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| caption = 1877 portrait by Jacob H. Lazarus
| caption = 1877 portrait by Jacob H. Lazarus
| birth_date = {{birth date|1833|1|24|mf=yes}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1833|1|24|mf=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Philadelphia]], Pennsylvania, U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|1888|3|25|1833|1|24|mf=yes}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|1888|3|25|1833|1|24|mf=yes}}
| death_place = [[New York, New York]], U.S.
| death_place = New York City, New York, U.S.
| occupation = [[Banker]], [[philanthropy|philanthropist]]
| occupation = [[Banker]], [[philanthropy|philanthropist]]
| parents = [[Francis Martin Drexel]]<br/>Catherine Hookey
| parents = [[Francis Martin Drexel]]<br/>Catherine Hookey
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'''Joseph William Drexel''' (January 24, 1833 – March 25, 1888) was a banker, philanthropist, and [[book collector]].
'''Joseph William Drexel''' (January 24, 1833 – March 25, 1888) was a banker, philanthropist, and [[book collector]].


==Early life==
==Early life and education==
Joseph William Drexel{{efn|His middle name is given as Wilhelm in some sources, e.g.<ref>{{cite book |section=Drexel, Joseph Wilhelm|title=The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography |date=1895 |volume=II|publisher=James T. White & Company |location=New York |page=[https://archive.org/details/nationalcyclopae02newy/page/366 366] |url=https://archive.org/details/nationalcyclopae02newy}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Johnson |editor1-first=Rossiter |section=Drexel, Joseph Wilhelm|title=Biographical Dictionary of America |date=1906 |publisher=American Biographical Society |location=Boston |volume=III|url=https://archive.org/details/biographicaldict03johnuoft/page/n333?q=%22Drexel+Joseph+Wilhelm+%22}}</ref>}} was the son of [[Francis Martin Drexel]] (1792–1863) and Catherine Hookey (1795–1870). His siblings were [[Anthony Joseph Drexel]] (1826–1893) and [[Francis Anthony Drexel]] (1824–1885). Through his brother Francis, he was the uncle of Saint [[Katharine Drexel]] (1858–1955).<ref name="JWDObit1888"/> Joseph Willam Drexel was raised a [[Roman Catholic]], but he joined the [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church]] later.<ref>{{cite book|title=Church and Estate: Religion and Wealth in Industrial-Era Philadelphia|first=Thomas |last=F. Rzeznik|year= 2013| isbn= 9780271063256| page =126|publisher=Penn State Press|quote=}}</ref>
Drexel{{efn|His middle name is given as Wilhelm in some sources, e.g.<ref>{{cite book |section=Drexel, Joseph Wilhelm|title=The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography |date=1895 |volume=II|publisher=James T. White & Company |location=New York |page=[https://archive.org/details/nationalcyclopae02newy/page/366 366] |url=https://archive.org/details/nationalcyclopae02newy}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Johnson |editor1-first=Rossiter |section=Drexel, Joseph Wilhelm|title=Biographical Dictionary of America |date=1906 |publisher=American Biographical Society |location=Boston |volume=III|url=https://archive.org/details/biographicaldict03johnuoft/page/n333?q=%22Drexel+Joseph+Wilhelm+%22}}</ref>}} was the son of [[Francis Martin Drexel]] (1792–1863) and Catherine Hookey (1795–1870). His siblings were [[Anthony Joseph Drexel]] (1826–1893) and [[Francis Anthony Drexel]] (1824–1885). Through his brother Francis, he was the uncle of Saint [[Katharine Drexel]] (1858–1955).<ref name="JWDObit1888"/> Joseph Willam Drexel was raised a [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]], but he joined the [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church]] later.<ref>{{cite book|title=Church and Estate: Religion and Wealth in Industrial-Era Philadelphia|first=Thomas |last=F. Rzeznik|year= 2013| isbn= 9780271063256| page =126|publisher=Penn State Press|quote=}}</ref>


