Joseph Tatnall facts for kids
Joseph Tatnall (1740–1813) was an important American businessman. He was a well-known Quaker merchant, who owned mills and worked as a banker in Wilmington, Delaware.
Early Life and Helping the Nation
Joseph Tatnall was born in Wilmington on November 6, 1740. He was the only son of Edward and Elizabeth Tatnall. Joseph started a mill on the Brandywine River near Wilmington. This area, known as Brandywine Village, became a key place for early American industries.
During the American Revolution, Joseph Tatnall was a big help. He welcomed famous generals like George Washington and Lafayette into his home. He also let General Anthony Wayne use his parlors as a meeting place. Tatnall's flour mills worked "day and night" to make sure the Continental Army had enough food.
Business Ventures and Family Connections
In 1795, Joseph Tatnall became the first president of the National Bank of Delaware. This bank was very successful and stayed independent for many years.
He also worked with James Canby, who came from another well-known milling family. Together, they rented farmland to raise animals and grow hay.
In 1802, Tatnall was chosen to be the president of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Company. This company wanted to build a canal to connect the Delaware River near Philadelphia with the Chesapeake Bay. The goal was to make it easier to bring grain from Maryland to the mills in Brandywine. Even though this first company stopped, a new effort later finished the 13.6-mile canal in 1829.
Tatnall also had shipping businesses with partners like Joseph Shallcross, a miller and a former mayor of Wilmington. They owned ships together, including a large sailing ship called the Nancy in 1775 and a smaller ship called the Sally in 1801.
On January 31, 1765, Joseph Tatnall married Elizabeth Lea in Wilmington. They had nine children. His daughter, Sarah Tatnall, married Thomas Lea, another important miller in Wilmington. Joseph Tatnall and Thomas Lea worked together on several mills. Joseph's son, Edward Tatnall, helped start the Delaware and Maryland Rail Road Company. Joseph Tatnall's family continued to be important in business and politics for generations.
When Joseph Tatnall passed away in 1813, he owned many investments. These included parts of the canal company, the Wilmington Insurance Company, and various transportation businesses.
