Guggenheim family explained

Guggenheim family
Region:New York, U.S.
Origin:Lengnau, Switzerland
Founded:c.1800s
Founder:Simon Meyer Guggenheim
Otherfamilies:Loeb family
Morton family
Straus family[1]
Estates:Falaise (Sands Point, New York);[2] Murry Guggenheim House (West Long Branch, New Jersey)

The Guggenheim family is an American-Jewish family known for making their fortune in the mining industry, in the early 20th century, especially in the United States and South America. After World War I, many family members withdrew from the businesses and became involved in philanthropy, especially in the arts, aviation, medicine, and culture.

History

Meyer Guggenheim, a Swiss citizen of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, arrived in the United States in 1847. His surname was derived from the Alsatian village of Gugenheim.[3] He married Barbara Meyer, who he met in the United States. Over the next few decades, their several children and descendants became known for their global successes in mining and smelting businesses, under the name Guggenheim Exploration, including the American Smelting and Refining Company. In the early 20th century, the family developed one of the largest fortunes in the world.

Following World War I, they sold their global mining interests and later purchased nitrate mines in Chile. Subsequently, the family largely withdrew from direct involvement in running businesses.[4] Family members became known for their philanthropy in diverse areas such as modern art, aviation, and medicine. They donated funds to develop Guggenheim Museums, the Guggenheim Aeronautical Laboratory, and the Guggenheim Pavilion at Mount Sinai Medical Center, designed by I. M. Pei in New York City.

Current interests

Peter Lawson-Johnston, a British Guggenheim descendant, founded Guggenheim Partners which today (2023) manages over $300 billion in assets.[5] Another family vehicle, Guggenheim Investment Advisors, oversees about $50 billion in assets.[6]

Family tree

Meyer Guggenheim (1828–1905) married Barbara Meyer, of German Jewish descent, in 1852. They met in the United States. They had eleven children together, including eight sons, five of whom were active in the family businesses: Isaac, Daniel, Maurice "Murry", Solomon Robert, and (John) Simon Guggenheim. Sons Benjamin, Robert and William pursued other careers. The daughters were Jeanette, Rose and Cora. Meyer's 11 children, their spouses, and notable descendants are shown below:

Businesses

The following is a list of businesses in which the Guggenheim family have held a controlling or otherwise significant interest.

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Straus family | American family | Britannica .
  2. Web site: Falaise Museum .
  3. http://www.hls-dhs-dss.ch/textes/d/D24696.php Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz.
  4. Davis, passim
  5. Web site: Guggenheim Partners – Home . May 11, 2023.
  6. News: Guggenheim 'Excited' About Private Equity, Likes Macro Funds . October 8, 2009 . Bloomberg. October 13, 2009.
  7. News: Isaac Guggenheim Dies in England; Overcome by Sudden Illness after Greeting a Friend in Southampton. Leader in Mining Industry Identified with Large Industrial Interests of His Family--Body to Be Brought Here . August 1, 2018 . October 11, 1922 . The New York Times. October 11, 1922 .
  8. Davis, p. 422
  9. News: Audrey B. Love, 100, a Patron of the Arts . November 28, 2016 . November 27, 2003 . The New York Times . November 27, 2003 . Lueck . Thomas J. .
  10. Filler, Martin. "Love Among the Ruins", Departures, March 30, 2010.
  11. Davis, p. 145
  12. Davis, p. 168
  13. Davis, p. 82
  14. Davis, p. 337
  15. Davis, p. 326
  16. News: 2 Guggenheim heirs die in 13-story fall: baby boy and brother drop. 1 August 2018. 20 October 1928. The New York Times. 20 October 1928 .
  17. Davis, p. 328
  18. News: William Guggenheim and Miss Amy Lelia Steinberger, the daughter of Mrs. Herman Steinberger. 1904. The New York Times.
  19. Book: Davis, John. The Guggenheims: An American Epic. SPI Books. 1994. 436. 978-1-56171-351-6.
  20. Davis, p. 439