Simon Guggenheim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Simon Guggenheim
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| United States Senator from Colorado |
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| In office March 4, 1907 – March 3, 1913 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas M. Patterson |
| Succeeded by | John F. Shafroth |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 30, 1867 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | November 2, 1941 (aged 73) New York City, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Olga Hirsch |
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| Relatives | Guggenheim family |
| Education | Peirce College |
John Simon Guggenheim (born December 30, 1867 – died November 2, 1941) was an important American businessman, politician, and someone who loved to help others (a philanthropist). He was known for his work in mining, his time as a senator, and for creating a famous foundation.
Contents
Simon Guggenheim's Story
Early Life and Family
Simon Guggenheim was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His family was Jewish. His parents were Meyer Guggenheim and Barbara Guggenheim. He had older brothers, including Daniel Guggenheim and Solomon R. Guggenheim.
Simon went to Central High School. He also studied at the Peirce School of Business Administration. After school, he moved to Pueblo, Colorado. There, he worked for his father's company, M. Guggenheim's Sons. He was in charge of buying ore, which is rock that contains valuable metals.
Moving to Denver and Marriage
In 1892, Simon Guggenheim moved to Denver. He married Olga Hirsch on November 24, 1898. Their wedding was at the famous Waldorf Astoria New York hotel in Manhattan. To celebrate, the Guggenheims gave a special Thanksgiving dinner. They fed 5,000 children in Manhattan who needed help.
Stepping into Politics
Simon Guggenheim was interested in politics. In 1898, he wanted to become the Governor of Colorado. However, he decided not to run after some big problems happened at a meeting in Colorado Springs.
In 1904, he was chosen to be a presidential elector. This meant he helped choose the president in that year's election.
Family Life and Giving Back
Simon and Olga Guggenheim lived in Denver. Their first child, John Simon Guggenheim, was born in 1905. To celebrate, Simon Guggenheim gave a large gift of $80,000 to the Colorado School of Mines. This money was used to build a building named Simon Guggenheim Hall. At that time, it was the biggest private gift ever given to a state school.
In 1907, their second son, George Denver Guggenheim, was born. Simon continued to support education. In 1909, he donated money to build a Law Building at the University of Colorado.
Serving in the Senate
In 1907, Simon Guggenheim was elected to the United States Senate. He represented Colorado as a Republican. He served in the Senate from 1907 to 1913.
While in the Senate, he led two important groups. He chaired the Committee to Establish a University of the United States. He also led the Committee on the Philippines. During his time in Congress, his older brother, Benjamin Guggenheim, sadly died in the RMS Titanic accident. After his term ended, Simon and Olga moved back to New York.
Business and Philanthropy
After leaving the Senate, Simon Guggenheim joined the board of American Smelting and Refining Company. He later became the chairman of the board. From 1919 to 1941, he was the president of this company.
A sad event happened in 1922. Simon's son, John, passed away from an ear infection (mastoiditis). He was about to go to college. To honor his son's memory, Simon and his wife created the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation in 1925. This foundation gives money to people who are doing important work in arts, sciences, and education.
Simon Guggenheim died in 1941. He was buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, New York.
See also
- Guggenheim family
- Meyer Guggenheim
- John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation
- List of Jewish members of the United States Congress
