Stephen Girard

<p><strong>The Inspiring and Insightful Life of an American Legend</strong></p><p>Like a mirror of the young America he thrived in, Stephan Girard (1750-1831) displayed inexhaustible initiative, courage, tenacity, foresight, and compassion. Reflecting his creed of valuing deeds over words, he was in many ways the American Dream personified. George Wilson, a former columnist and editorial writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer, presents the inspiring true story of Girard''s epic journey from ship captain to mercantilist to philanthropist-a genuine rags-to-riches tale in which Girard became one of the wealthiest Americans of all time. </p><p>Born to a French sea captain, the self-educated Girard went to sea as a cabin boy on a merchant vessel when he was just 14. He later spent several years trading in the West Indies as a ship captain. In 1776, a British naval blockade drove him to dock in Philadelphia. Destitute and in debt, Girard settled there and opened a small store. It was here