LeGrand Lockwood Life Events

At what age did LeGrand Lockwood begin working on Wall Street and for which company?

LeGrand Lockwood began working as a clerk at Corning & Co. or Shipman and Ayres Co. in NYC at the age of 18 (1838)

Who were LeGrand Lockwood’s parents?

Benjamin Lockwood and Elizabeth (Kellogg) Lockwood

What did his father Benjamin Lockwood do for work?

He owned a shoe store in NYC and eventually sought to make his fortune on the stock market at the age of 55

How many siblings did LeGrand Lockwood have and what were their names?

4 older brothers, born between 1803 and 1812 — Frederick Lockwood, Munson Lockwood, Rev. Benjamin Lockwod, and Charles Street Lockwood

When did LeGrand Lockwood finish having his mansion built?

The Lockwood mansion was completed by 1869 and at the time was considered the greatest private house in America and the epitome of Gilded Age wealth and living

What was the Panic of 1857?

The Panic of 1857 was a significant economic crisis beginning in August 1857 that was precipitated by overspeculation in railroads and land, decreasing crop exports to Europe, and the failure of a major trust company.

How did the Panic of 1857 affect the trajectory of U.S. history and how did it affect the trajectory of LG Lockwood’s life?

The Panic of 1857 led to economic hardship (loss of jobs, bank closures, etc.) particularly in the Midwest and South, creating conditions that led up to the Civil War (1861-1865). For LG, it meant that his senior partner at Genin and Lockwood, Sydney Genin, wound up retiring, leaving LG the senior partner of Lockwood and Co. at the ripe age of 37

How did the Civil War impact LG and his company?

Lockwood and Co. became known as the leading stock house of the country as it not only successfully linked its success with expanding railway companies of the time, but also took advantage of the fluctuating value of greenbacks during and post-Civil War.

What happened in 1848 that altered the course of Norwalk’s history (and thus, directly/indirectly LG’s life)?

The New Haven Railroad, having had its plans rejected by the borough of Norwalk, laid its tracks through what was then known as Old Well (now South Norwalk). This signaled the beginning of great prosperity for the area as it rapidly turned into a commercial depot, facilitating greater trade and industry.

When did LGL begin buying land for his estate and where?

1863, in Norwalk, all along West Ave

How many children did LGL have?

6 children, 4 boys, 2 girls