Hetty Green

Early Life and Background

Hetty Green, born Henrietta Howland Robinson on November 21, 1834, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, was destined for greatness from an early age. She was the daughter of Edward Mott Robinson, a wealthy Quaker whaling merchant, and Abby Slocum Howland, whose family was also affluent because of their investments in whaling and shipping. Her paternal grandfather introduced her to business and finance early on, having her read daily stock reports and commodities prices from the age of six.

Career Beginnings and Development

Hetty's interest in finance was piqued at an early age, and by the time she inherited $7.5 million from her father and aunt, she was ready to control her own destiny. Instead of leading a conventional lifestyle expected of women in her era, she chose to dive into business. Her strategic acumen became apparent during the Panic of 1857 when she profited from her investments.

Major Works, Discoveries, or Accomplishments

Hetty Green was known for her investment acumen, specifically in real estate and railroads. She took advantage of market panics to buy stocks and bonds at a low price. Her two most famous ventures were the Union Pacific Railroad and Chicago’s real estate. She was one of the largest lenders in New York City and on many occasions loaned money to the city’s government during its financial difficulties.

Awards, Honors, and Recognition Received

Though Hetty Green was not formally recognized with awards, her legacy as one of America's earliest female financiers who managed a vast fortune exceeding $100 million is an enduring hallmark of her capability in a male-dominated occupation.

Personal Life

In 1867, Hetty married Edward Henry Green, a wealthy businessman. They had two children, Ned and Sylvia. Hetty managed her finances independently of her husband, asserting her financial independence and often separating her assets to protect them. She was sometimes referred to as the "Witch of Wall Street" for her stern demeanor and inflexible financial strategies.

Legacy and Historical Impact

Hetty Green's legacy remains significant; she was a pioneer for women in finance when such roles were unheard of. Her influence extends beyond personal wealth to a symbol of fierce financial independence and acumen. Her strategies are still considered groundbreaking and taught in business courses for their forward-thinking nature.

Later Life and Death

In her later years, Hetty Green continued to manage her investments diligently, living primarily with her son. She passed away on July 3, 1916, in New York City, leaving behind a fortune estimated at $200 million, a significant sum for those times.