Background
Faneuil, Peter was born on June 20, 1700 in New Rochelle, New York, United States. Son of Benjamin and Anne (Bureau) Faneuil.
Faneuil, Peter was born on June 20, 1700 in New Rochelle, New York, United States. Son of Benjamin and Anne (Bureau) Faneuil.
His father developed a prosperous mercantile business in Boston, Mass., to which Peter Faneuil later succeeded. He also inherited a considerable fortune from his uncle Andrew and thus became one of the wealthiest men in Boston. In 1740 he offered to build and donate a much-needed market to the city. In spite of considerable opposition from hucksters who preferred to hawk their wares from house to house, Faneuil's offer was finally accepted and in 1742 the building was completed. Known as Faneuil Hall, it was the most elegant structure of its day in Boston.