Belmont, August (1816–1890)

German-born US financier, who became the Rothschilds' exclusive representative in the USA when he established a private bank in New York 1837. Belmont was a leading member of New York City society's most exclusive clique (the ‘400’) and was instrumental in financing the costs of the Mexican War (1846–48).

Belmont became a naturalized American citizen 1844. An active Democrat, he supported the presidential candidacy of Stephen Douglas 1860 but remained a strong Unionist after President Abraham Lincoln's election. He served as the Democratic National Chairman 1872.