Joseph Wilhelm (William) Drexel
Title
Joseph Wilhelm (William) Drexel
Subject
Drexel, Joseph W. (Joseph William), 1833-1888
Biographical Text
The youngest son of Francis Martin and Catherine Hookey Drexel, Joseph W. Drexel became a partner at Drexel & Co. with his brothers Anthony and Francis. He acted mainly as a traveling partner, eventually centering his life around New York City to work with J.P. Morgan at Drexel, Morgan & Co., rather than remaining in Philadelphia with his brothers. One of Drexel's key investments was the purchase of Mount McGregor in New York, as well as the development of the Saratoga, Mount McGregor and Lake George Railroad and construction of the Hotel Balmoral at the top of the mountain.
He retired from the business in 1876 and devoted the rest of his life to philanthropic and civic pursuits. His music collection, first a part of the Lenox Library, eventually became the basis for the Music Division of the New York Public Library (now the NYPL for the Performing Arts).
Joseph had four children with his wife Lucy Wharton. Joseph Drexel died at his home on Madison Avenue in March 1888 and is buried at the Woodlands Cemetery in Philadelphia.
He retired from the business in 1876 and devoted the rest of his life to philanthropic and civic pursuits. His music collection, first a part of the Lenox Library, eventually became the basis for the Music Division of the New York Public Library (now the NYPL for the Performing Arts).
Joseph had four children with his wife Lucy Wharton. Joseph Drexel died at his home on Madison Avenue in March 1888 and is buried at the Woodlands Cemetery in Philadelphia.
Birth Date
January 24, 1833
Death Date
March 25, 1888
Birthplace
Philadelphia, PA
Occupation
Philanthropist
Partner, Drexel & Co.
Book collector
Source
Printed illustration of Joseph Wilhelm (William) Drexel
undated
MC.00.001 Drexel Family Collection
Drexel University Archives, Drexel University
20070290218
undated
MC.00.001 Drexel Family Collection
Drexel University Archives, Drexel University
20070290218
Rights
Copyright is undetermined. The images are provided here for educational, scholarly, non-commercial purposes. Please contact the Drexel University Archives for image use and reproduction.
Collection
Citation
“Joseph Wilhelm (William) Drexel,” Drexel Exhibits, accessed March 29, 2024, https://drexelexhibits.omeka.net/items/show/218.
Item Relations
This Item | is primary topic of | Item: Joseph Wilhelm Drexel line family tree [Drexel genealogical chart] |