John Pierpont Morgan was born at Hartford, Conn., April 17, 1837. His
mother was a daughter of the Rev. John Pierpont, a noted clergyman,
poet, author and temperance worker. He was educated at the English
high school at Boston and at the University of Gottingen, Germany,
from whence he graduated in 1857. On returning to the United States
he became associated with the banking house of Duncan, Sherman & Co.,
of New York city. In 1860 he severed his connection with that firm
and began business for himself. In 1864 he formed the firm of Dabney,
Morgan & Co. Meantime he had become representative of the house of
George Peabody & Co., of London, and during the Civil War he was
able, through this connection, to render substantial assistance to the
Federal government. In 1871 he organized the firm of Drexel, Morgan
& Co., and by the death of Mr. Drexel, in 1893, he became senior
partner. In 1895 the firm title was changed to J. P. Morgan & Co. He
is also head of the firms of J. P. Morgan & Co., of London; Morgan,
Hayes & Co., of Paris, and Drexel & Co., of Philadelphia. Mr. Morgan
is generally known as the “King of Trust Magnates,” on account of his
having engineered so many mercantile and financial consolidations; in
fact, he has been instrumental in forming the majority of the great
corporations or trusts. He gives large sums to charity, is a liberal
patron of art, and is a member of all the leading clubs of New York
and other cities. In 1865 he was married to Frances Louise, daughter
of John Tracy. He has one son, John Pierpont Morgan, Jr., and three
daughters. Mr. Morgan’s vast operations are not confined to this
country. He is an active power in English and Continental financial
circles.