ALTHEIMER, BENJAMIN

ALTHEIMER, BENJAMIN (1850–1938), U.S. banker and philanthropist. Altheimer, who was born in Darmstadt, Germany, immigrated to the United States in 1868 and settled in St. Louis, Missouri. He built up a successful banking and investment business, was a founder and trustee of Temple Israel, and became a leading figure in St. Louis philanthropic and cultural organizations. In 1918 he proposed the institution of Flag Day to President Wilson. He served as treasurer of the National Jewish Hospital for Consumptives, Denver, for more than 30 years. Moving to New York in 1916, Altheimer served as president of Temple Beth El and treasurer of the New York executive of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. (Sefton D. Temkin)