Joseph Wilhelm (William) Drexel

Joseph Wilhelm 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.

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

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.

Citation

“Joseph Wilhelm (William) Drexel,” Drexel Exhibits, accessed March 29, 2024, https://drexelexhibits.omeka.net/items/show/218.

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