William
Grace was
born in Queensland, County Cork, Ireland,
in 1832. He emigrated to the United States in
1846 and lived in New York before moving
to Callao, Peru, where he worked as a shipping clerk. In 1854 he established
Bryce, Grace and Company and within a few years controlled most of
the shipping along the coasts of Peru and Chile.
Grace returned to the United States and established the shipping firm,
W. R. Grace and Company in New York in
1868. Grace also helped finance Peru's war with Chile and in return
received rights over its silver mines and other raw materials such
as oil and guano. This resulted in him becoming known as the "Pirate
of Peru".
Grace was twice elected as mayor of New York
(1880-88) and was a generous contributor to Irish charities. William
Grace died in New York on 21st March, 1904.
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