Leonard Lewisohn (philanthropist)
Leonard Lewisohn | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Hamburg, Germany |
| Died | March 5, 1902 (aged 54) |
| Occupation(s) | Merchant, philanthropist |
| Known for | President of the United Metals Selling Company; philanthropy including support for Jewish Theological Seminary of America and Montefiore Sanatorium |
Leonard Lewisohn (October 10, 1847 – March 5, 1902) was a prominent American merchant and philanthropist.
Biography
Leonard was born in Hamburg, Germany, to Jewish parents Julie and Samuel Lewisohn. In 1863, he and his brother Julius were dispatched to the United States to act on behalf of their father's business. Their younger sibling, Adolph Lewisohn, later joined them, and together they founded Lewisohn Brothers in January 1866. By 1868, the company had concentrated its efforts on the metal industry, particularly establishing itself as leading dealers in lead. Leonard married Rosalie Jacobs in 1870, and the couple had ten children, among whom were distinguished individuals like Jesse Lewisohn and Irene Lewisohn.
As president of the United Metals Selling Company, Lewisohn played a significant role in business and was deeply involved in charitable activities. He contributed to the Alliance colony in New Jersey, established in 1882, and supported various New York organizations representing multiple faiths. His philanthropic endeavors included serving as treasurer for the Hebrew Sheltering Guardian Society and providing substantial funding to both the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and Montefiore Sanatorium for patients with consumption.
Leonard Lewisohn passed away in 1902 at the age of 54, leaving behind an estate valued at $12 million (equivalent to approximately $ million today).