Show Stephen Girard Stephen Girard 1831 J wu was an i American merchant and 1 I born at Bordeaux France He j was Mas greatly Interested In the first United States bank which he be made one of the s soundest financial Institutions institutions In Ame America During the War of 1812 he was 88 the chief financial support support sup sup- port of ot the government On the re- re chartering of the second United States bank 1816 he became one of Its principal principal principal prin prin- cipal stockholders and directors and exercised a dominant control over Its policy for man many years yean He lie left al ai almost al most his entire fortune of In public benefactions chief of which was Girard college In the regulations for the control and management of ot which he be Incorporated his Ideas deas as a. to freedom of thought I and religious belief |