Andrew Carnegie was born Nov. 26, 1835, in Dunfermline, Scotland. His family emigrated to America in 1848 and he became a pioneer of industry in 19th century, building the American steel industry. He became one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs of his time.
After he sold his steel business he gave his fortune away to cultural, educational, and scientific institutions for the improvement of mankind. The east portion of the Jefferson Public Library was funded with Carnegie money. Opened in 1904, above the door is the inscription “Carnegie Library – Free to the People.”
In an effort less known than building libraries, Carnegie bought 7,689 organs for churches, as he said, “To lessen the pain of the sermons.”
