1835-1919. US industrialist and
philanthropist, born in Scotland, who
developed the Pittsburgh iron and steel
industries. He endowed public libraries,
education, and various research trusts. Born
in Dunfermline, Scotland, he was taken by his
parents to the USA in 1848, and at 14 became
a telegraph boy in Pittsburgh. Subsequently
he became a railway employee, rose to be
superintendent, introduced sleeping-cars and
invested successfully in oil. He developed
the Pittsburgh iron and steel industries, and
built up a vast empire which he disposed of
to the United States Steel Trust in 1901.
Then he moved to Skibo castle in Sutherland,
Scotland, and used his wealth to endow
libraries and universities, the Carnegie Hero
Fund, and other good causes. On his death the
Carnegie Trusts continued his benevolent
activities. Carnegie Hall in New York, opened
in 1891 as The Music Hall, was renamed in
1898 because of his large contribution to its
construction.