Drexel attended the [[Central High School (Philadelphia)|Central High School]] in Philadelphia, and traveled through Spain, Egypt, Syria, Turkey, and Greece.<ref name="JWDObit1888"/>
Drexel attended the [[Central High School (Philadelphia)|Central High School]] in Philadelphia, and traveled through Spain, Egypt, Syria, Turkey, and Greece.<ref name="JWDObit1888"/>
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===Mount McGregor===
===Mount McGregor===
In 1881, Drexel acquired title to [[Mount McGregor (mountain)|Mount McGregor]] near [[Saratoga Springs, New York]]. He constructed the Hotel Balmoral at the summit and built the [[Saratoga, Mount McGregor and Lake George Railroad]] [[narrow gauge railway]] from Saratoga Springs.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of Mount McGregor|url=http://www.reocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/3548/facility/mtmcgregor.html|work=DOCS Today|accessdate=August 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054525/http://www.reocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/3548/facility/mtmcgregor.html|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1885, Drexel loaned his private summer cottage on Mount McGregor to ex-president [[Ulysses S. Grant]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Strength for General Grant|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1885/06/12/103022577.pdf|accessdate=August 5, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 12, 1885}}</ref> Grant lived there for six weeks until his death and completed his memoirs. The cottage is now the [[Grant Cottage State Historic Site]].
In 1881, Drexel acquired title to [[Mount McGregor (mountain)|Mount McGregor]] near [[Saratoga Springs, New York]]. He constructed the Hotel Balmoral at the summit and built the [[Saratoga, Mount McGregor and Lake George Railroad]] [[narrow-gauge railway]] from Saratoga Springs.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of Mount McGregor|url=http://www.reocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/3548/facility/mtmcgregor.html|work=DOCS Today|accessdate=August 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054525/http://www.reocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/3548/facility/mtmcgregor.html|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1885, Drexel loaned his private summer cottage on Mount McGregor to ex-president [[Ulysses S. Grant]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Strength for General Grant|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1885/06/12/103022577.pdf|accessdate=August 5, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 12, 1885}}</ref> Grant lived there for six weeks until his death and completed his memoirs. The cottage is now the [[Grant Cottage State Historic Site]].


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
He married Lucy Wharton (1841–1912), the daughter of Thomas Lloyd Wharton (1799–1869) and Sarah Ann Smith (b. 1800). Together, they had four children:<ref>{{cite news|title=Mrs. J.W. Drexel Dead. Former Social Leader of Philadelphia and Mother of Mrs. Harry Lehr.|work=[[New York Times]]|date=26 January 1912}}</ref><ref name="Jordan2004">{{cite book|last1=Jordan|first1=John W.|title=Colonial And Revolutionary Families Of Pennsylvania|date=2004|publisher=Genealogical Publishing Company|isbn=9780806352398|page=536|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=arAfWBsvO1gC&pg=PA536|accessdate=8 June 2017|language=en}}</ref>
He married Lucy Wharton (1841–1912), the daughter of Thomas Lloyd Wharton (1799–1869) and Sarah Ann Smith (b. 1800) and great-granddaughter of [[Thomas Wharton Jr.]]. Together, they had four children:<ref>{{cite news|title=Mrs. J.W. Drexel Dead. Former Social Leader of Philadelphia and Mother of Mrs. Harry Lehr.|work=[[New York Times]]|date=26 January 1912}}</ref><ref name="Jordan2004">{{cite book|last1=Jordan|first1=John W.|title=Colonial And Revolutionary Families Of Pennsylvania|date=2004|publisher=Genealogical Publishing Company|isbn=9780806352398|page=536|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=arAfWBsvO1gC&pg=PA536|accessdate=8 June 2017}}</ref>


