Jacob Tome
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Jacob Tome (August 13, 1810 – March 16, 1898) was an American philanthropist, politician, and the founder of the Tome School.
Tome was born in Hanover in southwestern York County, Pennsylvania. He arrived in Port Deposit, Maryland, a penniless man and died as one of the richest men in the United States. He was Cecil County's first millionaire and its greatest philanthropist. His benevolence lives today in many institutions, colleges, churches, and schools of learning.
He was a Republican and a supporter of Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. He was a member of Maryland state senate in 1864. After the war, he was a candidate for Governor of Maryland in 1871.
He died of pneumonia in Port Deposit at the age of 87 and was buried there at Hopewell Cemetery. His approximate wealth at the time of his death was 89 million dollars—approximately 2.4 billion in today's money (2005). His widow Evalyn Nesbitt Tome was the richest woman in the State of Maryland; she later married Joseph Irwin France (Senator and U.S. presidential candidate).
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These links point to articles and stories written about him when he was living, as well as how time has judged his efforts and importance to many communities.
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