Rudolph Keppler
Rudolph Keppler | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Konstanz, Grand Duchy of Baden |
| Died | June 4, 1923 (aged 78) Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Financier, banker |
| Known for | President of the New York Stock Exchange (1898–1902) |
Rudolph Keppler (February 27, 1845 – June 4, 1923) was a German-American financier who held the position of president at the New York Stock Exchange.
Early life
Born on February 27, 1845, in Konstanz, within the Grand Duchy of Baden, Keppler was the son of Carl Friedrich Keppler and Anna Maria Zogelmann. He relocated to New York City during the 1850s, where he completed his education.
Career
Keppler had a lengthy career in banking, managing Keppler & Co. until his retirement in 1914, when leadership passed to his son. The company was eventually purchased and renamed Hellwig & Reutter.
He became a member of the New York Stock Exchange in 1875 and maintained his membership for 44 years. Keppler served as president of the Exchange from 1898 through 1902. His tenure included overseeing the creation of the Exchange’s building located at 11 Wall Street. After President William McKinley was assassinated in 1901, Keppler's prudent leadership helped avert financial turmoil on Wall Street. In 1913, he was called to testify during the Pujo Money Trust Investigation.
Following his presidency, Ransom H. Thomas succeeded him. When Keppler retired in 1914, he stepped down from the Exchange's board of governors after a 32-year tenure; Arthur Turnbull was appointed as his replacement.
Personal life
In 1868, Keppler married Elise Augusta Gramm (1847–1917), daughter of Ferdinand and Emilie (née Lubke) Gramm. They had one son, Emil Alexander Carl Keppler (1872–1942), who later succeeded his father as senior partner at Keppler & Co.
Keppler passed away at his residence in Manhattan on June 4, 1923, and was interred at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York. His estate bequeathed $85,000 to seven hospitals and charitable organizations. His son Emil received $250,000 in cash, the family’s country estate in Twin Lakes, Connecticut, along with personal belongings appraised at $30,000.