Samuel Insull | |
|---|---|
 Insull in 1920 | |
| Born | November 11, 1859 |
| Died | July 16, 1938 (aged 78) |
| Resting place | Putney Vale Cemetery, London |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Known for | Chicago utilities empire |
| Spouse |
Gladys Wallis (m. 1899) |
Samuel Insull (November 11, 1859 – July 16, 1938) was a British American business magnate. He was an innovator and investor based in Chicago who helped create an integrated electrical infrastructure in the United States. Insull created holding companies that purchased utilities and railroads. Insull was responsible for the building of the Chicago Civic Opera House in 1929.[1] Due to the Great Depression, his vast Midwest holding company empire collapsed, and he was accused of profiting personally by selling worthless stock to unsuspecting investors who trusted him because of his position and reputation. Following a seven-week trial, he and 16 co-defendants were acquitted of all charges after two hours of jury deliberation.[2][3][4][5]
- ^ United Press, Miami News, Samuel Insull, Former Utility Magnate, Dies, July 17, 1938
- ^ Schultz, Jeff. "Historical Society finds Samuel Insull Not Guilty of Securities Fraud", Chesterton Tribune, May 22, 2012.
- ^ Samuel Insull Goes on Trial in Frauds Case, Portsmouth Times, October 2, 1934.
- ^ Insull Acquitted on Embezzlement Charge; Verdict Expected to End All State Cases, The New York Times, March 12, 1935.
- ^ McDonald (1962), p. 332.