* Katherine Drexel (1866–1918), who married Dr. [[Charles Bingham Penrose]] (1862–1925),<ref name="CBPObit1925">{{cite news|title=DR. C.B. PENROSE DIES ON A TRAIN; Philadelphia Gynecotogist and Zoologist Was a Brother of Late Senator.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/02/28/archives/dr-cb-penrose-dies-on-a-train-philadelpia-gynecotogist-and.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=28 February 1925}}</ref><ref name="1925PenroseEstate">{{cite news|title=LEFT $100,000 TO NURSE.; Dr. Penrose Bequeathed Bulk of $1,000,000 Estate to His Family.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/03/06/archives/left-100000-to-nurse-dr-penrose-bequeathed-bulk-of-1000000-estate.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=6 March 1925}}</ref> the brother of U.S. Senator [[Boies Penrose]], [[Spencer Penrose]], [[R. A. F. Penrose Jr.|Richard A. F. Penrose, Jr.]] and the grandson of [[Charles B. Penrose]], [[Solicitor of the United States Treasury]], in 1892.<ref name="1892Wedding">{{cite news|title=YESTERDAY'S WEDDINGS.; PENROSE--DREXEL.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1892/11/18/archives/yesterdays-weddings-penrosedrexel.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=18 November 1892}}</ref> They had two children.<ref name="Jordan2004"/>
* Katherine Drexel (1866–1918), who married Dr. [[Charles Bingham Penrose]] (1862–1925),<ref name="CBPObit1925">{{cite news|title=DR. C.B. PENROSE DIES ON A TRAIN; Philadelphia Gynecotogist and Zoologist Was a Brother of Late Senator.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/02/28/archives/dr-cb-penrose-dies-on-a-train-philadelpia-gynecotogist-and.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=28 February 1925}}</ref><ref name="1925PenroseEstate">{{cite news|title=LEFT $100,000 TO NURSE.; Dr. Penrose Bequeathed Bulk of $1,000,000 Estate to His Family.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/03/06/archives/left-100000-to-nurse-dr-penrose-bequeathed-bulk-of-1000000-estate.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=6 March 1925}}</ref> the brother of U.S. Senator [[Boies Penrose]], [[Spencer Penrose]], [[R. A. F. Penrose Jr.|Richard A. F. Penrose Jr.]] and the grandson of [[Charles B. Penrose]], [[Solicitor of the United States Treasury]], in 1892.<ref name="1892Wedding">{{cite news|title=YESTERDAY'S WEDDINGS.; PENROSE--DREXEL.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1892/11/18/archives/yesterdays-weddings-penrosedrexel.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=18 November 1892}}</ref> They had two children.<ref name="Jordan2004"/>
* [[Lucy Wharton Drexel]] (1867–1944),<ref name="LDDEstate1944">{{cite news|last1=Times|first1=Special To The New York|title=7 GET DREXEL $1,180,867; Children of Mrs. L.D. Dahlgren|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1944/06/15/archives/7-get-drexel-1180867-children-of-mrs-ld-dahlgren.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=15 June 1944}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=SOCIETY TOPICS OF THE WEEK.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1890/10/19/archives/society-topics-of-the-week.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=19 October 1890}}</ref> who married Eric Bernard Dahlgren, Sr. (1866–1922), a son of [[John A. Dahlgren]],<ref name="1890Engagement">{{cite news|last1=Oct. 15|first1=The Washington Post|title=ENGAGEMENT OF MISS DAHLGREN.|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9B05E0DD113BE533A25755C1A9669D94619ED7CF&legacy=true|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=16 October 1890}}</ref> and had eight children.<ref name="Jordan2004"/> They divorced in 1913.<ref name="1912Divorce">{{cite news|title=Special To The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1912/03/24/archives/article-5-no-title.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=24 March 1912}}</ref><ref name="1915HenryWedding"/><ref name="1912DivorceAction">{{cite news|title=SEEKS TO DIVORCE AN ADMIRAL'S SON; Mrs. Lucy Drexel Dahlgren Was Married to Him 22 Years Ago by Archbishop Corrigan.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1912/03/24/archives/seeks-to-divorce-an-admirals-son-mrs-lucy-drexel-dahlgren-was.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=24 March 1912}}</ref>
* [[Lucy Wharton Drexel]] (1867–1944),<ref name="LDDEstate1944">{{cite news|title=7 GET DREXEL $1,180,867; Children of Mrs. L.D. Dahlgren|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1944/06/15/archives/7-get-drexel-1180867-children-of-mrs-ld-dahlgren.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=15 June 1944}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=SOCIETY TOPICS OF THE WEEK.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1890/10/19/archives/society-topics-of-the-week.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=19 October 1890}}</ref> who married Eric Bernard Dahlgren Sr. (1866–1922), a son of [[John A. Dahlgren]],<ref name="1890Engagement">{{cite news|title=Oct 15: The Washington Post: ENGAGEMENT OF MISS DAHLGREN.|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9B05E0DD113BE533A25755C1A9669D94619ED7CF&legacy=true|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=16 October 1890}}</ref> and had eight children.<ref name="Jordan2004"/> They divorced in 1913.<ref name="1912Divorce">{{cite news|title=|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1912/03/24/archives/article-5-no-title.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=24 March 1912}}</ref><ref name="1915HenryWedding"/><ref name="1912DivorceAction">{{cite news|title=SEEKS TO DIVORCE AN ADMIRAL'S SON; Mrs. Lucy Drexel Dahlgren Was Married to Him 22 Years Ago by Archbishop Corrigan.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1912/03/24/archives/seeks-to-divorce-an-admirals-son-mrs-lucy-drexel-dahlgren-was.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=24 March 1912}}</ref>
