Banker, philanthropist. Born in New York City, he was the son of prominant banker John Thompson and his wife, Electra Ferris. He attended Williams College, but left in 1854 to do business abroad for his father. In 1863, Frederick and his brother Samuel founded the First National Bank of the City of New York, which would later become Citibank (now Citicorp). Frederick served as vice-president, chief stockholder, and was its lifelong director. Frederick also had a passion for photography, and he was among the first to use dry plates. He married Mary Lee Clark, daughter of New York state governor Myron Clark in 1857. The couple had no children, but dedicated their lives to generously supporting worthy causes and organizations. They were benefactors of Williams College, Vassar College, and Teacher's College (now Columbia University). Frederick died in New York City at the age of 62, and his widow continued their philanthropic interests, giving her husband's name to many New York libraries, museums, chapels, and to the F. F. Thompson Hospital, which gave rise to the Thompson Health Network. The couple's Upstate New York summer residence, Sonnenberg Gardens, is now a state park.
Epitaph: "In as much as ye have done it
Unto one of the least of these
My brethren, ye have done
It unto me. St. Matthew XXV: 40"
Epitaph: "In as much as ye have done it
Unto one of the least of these
My brethren, ye have done
It unto me. St. Matthew XXV: 40"
Banker, philanthropist. Born in New York City, he was the son of prominant banker John Thompson and his wife, Electra Ferris. He attended Williams College, but left in 1854 to do business abroad for his father. In 1863, Frederick and his brother Samuel founded the First National Bank of the City of New York, which would later become Citibank (now Citicorp). Frederick served as vice-president, chief stockholder, and was its lifelong director. Frederick also had a passion for photography, and he was among the first to use dry plates. He married Mary Lee Clark, daughter of New York state governor Myron Clark in 1857. The couple had no children, but dedicated their lives to generously supporting worthy causes and organizations. They were benefactors of Williams College, Vassar College, and Teacher's College (now Columbia University). Frederick died in New York City at the age of 62, and his widow continued their philanthropic interests, giving her husband's name to many New York libraries, museums, chapels, and to the F. F. Thompson Hospital, which gave rise to the Thompson Health Network. The couple's Upstate New York summer residence, Sonnenberg Gardens, is now a state park.
Epitaph: "In as much as ye have done it
Unto one of the least of these
My brethren, ye have done
It unto me. St. Matthew XXV: 40"
Epitaph: "In as much as ye have done it
Unto one of the least of these
My brethren, ye have done
It unto me. St. Matthew XXV: 40"
