John Mullanphy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Mullanphy
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| Born | 1758 Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
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| Died | August 29, 1833 (aged 74–75) St. Louis, Missouri
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| Occupation | Merchant |
John Mullanphy (1758 – August 29, 1833) was an Irish immigrant who came to the United States. He became a very successful merchant in cities like St. Louis and Baltimore. He arrived in Philadelphia with his family in 1792. Later, in 1804, he moved to the small French village of St. Louis. At that time, St. Louis had fewer than 1,000 people and mostly log and stone houses.
A New Life in America
John Mullanphy was born near Enniskillen, in County Fermanagh, Ireland, around 1758. His uncle, Bryan Mullanphy, helped raise him. When he was 20, John joined the Irish Brigade of the French Army. This was a group of Irish soldiers who served France. After the French Revolution, the brigade broke up, and John returned to Ireland.
In 1789, he married Elizabeth Browne, who was 16 years old. John, Elizabeth, and their first child, Ellen, sailed to Philadelphia in 1792. They stayed there for a year before moving to Baltimore for five years. In Baltimore, John Mullanphy became friends with John Carroll, who was the first Catholic bishop in America.
Moving West
The Mullanphy family then moved to Frankfort, Kentucky, in 1798. There, John opened a bookstore and a general store. He was always looking for new business ideas. In 1802, he built a sailing ship on the Kentucky River. He loaded it with goods and sent it to the West Indies to trade. The ship made several successful trips. However, it was lost in a big storm in 1803 or 1804.
While in Frankfort, John Mullanphy became friends with Charles Gratiot. Gratiot was a merchant and fur trader. He suggested that Mullanphy move his family to the French village of St. Louis. So, in 1804, the Mullanphy family moved to St. Louis. At that time, St. Louis was a small frontier village with about 180 houses.
Life in St. Louis
John Mullanphy became a very important person in the growing community of St. Louis. He was known as a philanthropist, which means he was a person who gave money and time to help others. He supported many good causes in the city.
His son, Bryan Mullanphy, also became famous in St. Louis. He later served as the mayor of the city.
The Mullanphy family's original last name was Ó Maolainbhthe. They came from County Fermanagh, just like the Irish football player Eugene Melaniphy (1912–91).
John Mullanphy passed away in St. Louis on August 29, 1833.