* [[Elizabeth Wharton Drexel]] (1868–1944),<ref name=EWDObit1944>{{cite news |title=Lady Decies, Widow of Irish Peer, Dies; Former Elizabeth Drexel of Philadelphia Was Once the Wife of Harry Lehr |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1944/06/14/archives/ladydeoieswidow-of-irish-peer-dies-former-elizabeth-drexel-ofi.html |work=[[New York Times]] |date=June 14, 1944 |accessdate=2007-07-21 }}</ref> who married John Vinton Dahlgren (1869–1899), another son of [[John A. Dahlgren]], in 1889, with whom she had one son.<ref name="Jordan2004"/><ref name="JVDObit1899">{{cite news|title=JOHN VINTON DAHLGREN DEAD.; Son of the Admiral Passes Away at Colorado Springs.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1899/08/12/archives/john-vinton-dahlgren-dead-son-of-the-admiral-passes-away-at.html|accessdate=23 February 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=12 August 1899}}</ref> After his death, she married New York Society leader [[Harry Lehr]] (1869–1929).<ref name=time1>{{cite news |title=Record of the Rich |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,711722,00.html?iid=chix-sphere |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019165750/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,711722,00.html?iid=chix-sphere |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |publisher=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date= August 5, 1935|accessdate=2007-07-21 }}</ref> After Lehr's death, she married [[John Beresford, 5th Baron Decies]] (1866–1944) and thereafter was known as Lady Decies.<ref>{{cite news |title=Decies to Marry Mrs. Harry Lehr; Widow of New York Leader of Society to Become Bride of Irish Peer on May 23. Announcement in Paris. Bride-Elect Member of Drexel Family. Wrote Book, 'King Lehr and Gilded Age.' |quote=Mrs. Henry Symes Lehr, widow of Harry Lehr, society leader in New York early in the century, will be married here on May 23 to John Graham Beresford, Lord Decies, Irish peer, according to an announcement made today. |work=[[New York Times]] |date= May 12, 1936}}</ref>
* [[Elizabeth Wharton Drexel]] (1868–1944),<ref name=EWDObit1944>{{cite news |title=Lady Decies, Widow of Irish Peer, Dies; Former Elizabeth Drexel of Philadelphia Was Once the Wife of Harry Lehr |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1944/06/14/archives/ladydeoieswidow-of-irish-peer-dies-former-elizabeth-drexel-ofi.html |work=[[New York Times]] |date=June 14, 1944 |accessdate=2007-07-21 }}</ref> who married John Vinton Dahlgren (1869–1899), another son of [[John A. Dahlgren]], in 1889, with whom she had one son.<ref name="Jordan2004"/><ref name="JVDObit1899">{{cite news|title=JOHN VINTON DAHLGREN DEAD.; Son of the Admiral Passes Away at Colorado Springs.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1899/08/12/archives/john-vinton-dahlgren-dead-son-of-the-admiral-passes-away-at.html|accessdate=23 February 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=12 August 1899}}</ref> After his death, she married New York Society leader [[Harry Lehr]] (1869–1929).<ref name=time1>{{cite news |title=Record of the Rich |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,711722,00.html?iid=chix-sphere |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019165750/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,711722,00.html?iid=chix-sphere |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |publisher=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date= August 5, 1935|accessdate=2007-07-21 }}</ref> After Lehr's death, she married [[John Beresford, 5th Baron Decies]] (1866–1944) and thereafter was known as Lady Decies.<ref>{{cite news |title=Decies to Marry Mrs. Harry Lehr; Widow of New York Leader of Society to Become Bride of Irish Peer on May 23. Announcement in Paris. Bride-Elect Member of Drexel Family. Wrote Book, 'King Lehr and Gilded Age.' |quote=Mrs. Henry Symes Lehr, widow of Harry Lehr, society leader in New York early in the century, will be married here on May 23 to John Graham Beresford, Lord Decies, Irish peer, according to an announcement made today. |work=[[New York Times]] |date= May 12, 1936}}</ref>
* Josephine Wharton Drexel (b. 1878), who married Dr. John Duncan Emmet (1857–1923), the son of prominent physician, Dr. [[Thomas Addis Emmet]],<ref name="Hoyt1903">{{cite book|last1=Hoyt|first1=James|title=Seen & Heard by Megargee|date=1903|publisher=L.N. Megargee|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iiQbAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA3221|accessdate=8 June 2017|language=en}}</ref> in 1904.<ref name="Barringer1904">{{cite book|last1=Barringer|first1=Paul Brandon|last2=Garnett|first2=James Mercer|last3=Page|first3=Rosewell|title=University of Virginia: Its History, Influence, Equipment and Characteristics, with Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Founders, Benefactors, Officers and Alumni|date=1904|publisher=Lewis Publishing Company|page=[https://archive.org/details/universityofvirg02barr/page/204 204]|url=https://archive.org/details/universityofvirg02barr|accessdate=8 June 2017|language=en}}</ref><ref name="1904Wedding">{{cite news|title=EMMET-DREXEL WEDDING; Impressive and Picturesque Ceremony at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Trumpeters Herald Arrival of Bride and Starting of Procession in Church -- Reception to the Guests.