James Greenleaf, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

    

James Greenleaf

Land speculator

Date of Birth: 09-Jun-1765

Place of Birth: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Date of Death: 17-Sep-1843

Profession: businessperson

Nationality: United States

Zodiac Sign: Gemini


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About James Greenleaf

  • James Greenleaf (June 9, 1765 – September 17, 1843) was an important early American land speculator, particularly in the newly designated capital of Washington, DC after 1790.
  • A member of a prominent and wealthy Boston family, he married a Dutch noblewoman (whom he later abandoned and then divorced) and served briefly as consul at the United States embassy in Amsterdam. After his return to the United States, Greenleaf engaged in land speculation in the District of Columbia, New York state, and other areas.
  • He was a central figure in the early development of Washington, D.C.
  • His land business collapsed in 1797, and he spent a year in debtor's prison.
  • He married a wealthy Pennsylvania heiress after his release, and spent the remainder of his life in genteel poverty, fending off lawsuits.

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