Vassar, Matthew (1792-1868), was an American brewer, businessman, and philanthropist. His gift of a large sum of money in 1861 led to the creation of what is now known as Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Vassar was born on April 29, 1792, at East Tuddingham in Norfolk, England. He immigrated with his family to New York in 1796. Although he was originally apprenticed to a tanner, he ran off the night before his apprenticeship was to begin. He eventually entered his father’s trade, the brewing business. Vassar made most of his fortune in brewing.
Vassar became interested in philanthropy after visiting hospitals in London in the 1840’s. In February 1861, Vassar gave a sum of $408,000 and deeded 200 acres (81 hectares) of land to the Board of Trustees of Vassar Female College. This school had been incorporated a month earlier in Poughkeepsie. The wide publicity given to Vassar’s venture created interest in college education for women throughout the world.
Vassar died in Poughkeepsie on June 23, 1868. In his will, he left another large sum of money to the school. This institution, which shortened its name to Vassar College in 1867, became coeducational in 1969.
See also Vassar College .
