Marc-Eugene Meyer
Marc-Eugene Meyer (January 27, 1842 – January 17, 1925) was a prominent American businessman and a significant figure in the history of Lazard Frères in the United States. Born in Strasbourg, France, Meyer played a crucial role in the world of finance and commerce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Early Life and Migration
Marc-Eugene Meyer was born in Strasbourg but migrated to California as a teenager. He resided in San Francisco and Los Angeles before eventually moving to New York City in 1893 to advance his career with Lazard Frères, a leading financial institution.
Career with Lazard Frères
In 1864, Meyer was influential in securing a position for his cousin Leon Loeb at Lazard Frères. By 1874, demonstrating his business acumen, Meyer bought out Lazard's interest in a store that was previously co-owned by the firm and partnered with his brother, Constant Meyer, and Nathan Kahn (also spelled Cahn). The business was then renamed Eugene Meyer & Company, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Recognition and Honors
Meyer's contributions to commerce and the finance industry were recognized by the French government when they appointed him as an Officer of the Legion of Honor on January 27, 1920, his 78th birthday. This honor reflected his impact both in the United States and internationally.
Family and Personal Life
In 1867, Marc-Eugene Meyer married Harriet Newmark, the daughter of Rabbi Joseph Newmark. Harriet's sister, Caroline, was married to Solomon Lazard, further intertwining the Meyer family with significant figures of the time. The couple had a large family, consisting of five daughters and three sons.
One of his sons, Eugene Isaac Meyer, became a notable financier in his own right, eventually marrying Agnes Ernst. Eugene Meyer went on to become a prominent publisher, most famously of the Washington Post.