William McCurdy Harriman

Biography

William McCurdy Harriman rose through the world of business in the late 19th century by combining bold decisions with an enduring sense of responsibility to the people who supported him. Born in 1854, he nurtured enterprises that strengthened commerce while ensuring that employees and partners were treated with fairness.

He believed that success should translate into service, supporting hospitals, churches, and schools in Brooklyn through both gifts and hands-on leadership. Even when travel or deals pulled him away, he stayed attentive to the welfare of the neighborhoods he called home.