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1904/02/10/archives/emmetdrexel-wedding-impressive-and-picturesque-ceremony-at-st.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=10 February 1904}}</ref> They divorced in 1914 and in 1915, she married Seton Henry (d. 1946),<ref name="SHObit1946">{{cite news|title=SETON HENRY DEAD; REAL ESTATE MAN; Son of Maj. Gen. Guy V. Henry, Ex-Governor of Puerto Rico, Retired 20 Years Ago|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/10/13/archives/seton-henry-dead-real-estate-man-son-of-maj-gen-guy-v-henry.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=13 October 1946}}</ref> the son of Gen. [[Guy Vernor Henry]] and brother of [[Guy Henry (equestrian)|Guy Henry, Jr.]],<ref name="1915HenryWedding">{{cite news|last1=Times|first1=Special To The New York|title=MRS. J.W. DREXEL WEDS SETON HENRY; Divorced Wife of Dr. J. Duncan Emmet Marries Son of Late General Guy V. Henry. CEREMONY AT CORNWELLS Bride the Daughter of Late J.W. Drexel -- Her Family and Bridegroom's Related by Marriage.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1915/05/16/archives/mrs-jw-drexel-weds-seton-henry-divorced-wife-of-dr-j-duncan-emmet.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=16 May 1915}}</ref> with whom she had children.<ref>{{cite news|title=Paid Notice: Deaths PARKER, JOSEPHINE HENRY|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/15/classified/paid-notice-deaths-parker-josephine-henry.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=15 November 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Delafield Family Papers (C0391) -- Series 3: Maturin Livingston Delafield, 1836-1917 -- Subseries 3B: Correspondence -- Family and General -- Henry, Josephine Drexel|url=https://findingaids.princeton.edu/collections/C0391/c1896|website=findingaids.princeton.edu|publisher=[[Princeton University]]|accessdate=8 June 2017}}</ref><ref name="Duess2007">{{cite book|last1=Duess|first1=Marie Murphy|title=Colonial Inns and Taverns of Bucks County|date=November 19, 2007|publisher=[[Arcadia Publishing]]|page=89|isbn=9781614232384|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6sp-CQAAQBAJ&pg=PT89|accessdate=8 June 2017}}</ref>
* Josephine Wharton Drexel (b. 1878), who married Dr. John Duncan Emmet (1857–1923), the son of prominent physician, Dr. [[Thomas Addis Emmet]],<ref name="Hoyt1903">{{cite book|last1=Hoyt|first1=James|title=Seen & Heard by Megargee|date=1903|publisher=L.N. Megargee|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iiQbAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA3221|accessdate=8 June 2017}}</ref> in 1904.<ref name="Barringer1904">{{cite book|last1=Barringer|first1=Paul Brandon|last2=Garnett|first2=James Mercer|last3=Page|first3=Rosewell|title=University of Virginia: Its History, Influence, Equipment and Characteristics, with Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Founders, Benefactors, Officers and Alumni|date=1904|publisher=Lewis Publishing Company|page=[https://archive.org/details/universityofvirg02barr/page/204 204]|url=https://archive.org/details/universityofvirg02barr|accessdate=8 June 2017}}</ref><ref name="1904Wedding">{{cite news|title=EMMET-DREXEL WEDDING; Impressive and Picturesque Ceremony at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Trumpeters Herald Arrival of Bride and Starting of Procession in Church -- Reception to the Guests.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1904/02/10/archives/emmetdrexel-wedding-impressive-and-picturesque-ceremony-at-st.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=10 February 1904}}</ref> They divorced in 1914 and in 1915, she married Seton Henry (d. 1946),<ref name="SHObit1946">{{cite news|title=SETON HENRY DEAD; REAL ESTATE MAN; Son of Maj. Gen. Guy V. Henry, Ex-Governor of Puerto Rico, Retired 20 Years Ago|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/10/13/archives/seton-henry-dead-real-estate-man-son-of-maj-gen-guy-v-henry.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=13 October 1946}}</ref> the son of Gen. [[Guy Vernor Henry]] and brother of [[Guy Henry (equestrian)|Guy Henry Jr.]],<ref name="1915HenryWedding">{{cite news|title=MRS. J.W. DREXEL WEDS SETON HENRY; Divorced Wife of Dr. J. Duncan Emmet Marries Son of Late General Guy V. Henry. CEREMONY AT CORNWELLS Bride the Daughter of Late J.W. Drexel -- Her Family and Bridegroom's Related by Marriage.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1915/05/16/archives/mrs-jw-drexel-weds-seton-henry-divorced-wife-of-dr-j-duncan-emmet.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=16 May 1915}}</ref> with whom she had children.<ref>{{cite news|title=Paid Notice: Deaths PARKER, JOSEPHINE HENRY|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/15/classified/paid-notice-deaths-parker-josephine-henry.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=15 November 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Delafield Family Papers (C0391) -- Series 3: Maturin Livingston Delafield, 1836-1917 -- Subseries 3B: Correspondence -- Family and General -- Henry, Josephine Drexel|url=https://findingaids.princeton.edu/collections/C0391/c1896|website=findingaids.princeton.edu|publisher=Princeton University|accessdate=8 June 2017}}</ref><ref name="Duess2007">{{cite book|last1=Duess|first1=Marie Murphy|title=Colonial Inns and Taverns of Bucks County|date=November 19, 2007|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|page=89|isbn=9781614232384|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6sp-CQAAQBAJ&pg=PT89|accessdate=8 June 2017}}</ref>


