Peter Goelet (1800-1879)

He never married and was for many years recognized as the wealthiest bachelor in New York. For many years he resided with his mother in their house (see above) on Broadway and 19th Street, "in a large yard where are domesticated a large number of peacocks". In 1867, an article appeared in the Galaxy listing the ten wealthiest men in New York. He came joint fourth on the list with his brother Robert Goelet and their fortune estimated at $4,417,000, behind Alexander T. Stewart in third place and ahead of James Lenox in fifth place. When he died in 1879 his real estate empire was valued at between $10-20-million and this he left to his brother, Robert, and various nephews and nieces.