(born Feb. 1, 1828, Langnau, Switz. — died March 15, 1905, Palm Beach, Fla., U.S.) U.S. industrialist who developed worldwide mining interests that yielded a vast fortune. Guggenheim immigrated to the U.S. in 1847 and built an import firm specializing in Swiss embroideries. His investments in two Colorado copper mines in the 1880s were the foundation of extensive mining interests. His seven sons, especially Daniel, built a large organization of smelting and refining operations. In 1901 the Guggenheims merged their holdings with the American Smelting and Refining Co., a trust composed of the country's largest metal-processing plants. See also Solomon Guggenheim.

1. ########################################

Meyer Guggenheim

Born February 1, 1828(1828-02-01)

Lengnau, Aargau, Switzerland

Died March 15, 1905(1905-03-15) (aged 77)

Known for Guggenheim family Children: Isaac Guggenheim, Daniel Guggenheim, Murry Guggenheim, Solomon R. Guggenheim, Simon Guggenheim, Benjamin Guggenheim, William Guggenheim

3 daughters

Meyer Guggenheim (February 1, 1828 – March 15, 1905) was the patriarch of what became known as the Guggenheim family. He was born in Lengnau, Aargau, Switzerland, was of German Jewish ancestry and emigrated to the United States in 1847. He started out in the importing business, but made his and his family's fortune (which was one of the largest fortunes in the world) in mining and smelting. He and his wife Barbara had ten surviving children. Five of his seven sons were active in the family businesses:

   * Isaac (1854–1922),

   * Daniel (1856–1930), head of the family after his father's death, who was the most active of his sons in developing and acquiring worldwide mining interests,

   * Murry (1858–1939), originally in the lace and embroidery import business and by 1881, involved in mining and smelting,

   * Solomon Robert (1861–1949), a supporter of modern art through his foundation and donations to the Museum of Modern Art,

   * (John) Simon (1867–1941), a one-term senator from Colorado

Two other sons were Benjamin (1865–1912), who died in the Titanic disaster, and William.

[edit] See also

   * Peggy Guggenheim, daughter of Benjamin Guggenheim