Drexel died at his home, 103 [[Madison Avenue]] in New York City, on March 25, 1888.<ref name="JWDObit1888">{{cite news|title=JOSEPH W. DREXEL DEAD; THE WELL-KNOWN BANKER AND PHILANTHROPIST. DYING SUDDENLY YESTERDAY AT HIS HOME IN THIS CITY AFTER MANY MONTHS OF SUFFERING.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1888/03/26/archives/joseph-w-drexel-dead-the-wellknown-banker-and-philanthropist-dying.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=26 March 1888}}</ref> He had been suffering from [[Bright's Disease]] for a year and a half before then.<ref name="JWDObit1888"/> He was buried in [[The Woodlands (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)|The Woodlands Cemetery]] in [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Joseph W. Drexel Funeral|quote=The funeral of Joseph W. Drexel occurred yesterday from the Church of the Transfiguration, (the Little Church Around the Corner) in Twenty-ninth-street, near Fifth-avenue...|work=[[New York Times]]|date=29 March 1888 }}</ref><ref name="1888Will">{{cite news|title=JOSEPH W. DREXEL'S WILL.; ONLY ONE PUBLIC BEQUEST, TO THE LENOX LIBRARY, CONDITIONALLY.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1888/04/01/archives/joseph-w-drexels-will-only-one-public-bequest-to-the-lenox-library.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=1 April 1888}}</ref>
Drexel died at his home, 103 [[Madison Avenue]] in New York City, on March 25, 1888.<ref name="JWDObit1888">{{cite news|title=JOSEPH W. DREXEL DEAD; THE WELL-KNOWN BANKER AND PHILANTHROPIST. DYING SUDDENLY YESTERDAY AT HIS HOME IN THIS CITY AFTER MANY MONTHS OF SUFFERING.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1888/03/26/archives/joseph-w-drexel-dead-the-wellknown-banker-and-philanthropist-dying.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=26 March 1888}}</ref> He had been suffering from [[Bright's Disease]] for a year and a half before then.<ref name="JWDObit1888"/> He was buried in [[The Woodlands (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)|The Woodlands Cemetery]] in [[Philadelphia]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Joseph W. Drexel Funeral|quote=The funeral of Joseph W. Drexel occurred yesterday from the Church of the Transfiguration, (the Little Church Around the Corner) in Twenty-ninth-street, near Fifth-avenue...|work=[[New York Times]]|date=29 March 1888 }}</ref><ref name="1888Will">{{cite news|title=JOSEPH W. DREXEL'S WILL.; ONLY ONE PUBLIC BEQUEST, TO THE LENOX LIBRARY, CONDITIONALLY.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1888/04/01/archives/joseph-w-drexels-will-only-one-public-bequest-to-the-lenox-library.html|accessdate=8 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=1 April 1888}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==

