Bechtel, George
manufacturer, philanthropist, was born in 1840 in Ger- After graduating from the Columbia college, he became identified with his father's brewery, which was established in 1853 at Stapleton, Staten Island. In 1870 he became sole proprietor; and was one of the largest taxpayers on Staten Island. He filled numerous public offices of trust; was four times elected delegate from Richmond county to the state convention; and in 1888 was a presidential elector. Shortly before his death he erected Bechtel's hospital on Staten Island, which his widow subsequently donated to the Smith's infirmary. He was extremely charitable, and foremost in all benevolent works on Staten Island. died July 16, 1889, leaving an estate worth two million dollars.
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