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Andrew Carnegie is known as a famous businessman who made a substantial impact on the United States and the world at large through his entrepreneurial success and philanthropy. He is known as the “Father of Modern Philanthropy” after all. Many may not realize that he has Celtic roots.
Carnegie was born inDunfermline, Scotland, in 1835. He had a brother named Tom who was 8 years
younger than he was. In 1848, industrialism made jobs like weaving obsolete,
which left his family out of work and unable to make money. They moved to the
United States to seek better opportunities.
The family decided to live in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, which
is a suburb of Pittsburgh. They had friends and relatives there, so it was a
perfect place for them to settle. Their ship traveled from Scotland to New York
City, where Carnegie mingled with the people who lived there. Once in
Allegheny, Carnegie’s father took over a relative’s weaving shop, but that
business ultimately failed.
When Carnegie was 13, he worked in a cotton mill, carrying
bobbins to workers at their looms. This earned him $1.20 each week. At the age
of 14, he became a telegraph carrier and was promoted to telegraph operator
after teaching himself how to work telegraph equipment. This led him to work on
the Pennsylvania Railroad, where he was promoted to superintendent at 24.
Carnegie was educated primarily through reading books. Since
he lived in Allegheny, he was able to take advantage of the library of Colonel
James Anderson, who allowed local working boys the rare opportunity to utilize
the library.
During his time working at the railroad, Carnegie became
interested in other business interests. He received $500 to invest in shares
and explored other opportunities as well. By the age of 30, he had several
business interests and had built the Carnegie Steel Corporation. Carnegie
became a steel master in the United States and was considered the greatest
entrepreneur of the age.
Carnegie began his philanthropic endeavors in 1870. He
supported many causes, but is best known for his work with libraries. His first
library was built in his birthplace, Dunfermline, and he eventually built
libraries across the English-speaking world.
Even though he lived and worked in the United States,
Carnegie bought several propertiesin Scotland, particularly in the Highlands. He felt in tune with the
customs of the Scottish Highlands. After purchasing Cluny Castle in 1888, he
spent 10 summers there. Carnegie also purchased Skibo Castle in Sutherland. He
spent five months out of the year in this castle, calling it “Heaven on Earth”
and feeling at home there.
In 1901, Carnegie sold his steel business to J.P. Morgan and
retired from business. He was eager to share his wealth with others. Aside from
libraries, he was able to buy organs for churches, start nonprofits, help
schools, and fund other endeavors.
In 1911, he established the Carnegie Foundation as a product
of his wealth. Through his wealth, Carnegie was able to fund things such as the
discovery of insulin, Pell Grants, and even Sesame Street.
Carnegie died on August11, 1919. Throughout his life, Carnegie lived a life of success and generosity. He leaves behind a legacy of giving and of peace. One of his goals was world peace, and his work and legacy echo this goal and his efforts to achieve this in his lifetime.
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