Morris Ketchum

Morris Ketchum (February 1796 – January 1, 1880)[1] was an American banker and financier of the 19th century. In 1832 he partnered with Thomas Rogers and Jasper Grosvenor to form the manufacturing firm of Rogers, Ketchum and Grosvenor; this firm eventually grew into Rogers Locomotive Works, the second most popular steam locomotive manufacturing company in North America.[2]

Ketchum was also a director of the Illinois Central Railroad. During his time on the board, he was able to funnel many of that railroad's locomotive orders to Rogers.[3]

Morris Ketchum, with his son Edward B. Ketchum, led the financial firm of Ketchum, Son and Company in New York City. Edward was later found to have embezzled nearly $2.5 million to cover his losses in the 1860s; it was Morris's good reputation that kept the public from suspecting Edward of embezzlement for a time.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Reitwiesner, William Addams. "The Ancestors of Julia Stimson Thorne". Retrieved October 11, 2005.
  2. ↑ Moshein, Peter and Rothfus, Robert R. (1992). "Rogers locomotives: A brief history and construction list". Railroad History (167): p 13–147.
  3. ↑ White, John H., Jr. (1968). A history of the American locomotive; its development: 1830-1880. New York, NY: Dover Publications. ISBN 0-486-23818-0. p. 24.
  4. ↑ Kalinke, Tom (2004). "Financial History". Museum of American Financial History. Archived from the original on October 16, 2005. Retrieved October 7, 2005.