Morris Ketchum Jesup

An intimate friend of Morris K. Jesup, the recently elected President of the Chamber of Commerce, being asked to describe the distinguishing characteristics of that eminent financier and philanthropist, replied without hesitation “Ability to make money and the disposition to dispose of it in unostentatious benevolence.” Throughout his long and honorable business career Mr. Jesup has prospered in large measure, and in proportion as fortune has smiled upon him he has endeavored to bring education, comfort, and good cheer within the reach of others. Comparatively few of his benefactions are known to the public, but even the few make an impressive list. All of his gifts for educational and charitable purposes have been of a practical and permanently useful character.

From “Morris K. Jesup,” published in The New York Times – Illustrated Magazine, May 28, 1899