Latest revision as of 16:36, 20 December 2024

Joseph William Drexel
1877 portrait by Jacob H. Lazarus
Born(1833-01-24)January 24, 1833
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedMarch 25, 1888(1888-03-25) (aged 55)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Occupation(s)Banker, philanthropist
SpouseLucy Wharton
Children4, including Elizabeth and Lucy
Parent(s)Francis Martin Drexel
Catherine Hookey
RelativesFrancis Anthony Drexel (brother)
Anthony Joseph Drexel (brother)
St. Katharine Drexel (niece)

Joseph William Drexel (January 24, 1833 – March 25, 1888) was a banker, philanthropist, and book collector.

Early life and education

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Drexel[a] was the son of Francis Martin Drexel (1792–1863) and Catherine Hookey (1795–1870). His siblings were Anthony Joseph Drexel (1826–1893) and Francis Anthony Drexel (1824–1885). Through his brother Francis, he was the uncle of Saint Katharine Drexel (1858–1955).[3] Joseph Willam Drexel was raised a Roman Catholic, but he joined the Episcopal Church later.[4]

Drexel attended the Central High School in Philadelphia, and traveled through Spain, Egypt, Syria, Turkey, and Greece.[3]

Career

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Joseph Drexel was a partner in the firm of Drexel, Morgan and Company, where his brother, Anthony, was senior partner. In 1876, tired of battling the brusque J. Pierpont Morgan, Joseph retired from the business and devoted his life to philanthropic and civic organizations.[3]

He owned a 200-acre (0.81 km2) farm near New York City, where people without work were housed, clothed, fed, and taught agriculture until they could find a job. He owned a large tract of land in Maryland, which was developed into Klej Grange, a planned community, where the lots are sold to poor people at cost. About 7,000 acres (28 km2) in Michigan were bought for the same purpose.

Society life

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He was chairman of New York Sanitary Commission, the commissioner of education, president of the New York Philharmonic Society, trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, founding trustee of the American Museum of Natural History,[5] trustee of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and director of the Metropolitan Opera house.[3]

In 1887, he donated a painting made by Edward Gay, that cost $2,000, to the State of New York to be placed in the Executive Mansion, which Governor David B. Hill was about to move into.[6]

Collections

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1889 bust of Drexel by John Quincy Adams Ward at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

Drexel was an avid collector of music, eventually amassing a collection of over 6,000 items. Upon his death, the Drexel Collection was accepted by the Lenox Library.[7] When the Lenox Library was joined with those of John Jacob Astor and Samuel Tilden to form The New York Public Library, Drexel's collection became the basis for the Library's Music Division, housed today in the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

The Concordia Polka composed by Theodore Gundlach was dedicated to Drexel.[8]

Mount McGregor

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In 1881, Drexel acquired title to Mount McGregor near Saratoga Springs, New York. He constructed the Hotel Balmoral at the summit and built the Saratoga, Mount McGregor and Lake George Railroad narrow-gauge railway from Saratoga Springs.[9] In 1885, Drexel loaned his private summer cottage on Mount McGregor to ex-president Ulysses S. Grant.[10] Grant lived there for six weeks until his death and completed his memoirs. The cottage is now the Grant Cottage State Historic Site.

Personal life

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He married Lucy Wharton (1841–1912), the daughter of Thomas Lloyd Wharton (1799–1869) and Sarah Ann Smith (b. 1800) and great-granddaughter of Thomas Wharton Jr.. Together, they had four children:[11][12]

Drexel died at his home, 103 Madison Avenue in New York City, on March 25, 1888.[3] He had been suffering from Bright's Disease for a year and a half before then.[3] He was buried in The Woodlands Cemetery in Philadelphia.[33][7]

See also

[edit]

Notes

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  1. ^ His middle name is given as Wilhelm in some sources, e.g.[1][2]

