Getty Green: A Symbol of Wealth and Greed
The life of Henrietta “Getty” Green remained a unique legend in history. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
Although she possessed billions of wealth, she accepted frugality as a life principle. This woman, who strove to save excessively even on food, clothing, and her children's medical treatment, was called the “Wall Street witch” in the financial world.
She lived in cheap hotels, wore the same clothes for years, and became famous among investors for her strictness. Getty Green's life was not only about greed but also reflected an era when money was power and thriftiness was considered a virtue.
She knew perfectly well how to earn money but never learned how to spend it. Henrietta was born in 1834 in New Bedford, a whaling center.
Her family was wealthy, but she was raised by a strict grandfather. From childhood, she followed financial news and learned to distinguish between stocks and bonds.
After her father's death in 1865, Getty inherited about 7.5 million dollars. This wealth made her not generous but even more stingy.
She only ate homemade meals, sought cheap methods for medical treatment, and avoided spending money. At the same time, she invested in railroads, land, and real estate, accumulating great wealth.
At 32, she married Edward Green, but this marriage was mostly based on calculation. The prenuptial agreement clearly stated that her husband could not claim her wealth.
After Edward went bankrupt, Getty refused to help him and kicked him out of the house. Her two children — Ned and Sylvia — suffered the most because of her stinginess.
When her son Ned injured his leg, Getty did not want to spend money on treatment and looked for free hospitals. Due to the lack of timely assistance, her son's leg was amputated.
Getty's appearance also became legendary: she wore only black clothes and amazed people with her cold gaze and stern demeanor. She bargained for every cent and even sent her child to resell read newspapers.
In 1916, at the age of 81, Getty died of a heart attack. After her death, her wealth was estimated at 200 million dollars, which equals 4 billion dollars today.
Her wealth passed to her son Ned, but he quickly spent the money. Her daughter Sylvia directed the remaining inheritance to charity.
Thus, Getty Green's funds serve schools, hospitals, and libraries. Getty Green remained in history as a financial genius and a symbol of stinginess.
Her life showed one truth: money can give power to humanity, but it cannot buy humanity.
