17 Facts About Spencer Trask

Spencer Trask was an American financier, philanthropist, and venture capitalist.

Spencer Trask was an initial trustee of the Teachers' College and St Stephen's College.

Spencer Trask was born in 1844 to Alanson and Sarah Trask in Brooklyn, New York.

Spencer Trask's father was a direct descendant of Captain William Trask, a leader in the formation of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Spencer Trask was married in 1874 to Katrina Nichols, an author.

Spencer Trask was often a supporter of new inventions in their experimental stages, having formed an early appreciation for the connection between technology, business and finance during his time at Polytechnic University in Brooklyn.

Spencer Trask was an original trustee of the Edison Electric Light Company, the predecessor to the General Electric Company, being for many years a member of the executive committee.

Spencer Trask made Ochs publisher and himself chairman as The New York Times was reborn.

John Moody began statistical work at Spencer Trask before launching Moody's Investors Service.

Spencer Trask was committed to civic duty, public service, and philanthropy.

At the time of his death, Spencer Trask's wealth had been greatly diminished by his own generosity.

Twelve years after Spencer's death, Mrs Trask married George Foster Peabody, and launched the Corporation of Yaddo.

Spencer Trask was a founder and chairman of the board of trustees for Teachers College, the school of pedagogy of Columbia University.

Spencer Trask was actively interested in the Kindergarten Association, and for many years was closely identified with General Theological Seminary.

Spencer Trask founded a public lecture series at his alma mater, Princeton University in 1891, "for the purpose of securing the services of eminent men to deliver public lectures before the University on subjects of special interest".

Spencer Trask was a member of the Union League, Grolier Club, and as first treasurer, purchased the Gramercy Park property for the National Arts Club of New York.

Spencer Trask died in a train accident on New Year's Eve in 1909.