James Gallatin
James Gallatin | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age |
| Died | May 29, 1876 (aged 79) |
| Occupation | Banker |
| Known for | President of Gallatin National Bank (1839–1868) |
James Gallatin (December 18, 1796 – May 29, 1876) was a prominent American banker and the son of Albert Gallatin, who served as the fourth U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and was a distinguished diplomat.
Early life
As the firstborn among six siblings, James was the child of Albert Gallatin and Hannah (Nicholson) Gallatin. His father also held positions as U.S. Ambassador to both the United Kingdom and France. Among his brothers and sisters was Frances, who married Byam Kerby Stevens, thereby connecting the Gallatin family to notable military leaders. The family's origins trace back to Geneva, Switzerland, and through his mother’s lineage, James had ties to influential figures in the American naval establishment.
Career
James supported his father as a personal secretary during the diplomatic efforts that led to the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, which concluded the War of 1812. While residing in France during Napoleon’s brief return from Elba, James recorded encounters with members of French aristocracy and artists; notably, he posed as a model for Jacques-Louis David’s artwork l'Amour et Psyche.
In 1839, James took over the presidency of the Gallatin National Bank from his father and managed its affairs until he stepped down in 1868. Following his retirement, he moved to Paris.
Published journal
The journal James kept during the 1814-15 diplomatic mission was published in Scribner's Magazine in September 1914, offering insights into the negotiations and disputes between American and British representatives. Nevertheless, historians such as Raymond Walters have questioned the authenticity of this diary, highlighting that no original manuscript has been authenticated beyond James Gallatin himself.
Personal life
In April 1834, after choosing not to marry Eliza Astor—the youngest daughter of John Jacob Astor—James wed Josephine Mary Pascault (1801–1885), daughter of Louis Pascault, Marquis de Poleon, known for constructing Pascault Row in Baltimore. Josephine’s sisters also married notable individuals: Henriette became the wife of French General Jean-Jacques Reubell, and Eleanora married General Columbus O'Donnell of Baltimore.
The couple had two sons:
- Albert Gallatin II (1825–1858), who married Henrietta Duer Robinson, herself a descendant of Continental Congressman William Duer and daughter of businessman Morris Robinson.
- Andrew Gallatin (born 1826), who died in childhood.
James referred to himself as Count Gallatin, though this noble title was contested; within his family, he earned the nickname "bad Jimmy."
He passed away on May 29, 1876, in Paris. His widow died there in 1885.