Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography/Williamson, Isaiah Vansant

Williamson, Isaiah Vansant, philanthropist, b. in Fallsington, Pa., 3 Feb., 1803; d. in Philadelphia, 7 March, 1889. He was a farmer's son, and entered a country store at an early age. Before he attained his majority he went to Philadelphia, and there engaged in various enterprises, showing great business ability. He became a partner in the firm of Williamson, Burroughs & Co. in the wholesale dry-goods trade, and acquired a fortune. Mr. Williamson invested his money in coal and iron lands, and became one of the largest holders of Pennsylvania railroad stock, and in the Cambria iron-works. Believing that the degeneracy of mechanical excellence among American artisans was due to the passing away of the apprentice system, he determined to found an institution where boys could be taught carpentry, blacksmithing, printing, and other mechanical work. For this purpose, in December, 1888, he placed $5,000,000 as a minimum amount in the hands of seven trustees to establish a free school of mechanical trades. Mr. Williamson’s fortune was estimated at $15,000,000. He never married, and lived obscurely and almost penuriously for many years.