Robert Bowne Minturn was born on 16 November 1805, to the purple in New York social and commercial circles and went even farther in both fields, winning general respect for his philanthropic as well as his business success. His grandfather, the elder William Minturn, had moved a profitable business from Newport to New York. His father, William Minturn, Jr. , who married Sarah Bowne, was a partner in the firm of Minturn, Champlin & Company, which was prominent until its failure at the close of the War of 1812.
Education
Minturn received an English education, and, though compelled by the death of his father to leave school at the age of fourteen and enter a counting-house, spent his leisure in study, so that he gained an extensive acquaintance with general literature.
Career
Robert was forced to go into business at thirteen upon the death of his father. In 1825, he became the partner of Charles Green, whom he had served as clerk, and in 1829 he entered the counting-house of Fish, Grinnell & Company, a connection probably traceable to the marriage of his sister Sarah to Henry Grinnell in 1822. This firm had been established about 1815 by Preserved Fish and Joseph Grinnell from New Bedford. Starting as commission merchants for whale oil, the firm expanded into the management of transatlantic packets, shipowning, and general commerce. By 1832, the two original partners retired and the firm was reorganized as Grinnell, Minturn & Company, Minturn joining with Joseph Grinnell's younger brothers, Moses Hicks and Henry. Under its new name, the firm attained a secure position as one of the greatest of the New York commercial houses, ranking with the Griswolds, Howlands, and Lows. "All is fish that gets into their nets, " wrote Scoville about 1860. In Latin America, they were behind the Howlands, though their Cuban business was so extensive that Minturn sent his son to Spain to learn the language. In China, they competed successfully with the houses of Griswold and Low which virtually specialized in that trade. They did a great deal of business with England and extended their influence into almost all parts of the world. They seem to have shared with the Welds of Boston with the honor of being the greatest American ship-owners of the day. Their blue and white or red and white swallowtail house flags flew over more than fifty vessels, including regular packet lines to Liverpool and London as well as some of the finest clippers of the day. They owned the North Wind and Sea Serpent and above all, the greatest of the clippers, Donald McKay's Flying Cloud. Minturn's fortune was estimated at $200, 000 as early as 1846. He died suddenly of paralysis at his New York home.
Achievements
Minturn is known as one of the owners of the famous clipper ship, Flying Cloud. He and his partners were more public-spirited than many of the other New York merchants of the day. He himself served as commissioner of emigration to improve the condition of the incoming foreigners and was instrumental in founding the Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor, and St. Luke's Hospital.
Politics
At first a Whig, Minturn was later a Republican and was the first president of the Union League Club.
Personality
Minturn has been described, like others of his family, as dark, tall, and handsome.
Quotes from others about the person
George William Curtis pictured him as "gentle, just and generous; modest, humane and sagacious; his sense of responsibility growing with his increasing fortune until his devoted life was that of a humble almoner of the Divine bounty".
Connections
Minturn's wife was Anna Mary Wendell, the daughter of John Lansing Wendell of Albany, whom he married on June 2, 1835. She has been credited with the idea of establishing Central Park and he supported her in the project.
Father:
William Minturn, Jr.,
Mother:
Sarah Bowne
Grandfather:
William Minturn
Wife:
Anna Mary Wendell Minturn
1811 - 1886
Daughter:
Edith Minturn
Born on 27 March 1844.
Daughter:
Eliza Theodora Minturn
Born on 15 October 1850.
Daughter:
Anna Mary Minturn
Born on 16 March 1841.
Daughter:
Sarah Minturn
Born in1845.
Daughter:
Susan Carter Minturn
Born in 1837.
Son:
Robert Bowne Minturn, Jr
21 February 1836 - 15 December 1889
Was an American shipping magnate of the mid to late 19th century.
Son:
William Minturn
Born in 1854.
Son:
John Wendell Minturn
13 January 1839 - 30 April 1881
Great-great-granddaughter:
Edith Minturn Sedgwick
April 20, 1943 – November 16, 1971
Was an American actress and fashion model.
