Biography of Andrew Carnegie

History of Andrew Carnegie
Born in a Scottish family on 25th November, 1835, Andrew Carnegie was known as an industrialist as well as a philanthropist. He grew as a businessmen in the USA, after moving out of Scotland with his family in 1848. He worked in a cotton mill in Allegheny, Pennsylvania when he was just 13 years old and it was his first job. He started working as a telegrapher in 1850 in the Ohio Telegraph Company, located in Pittsburgh.

Andrew Carnegie was a quick learner and efficient in every task he undertook. In 1853, he started working with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a telegraph operator. His entrepreneurial ambitions were fueled by the support of his employer Thomas A. Scott. Andrew Carnegie made his first investment worth $500 in a firm called 'Adams Express'.

Railroads
Investment in the railroad business proved to be profitable for Mr. Carnegie. He introduced the sleeper coach service in the first-class section of trains; which was done in partnership with the inventor of the 'sleeping car', George Pullman. The business activity resulted in huge profits. During the Civil War in the USA, Andrew Carnegie carried out tasks involving great responsibility. He was appointed as the superintendent of government's telegraph lines in the east and also of military railways. The telegraph service improved during his tenure as a superintendent.

Steel
After the Civil War, Mr. Carnegie shifted his focus to the steel industry. The specialty of Andrew Carnegie's business was the production of cost-effective steel for railways. In 1892, the 'Carnegie Steel Company' was launched. In 1901, when Andrew Carnegie was thinking about retiring from work, J.P. Morgan put forth an idea of integrating major steel firms of the USA. The objective was to streamline steel production in the USA. Hence, on 2nd March, 1901, United States Steel Corporation was formed.

Philanthropy
Andrew Carnegie believed in spending his wealth for humanitarian causes. His work in the field of education is noteworthy. After retirement, Mr. Carnegie took up many philanthropist ventures. Being an avid reader in his youth, Andrew Carnegie was familiar with the literary world. He began writing and voicing his opinions on diverse subjects. His book "Triumphant Democracy", speaks about various aspects of society in general. He also showed his interest in promoting the English language. Establishing libraries throughout the United States and other English-speaking nations like New Zealand, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, Fiji, Canada and West Indies was a part of his affinity for the language. These libraries are known as 'Carnegie Libraries'.

In 1902, Andrew Carnegie established the 'Carnegie Institute of Technology' at Pittsburgh, followed by the 'Carnegie Institution' in Washington. He provided funds worth 10 million dollars to Mr. George Ellery Hale for building the Hooker telescope. He played a major role in the establishment of the 'Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland'.

Death
In his final days, Andrew Carnegie suffered from bronchial pneumonia. Before his death on 11th August 1919, Mr. Carnegie had donated $350,695,653 for various causes. The 'Andrew Carnegie Dictum', speaks a lot about Mr. Carnegie's generous nature. Here is what Andrew Carnegie said through his dictum,

• To spend the first third of one's life getting all the education one can.
• To spend the next third making all the money one can.
• To spend the last third giving it all away for worthwhile causes.

Andrew Carnegie was involved in philanthropist causes, but he kept himself away from religious circles. He wanted to be identified by the world as a 'positivist'. He was highly influenced by John Bright, in public life.

Mr. Carnegie lived a prosperous life. He earned money, fame and respect during his lifetime. He not only amassed huge wealth, but also believed in giving it to the needy. He sincerely and honestly followed the motto, "All is well since all grows better."