Gottlieb Abrahamson Gedalia
Gottlieb Hartvig Abrahamson Gedalia | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Died | March 10, 1892 (aged 75) |
| Occupation(s) | Financier, banker |
| Known for | Co-founder of Landmandsbanken |
Gottlieb Hartvig Abrahamson Gedalia (13 April 1816 – 10 March 1892) was a Danish Jewish financier and one of the founders of Landmandsbanken. He owned the property situated at the intersection of Højbro Plads and Gammel Strand in Copenhagen. In 1875, he faced bankruptcy.
Early life and education
Born in Copenhagen, Gedalia was the son of merchant Hartvig Abrahamson Gedalia (circa 1778–1858) and Henriette Nathan Jacobsen (1785–1863). His lineage included both a great-grandfather and grandfather who served as chief rabbis for Copenhagen’s Jewish community. Initially trained as a saddler, Gedalia spent several years working as a journeyman before turning his attention toward finance.
Career
Gedalia began supplementing his earnings by trading shares and bonds, quickly revealing considerable aptitude in this area. In May 1849, he established Gedalia & Co. located at Højbro Plads and Gammel Strand. Despite being known for his vanity and occasional lack of tact, he was a prominent figure in Copenhagen’s social scene and frequently appeared in satirical publications, while also being noted for his generosity.
His company grew to become one of Denmark’s leading financial firms, earning confidence both nationally and abroad. In 1866, Gedalia was appointed Portuguese Consul General, and in 1870 he received a baronial title from San Marino. During this period, he also participated in diplomatic negotiations, including talks with Spain involving Prince Hans.
In the 1850s, Gedalia intended to launch a significant private bank but delayed these plans due to competition from C. F. Tietgen’s Privatbanken. Eventually, in 1871, he co-founded Landmandsbanken, naming former employee Isak Glückstadt as its director.
Throughout the early 1870s, Gedalia invested heavily in infrastructure projects such as the (Ålborg-Hjørring-Frederikshavn railway and enhancements to regional ports, which generated considerable profits. Nonetheless, financial setbacks stemming from the North-West Railway venture contributed to his economic downfall. After unsuccessful attempts to obtain support from Privatbanken, he declared bankruptcy in 1875 and briefly relocated to the United States before returning to Denmark.
With financial backing from friends through loans, Gedalia resumed banking activities; however, he never recaptured his former prominence. Excluded from stock exchange membership, his later years were marked by hardship and unmet ambitions.
Personal life
On 3 December 1842, Gedalia wed Helene (Rebekka) Cathrine Lundquist (1819–1888), daughter of master klein smith Peter Lundqvist (circa 1774–1845) and Maren Rebekka Lind (circa 1781–1826).
He was affiliated with the Royal Copenhagen Shooting Society. Gedalia passed away on 10 March 1892 and was interred at Copenhagen’s Jewish Western Cemetery.
Further reading
- Werner, Johannes: Gedalia og hans forfædre