References

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  1. ^ "Drexel, Joseph Wilhelm". The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography. Vol. II. New York: James T. White & Company. 1895. p. 366.
  2. ^ Johnson, Rossiter, ed. (1906). "Drexel, Joseph Wilhelm". Biographical Dictionary of America. Vol. III. Boston: American Biographical Society.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "JOSEPH W. DREXEL DEAD; THE WELL-KNOWN BANKER AND PHILANTHROPIST. DYING SUDDENLY YESTERDAY AT HIS HOME IN THIS CITY AFTER MANY MONTHS OF SUFFERING". The New York Times. 26 March 1888. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  4. ^ F. Rzeznik, Thomas (2013). Church and Estate: Religion and Wealth in Industrial-Era Philadelphia. Penn State Press. p. 126. ISBN 9780271063256.
  5. ^ "American Museum of Natural History," (episode in) Treasures of New York (PBS television series).
  6. ^ "THE NEW EXECUTIVE MANSION.; JOSEPH W. DREXEL SHOWS HOW ITS WALL SPACES SHOULD BE FILLED". The New York Times. 5 June 1887. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  7. ^ a b "JOSEPH W. DREXEL'S WILL.; ONLY ONE PUBLIC BEQUEST, TO THE LENOX LIBRARY, CONDITIONALLY". The New York Times. 1 April 1888. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  8. ^ Theodore Gundlach. Concordia Polka. Philadelphia: R. Wittig, [no date].
  9. ^ "History of Mount McGregor". DOCS Today. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2013.
  10. ^ "Strength for General Grant" (PDF). The New York Times. June 12, 1885. Retrieved August 5, 2013.
  11. ^ "Mrs. J.W. Drexel Dead. Former Social Leader of Philadelphia and Mother of Mrs. Harry Lehr". New York Times. 26 January 1912.
  12. ^ a b c d Jordan, John W. (2004). Colonial And Revolutionary Families Of Pennsylvania. Genealogical Publishing Company. p. 536. ISBN 9780806352398. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  13. ^ "DR. C.B. PENROSE DIES ON A TRAIN; Philadelphia Gynecotogist and Zoologist Was a Brother of Late Senator". The New York Times. 28 February 1925. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  14. ^ "LEFT $100,000 TO NURSE.; Dr. Penrose Bequeathed Bulk of $1,000,000 Estate to His Family". The New York Times. 6 March 1925. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  15. ^ "YESTERDAY'S WEDDINGS.; PENROSE--DREXEL". The New York Times. 18 November 1892. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  16. ^ "7 GET DREXEL $1,180,867; Children of Mrs. L.D. Dahlgren". The New York Times. 15 June 1944. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  17. ^ "SOCIETY TOPICS OF THE WEEK". The New York Times. 19 October 1890. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  18. ^ "Oct 15: The Washington Post: ENGAGEMENT OF MISS DAHLGREN". The New York Times. 16 October 1890. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  19. ^ The New York Times. 24 March 1912 https://www.nytimes.com/1912/03/24/archives/article-5-no-title.html. Retrieved 8 June 2017. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  20. ^ a b "MRS. J.W. DREXEL WEDS SETON HENRY; Divorced Wife of Dr. J. Duncan Emmet Marries Son of Late General Guy V. Henry. CEREMONY AT CORNWELLS Bride the Daughter of Late J.W. Drexel -- Her Family and Bridegroom's Related by Marriage". The New York Times. 16 May 1915. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  21. ^ "SEEKS TO DIVORCE AN ADMIRAL'S SON; Mrs. Lucy Drexel Dahlgren Was Married to Him 22 Years Ago by Archbishop Corrigan". The New York Times. 24 March 1912. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  22. ^ "Lady Decies, Widow of Irish Peer, Dies; Former Elizabeth Drexel of Philadelphia Was Once the Wife of Harry Lehr". New York Times. June 14, 1944. Retrieved 2007-07-21.
  23. ^ "JOHN VINTON DAHLGREN DEAD.; Son of the Admiral Passes Away at Colorado Springs". The New York Times. 12 August 1899. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
  24. ^ "Record of the Rich". Time. August 5, 1935. Archived from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved 2007-07-21.
  25. ^ "Decies to Marry Mrs. Harry Lehr; Widow of New York Leader of Society to Become Bride of Irish Peer on May 23. Announcement in Paris. Bride-Elect Member of Drexel Family. Wrote Book, 'King Lehr and Gilded Age.'". New York Times. May 12, 1936. Mrs. Henry Symes Lehr, widow of Harry Lehr, society leader in New York early in the century, will be married here on May 23 to John Graham Beresford, Lord Decies, Irish peer, according to an announcement made today.
  26. ^ Hoyt, James (1903). Seen & Heard by Megargee. L.N. Megargee. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  27. ^ Barringer, Paul Brandon; Garnett, James Mercer; Page, Rosewell (1904). University of Virginia: Its History, Influence, Equipment and Characteristics, with Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Founders, Benefactors, Officers and Alumni. Lewis Publishing Company. p. 204. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  28. ^ "EMMET-DREXEL WEDDING; Impressive and Picturesque Ceremony at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Trumpeters Herald Arrival of Bride and Starting of Procession in Church -- Reception to the Guests". The New York Times. 10 February 1904. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  29. ^ "SETON HENRY DEAD; REAL ESTATE MAN; Son of Maj. Gen. Guy V. Henry, Ex-Governor of Puerto Rico, Retired 20 Years Ago". The New York Times. 13 October 1946. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  30. ^ "Paid Notice: Deaths PARKER, JOSEPHINE HENRY". The New York Times. 15 November 2002. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  31. ^ "Delafield Family Papers (C0391) -- Series 3: Maturin Livingston Delafield, 1836-1917 -- Subseries 3B: Correspondence -- Family and General -- Henry, Josephine Drexel". findingaids.princeton.edu. Princeton University. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  32. ^ Duess, Marie Murphy (November 19, 2007). Colonial Inns and Taverns of Bucks County. Arcadia Publishing. p. 89. ISBN 9781614232384. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  33. ^ "Joseph W. Drexel Funeral". New York Times. 29 March 1888. The funeral of Joseph W. Drexel occurred yesterday from the Church of the Transfiguration, (the Little Church Around the Corner) in Twenty-ninth-street, near Fifth-avenue...
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