Banker, Stockbroker, born in Staffordshire, England, and emigrated to the United States around 1850. His first job was at an import business, working as a junior clerk. In 1859 he co-founded Livermore, Clews, and Company, what was then the second largest marketer of federal bonds during the United States Civil War, and made a fortune marketing bonds. He split away and started Clews and Company in 1877 which made him a millionaire. Now wealthy he decided to enjoy his life and married the American heiress Lucy Madison Worthington; they had two children: Elsie Worthington Clews and Henry Clews, who was an artist. As a strong Republican he organized the "Committee of 70," which deposed the corrupt ring associated with William M. Tweed which ruled New York City.Later he served as an economic consultant to President Ulysses Grant. He managed his investments well and ended up doubling his fortune by the time he retired.In 1901 he decided to retire to his estate "The Rocks" in Newport with Lucy and developed a amazing art collection. He travelled Europe twice a year, collecting amazing paintings and sculptures. In Newport, he and Lucy were famous for their parties. One, "The Servant's Ball", was where guests dressed up as servants. They made their own meals and cleaned the house. In 1923 he returned to New York to help his son out with a loan and died there in Hotel suite of chronic bronchitis. He left his $23 million dollar estate divided between his wife, two children and his various charities.
Banker, Stockbroker, born in Staffordshire, England, and emigrated to the United States around 1850. His first job was at an import business, working as a junior clerk. In 1859 he co-founded Livermore, Clews, and Company, what was then the second largest marketer of federal bonds during the United States Civil War, and made a fortune marketing bonds. He split away and started Clews and Company in 1877 which made him a millionaire. Now wealthy he decided to enjoy his life and married the American heiress Lucy Madison Worthington; they had two children: Elsie Worthington Clews and Henry Clews, who was an artist. As a strong Republican he organized the "Committee of 70," which deposed the corrupt ring associated with William M. Tweed which ruled New York City.Later he served as an economic consultant to President Ulysses Grant. He managed his investments well and ended up doubling his fortune by the time he retired.In 1901 he decided to retire to his estate "The Rocks" in Newport with Lucy and developed a amazing art collection. He travelled Europe twice a year, collecting amazing paintings and sculptures. In Newport, he and Lucy were famous for their parties. One, "The Servant's Ball", was where guests dressed up as servants. They made their own meals and cleaned the house. In 1923 he returned to New York to help his son out with a loan and died there in Hotel suite of chronic bronchitis. He left his $23 million dollar estate divided between his wife, two children and his various charities.
