trade with Ireland.
The couple had thirteen children; their eldest three, including James, were born in Bruges. Other offspring were Anastatia, Anthony, Dominick, Alexander, Margaret, Jasper, Jane, Henry, Harriet, Louisa, Edward, and William. Margaret's godfather was Daniel Carroll.
Following several years in London, Lynch established residence in New York City starting in 1785. During his initial year there, he contributed to fundraising efforts for St. Peter's Church construction and served as one of its inaugural trustees.
He was involved in the partnership Lynch and Stoughton until its dissolution in 1785 due to internal conflicts that resulted in legal action; Thomas Addis Emmet acted as his legal counsel.
In 1786, Lynch acquired approximately 700 acres near the deserted Fort Stanwix site in upstate New York. By 1796, he had expanded this landholding to nearly 2,000 acres and laid out plans for the village of Lynchville. He established woolen and cotton mills along with a sawmill; streets within the village bore the names of his children.
Dominick and Jane Lynch attended George Washington’s inauguration ball in 1789. In 1797, he purchased a substantial property in Westchester County, New York where he constructed a Flemish-style stone residence that eventually became the Academy of the Sacred Heart for Boys.
His eldest son James pursued a legal career with an office located at Wall Street Court and served as both legislator and judge for Oneida County in New York.
Dominick Lynch II, the fourth child and favored son, was instrumental in introducing Bordeaux wine from Château Margaux to American consumers. He operated retail establishments on William Street and later Pine Street within Manhattan’s Financial District. He is also credited with bringing Grand Opera performances to the United States; notably, in 1825 he engaged Manuel García’s troupe for shows at Park Theatre. A well-known social figure and singer, he accumulated considerable wealth but died insolvent; he maintained a friendship with Washington Irving.
Henry Lynch was active within Wall Street circles.
Dominick Lynch and several family members are buried within the catacombs beneath Old St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan.
He passed away at his mansion in Westchester County on 5 June 1825. His widow Jane lived until 2 July 1849.