Peabody, George (1795-1869), a merchant and financier, became one of the foremost philanthropists of his time. His gifts for Southern education, construction of model low-cost housing, and support of scientific and cultural institutions set a pattern for later philanthropists. After making a fortune in the dry-goods business in Baltimore, Peabody opened a successful investment banking house in London. After his death, this company was reorganized and became J. S. Morgan and Company. Peabody was born in South Danvers (now Peabody), Massachusetts.
