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Hetty Green: The Richest Woman in the Gilded Age

Darrell Powell

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The Richest Woman in America: Hetty Green in the Gilded Age

by Janet Wallach

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3718 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	386 pages

Hetty Green was one of the most fascinating and enigmatic figures of the Gilded Age. She was the richest woman in America, and her eccentric lifestyle and shrewd financial acumen made her a legend. In this article, we explore the life and times of Hetty Green, and try to understand the secrets of her success.

Early Life and Family

Hetty Green was born Henrietta Howland Robinson in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on November 21, 1834. Her father, Edward Robinson, was a successful whaling captain and merchant, and her mother, Abby Robinson, was a devout Quaker. Hetty was the eldest of six children, and she had a close relationship with her siblings, especially her younger brother, Edward.

Hetty's father died when she was 13 years old, and her mother remarried a few years later. Hetty did not get along with her stepfather, and she often clashed with her mother over her religious beliefs. As a result, she left home at the age of 16 and moved in with her aunt and uncle in New York City.

Financial Acumen

Hetty Green showed an early aptitude for business and finance. She began investing in stocks and bonds at the age of 21, and she quickly developed a reputation for her shrewdness and foresight. She was a pioneer in the field of real estate investment, and she owned properties all over the United States.

Hetty's financial acumen was legendary. She was known for her ability to spot undervalued assets and for her willingness to take risks. She was also a master of negotiation, and she often got the best of her opponents in business deals.

Eccentric Lifestyle

Hetty Green was just as well known for her eccentric lifestyle as she was for her financial acumen. She was a frugal and miserly woman, and she lived in a modest apartment in New York City. She wore simple clothes, and she often went without food to save money.

Hetty's eccentricities extended to her personal life as well. She was a devout Quaker, and she refused to wear jewelry or makeup. She also had a phobia of germs, and she would often wash her hands dozens of times a day.

Personal Life

Hetty Green married Edward Green in 1865. Edward was a wealthy businessman, and the couple had two children, Edward Jr. and Sylvia. The marriage was not a happy one, and the couple separated in 1885. Hetty never remarried.

Hetty Green died in 1916 at the age of 81. She left behind an estate worth over $100 million, making her one of the richest women in American history.

Legacy

Hetty Green was a complex and contradictory figure. She was a shrewd businesswoman who amassed a fortune through her financial acumen, but she was also an eccentric and miserly woman who lived a life of self-denial. She was a pioneer in the field of real estate investment, and her legacy continues to inspire investors today.

Hetty Green's story is a reminder that success can come in many forms. She was not a traditional beauty or a socialite, but she was one of the most successful and influential women of her time. Her story is a testament to the power of intelligence, hard work, and determination.

The Richest Woman in America: Hetty Green in the Gilded Age

by Janet Wallach

4.3 out of 5