James Fisk, a native of Vermont, was a notable and colorful figure of The Gilded Age. He worked humble jobs, such as waiting tables and working in a circus. He later rose to notability as he worked his way from being a store clerk to having a share in the business. This business had many Civil War contracts. The Civil War contracts helped him build a fortune, while other business attempts brought him ruin.
Eventually, Mr. Fisk joined forces with Daniel Drew and rebuilt his wealth. From this success, the brokerage firm of Fisk and Belden was formed. Fisk maintained his relationship with Daniel Drew. Together they faced off with Cornelious Vanderbuilt with the “Eerie War”, which was an all out battle to accumulate monetary gains from Mr. Vanderbuilt.
James Fisk was known for his wardrobe which was quite colorful. His stint in the circus helped him earn the nickname “The Barnum of Wall Street”. He was a colorful, outspoken man, and very bold in his business decisions. He tried to monopolize the gold market but his attempts were thwarted by failures on Black Friday.
James Fisk was killed in a hotel in a squabble over his mistress, Josie Mansfield. This halted the career of this notable Robber Barron of The Gilded Age.
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Jay Cooke |
Jay Cooke was a trustworthy family man. An Ohio native that eventually made his home in Philadelphia and amassed a fortune as a banker. He is said to have financed the Civil War for the Union. He did assist in bringing in large amounts of money with his sales of war bonds.
Jay Cooke helped provide financial support for the government as it endeavored to build and eventually complete the Transcontinental Railroad.
Mr. Cooke was different from other men in his social circles. He was not a boastful man and was very devoted to his family and his past time of fishing the waters of Gibralter, which surround his home on the island of the same name.
After a new, failed venture into a new railroad company, Cooke lost his fortune. However, he gained it back again as he invested in a silver mine.
Jay Cooke passed away in 1905. He was a very well-loved and respected man.
Jay Cooke passed away in 1905. He was a very well-loved and respected man.
Contributed by Mary M. Duffey
