Sigismund Stern
Sigismund James Stern | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Frankfurt am Main, Germany |
| Died | May 15, 1885 (aged 77) Little Grove, East Barnet, London, England |
| Occupation(s) | Merchant, banker |
| Known for | Cotton industry in Manchester; proprietor of Little Grove estate; governor of Queen Elizabeth's School, Chipping Barnet |
Sigismund James Stern (5 December 1807 – 15 May 1885) was a merchant originally from Germany who built his career in Manchester's cotton industry before transitioning into banking in London. He became the proprietor of the Little Grove estate located in East Barnet, north of London.
Early life
He was born in Frankfurt am Main as the sole son of the merchant James Stern.
Manchester
Around 1830, Stern settled in Manchester and, in 1842, wed Margaret Sharp, the daughter of Thomas Sharp; the couple did not have children.
Soon after his arrival, he joined the cotton trading firm Leo Schuster Brothers & Company as a partner, a position he held for close to five decades. Additionally, he fulfilled duties as a justice of the peace for Lancashire, participated as an early member on the Council of the Cotton Relief Fund, and contributed to organizing the 1857 Art Treasures Exhibition at Old Trafford.
London
In 1855, Leo Schuster relocated to London and founded the merchant bank Schuster Sons & Company. Around this period, Stern also moved to London, where he was recognized as both a merchant and banker. In December 1871, he acquired the Little Grove residence and estate in East Barnet from Alexander Henry Campbell, a political figure.
By 1875, Stern had been appointed governor of Queen Elizabeth's School situated in Chipping Barnet.
Death
Stern passed away at Little Grove on 15 May 1885. His widow Margaret remained at the estate until her own death; both are interred at St Mary the Virgin church. Margaret earned local recognition as the parish's "Lady Bountiful."