1. George Coby is believed to be the first Georgian millionaire.
12 Facts About George Coby
1. 2.
George Coby was born to a family of peasants in Tkhmori, Georgia, which was, at the time, a part of Imperial Russia.
3.
George Coby received his primary education at home before studying with a priest at a local parish.
4.
When George Coby arrived in the US, he got a job baking bread with his fellow countrymen from Racha.
5.
George Coby produced medical, chemical, and construction products, including 45 other goods and raw materials.
6.
Parallel to his business activities, George Coby maintained an active political and social life.
7.
George Coby was a very vocal supporter of independence for the Democratic Republic of Georgia, which existed between 1918 and 1921.
8.
George Coby visited his homeland twice after the Soviet occupation of Georgia, between 1924 and 1928, and supported emigrants coming to the US from Georgia.
9.
George Coby partnered with Prince Matchabelli to manufacture special bottles for their perfume in the shape of the Georgian Queen's insignia.
10.
George Coby filed for bankruptcy but managed to open a small shop where he sold small glass items and office supplies.
11.
George Coby opened a new factory in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and supplied chemical and medical laboratories and hospitals with glass products.
12.
George Coby died on October 30,1967, at the age of 83 or 84.