Samuel Eldridge (51)

Samuel Eldridge (1739?-1772) was a merchant and member of the Young Junto, elected c. 1766. Most likely born in Philadelphia, Eldridge was educated and apprenticed to be a school master at the Friends Public School in 1756. In the early 1760s, he left his career in education to become an agent for Baynton, Wharton, and Morgan, a mercantile firm interested in trading with Native Americans and speculating on Native American-held land. After traveling to Canada to transact this business, he returned to Philadelphia and opened a dry goods business. Upon his death, Eldridge left behind a robust library of classic literature and poetry. (PI)