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No story of Chicago's development can be written without cognizance of Silas B. Cobb as one of its initial forces.〔 Silas Bowman Cobb (Montpelier, Vermont, January 23, 1812 - Chicago, April 5, 1900)〔(Findgrave.com )〕 was an American industrialist and pioneer who made his fortune through business and real estate ventures primarily in Chicago, Illinois. Arriving in 1833, Cobb was one of Chicago's earliest settlers and later became one of its wealthiest businessmen and property owners as well as one of the city's largest benefactors. He is also noted for his principle contributions to the founding of the University of Chicago.〔 == Chicago Pioneer == ''This section is under development.'' Cobb was born in 1812 in Montpelier, Vermont to farmer and tanner, Silas W. Cobb. His mother died when he was an infant. Due to his father's inconsistent and modest means, Cobb often had to forgo his education to support the family. It is said that this self-reliance led to his later success.〔 In June 1833, he moved west to Chicago with very little money and began work at the then village's first hotel. At the time of his arrival, it is said that Chicago had only 250 residents.〔 With his earnings, Cobb invested in stock and began to trade with local Native Americans. This provided the capital to start his first business venture, a harness shop, for which he walked 60 miles to obtain lumber that he carried back to Chicago via wagon. The business prospered and he sold it for a significant profit in 1848. He used the money to create a new boot and shoe business and flourished beyond his "fondest anticipations".〔 With this new wealth Cobb invested early in Chicago real estate and became one of its wealthiest land owners. In 1840, Cobb married Maria Warren, daughter of fellow Chicago pioneer Daniel Warren. This cemented his place in high society by marrying into one of America's oldest families, descendants of Son of Liberty and Revolutionary War major general, Dr. Joseph Warren. Although known for his frugality and aversion to debt, Cobb was one of the original residents of Chicago's ostentatious "millionaire's row" on South Prairie Avenue with other notable Chicago residents such as department store mogul Marshall Field, railroad car manufacturer George Pullman, and his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Griswold Coleman of Coleman Hardware Company.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Silas B. Cobb」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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