Oliver Harriman


Oliver Harriman was an American businessman and member of the wealthy Harriman family.

Early life

Oliver Harriman was born on September 16, 1829 in New York City. His parents were Orlando Harriman and Anne Ingland. His brother, Orlando Harriman, was the father of railroad tycoon Edward H. Harriman and grandfather of New York Governor W. Averell Harriman.
His grandfather, William Harriman, emigrated from England in 1795 and engaged successfully in trading and commercial pursuits.

Career

Harriman began his career in the dry goods commission house of McCurdy, Aldrich & Spencer. Later, with James Low, his father-in-law, Harriman co-founded Low, Harriman & Co., "one of the best known and wealthiest" dry goods firms in New York City.
Harriman served on the Boards of Directors of Bank of America, the Guaranty Trust Company of New York, and the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York.

Personal life

Harriman married Laura Low, the daughter of James Low, the founder of Low, Harriman & Co. They had five sons and three daughters who were prominent in New York and Westchester society:
He was the owner of a residence in Riverdale, Bronx.
Harriman died on March 12, 1904 in Mount Kisco, New York. His estate was worth US$20 million. His will stipulated that his wife would inherit their house in Riverdale as well as US$500,000 annually, while his sister, Rosamond H. Owen, would receive US$25,000.

Descendants

His granddaughter, Mary Bishop Harriman was married to Count Pierre Lecomte du Noüy.