The Richest Man in Charleston

James Adger the II was born in Ireland in 1777 but then migrated to the United States in 1794.  This was just the beginning of a very successful future in the United States of America.  James Adger the second was once known as the richest man in Charleston South Carolina, and the fourth richest man in all of America.  He obtained his money as a banker and a merchant.  He owned a very successful bank that him and his wife, Sarah Elizabeth Ellison worked in.

James married Sarah Elizabeth Ellison in September of 1806.  Together James and Sarah successfully had nine kids together.  Besides banking James also was involved in the shipping industry.  He had a large fleet of sailing vessels which transported goods along the east coast.

Although James worked as a merchant and with shipping, those were not his main sources of income.  in 1818 he created a Hardware firm called James Adger & Company which made him enough money he didn't even know what to do with it.  Soon after Adger combined companies with James black which greatly increased the value of the company.  By 1850 James Adger was estimated to own $200,000 in real estate and eighteen slaves.

An Article on James Adger's steamship line. 

 James created a steamship line from charleston to new york that was making him even more filthy rich.  He named this steamship line the "Adger Line" which not surprising was just named after himself.  He created this in 1845 and by 1853 the companies estimated worth was already equal to $500,000.  Tons of merchants were lined up waiting to invest in his company.

James Adger was also involved in politics.  He used his wealth and power to try and sway the movements in Charleston.  He represented Charleston within the House of Representatives for a single term in 1826-1828.  He used his political power all for helping himself and his companies flourish.

James's very large headstone at the church

James Adger the second died at 80 years old in 1858.  He died in New York but was returned to Charleston to be buried.  He was Buried at the 2nd presbyterian church next to his wife.  He lived a very long life, and a successful life and his money is still within his family today.