James Talcott

James Talcott (February 7, 1835 – August 21, 1916) was an American factor, based in New York City. He established James Talcott, Inc., one of the oldest and largest 19th-century factoring houses in the United States. He attended Williston Seminary, where he studied philosophy. His business survived both the Panic of 1857 and Panic of 1873.

Legacy In 1921, Talcott's wife Henrietta made a donation of around $250,000 to the New York Bible Society for a Gothic-style building to be erected in memory of her husband. The new building was the work of architect Wilfred E. Anthony (1878–1948). Henrietta died in December 1921, aged 79; it is not known whether she got to see the finished building. Today, the Church of Sweden in New York occupies the building at 5 East 48th Street.

Philanthropy Throughout his life, Talcott gave at least ten percent of his income to charity. In addition to his mission work, he funded an arboretum at Mount Holyoke College, a library in West Hartford, a women's dormitory at Oberlin College and a hospital in China.

Along with Dwight L. Moody, Talcott was also a founder and trustee of Northfield Seminary in Massachusetts, and he and his wife funded a professorship at Barnard College. His wife was also a founder of the YWCA, while James was on the international committee of the YMCA.