17 Facts About Leonard Jerome

1.

Leonard Walter Jerome was an American financier in Brooklyn, New York, and the maternal grandfather of Winston Churchill.

2.

Leonard Jerome was born in Pompey in Onondaga County, New York, on November 3,1817.

3.

Leonard Jerome was one of nine sons and one daughter born to Aurora Jerome and Isaac Jerome.

4.

Leonard Jerome was born on a farm in the Central New York town of Pompey, near Syracuse.

5.

Leonard Jerome originally enrolled in Princeton University, then known as the College of New Jersey, as a member of the Class of 1839, before leaving for Union College, where he studied law with his uncle, known as Judge Jerome, and set up a practice in Rochester, New York.

6.

Leonard Jerome later moved to New York City, where he became a stock speculator and promoter.

7.

Leonard Jerome made and lost several fortunes, and was known as "The King of Wall Street".

8.

Leonard Jerome held interests in several railroad companies and was often a partner in the deals of Cornelius Vanderbilt.

9.

Leonard Jerome was a patron of the arts, and joined in the founding of the Academy of Music, one of New York City's earliest opera houses.

10.

Leonard Jerome enjoyed yachting with his friend, William K Vanderbilt.

11.

In 1866, Leonard Jerome bought the estate and mansion of James Bathgate near Old Fordham Village in what was then rural Westchester County, but is The Bronx.

12.

Leonard Jerome's wealth afforded his daughters the opportunity to spend much time in Europe, where they associated with the aristocratic elite of the day.

13.

Leonard Jerome was rumored to be the father of the American opera singer Minnie Hauk.

14.

Leonard Jerome had an affair in the 1860s with Fanny Ronalds, then separated from her husband.

15.

Leonard Jerome died at the age of 73 in Brighton, England, surrounded by his wife and surviving daughters.

16.

Leonard Jerome was originally buried at Kensal Green Cemetery in England, and later buried in the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn.

17.

In 2023 Leonard Jerome will be posthumously inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame as a Pillar of the Turf for his contributions to thoroughbred racing.