Adrian Iselin

Adrian Iselin, before his retirement from active business some twenty years since, was a frequent attendant at The Century, of which he became a member in 1869. Though born in Scotland [sic: he was born in Manhattan], his parents were of Franco-Swiss extraction, and he was brought to this country in youth by his father, who was the American representative of large silk interests in Switzerland and in France. Adrian Iselin founded the banking house which still bears his name, and was also extensively interested in coal mines, railway companies, and financial institutions. He was actively connected with works of beneficence and education in this city, was an incorporator of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Museum of Natural History, and the Zoölogical Society. He was a member of most of the prominent clubs in New York, but his personal interests were largely centred in New Rochelle, where he had his home for many years, and where he expended largely of money and pains for the welfare and enjoyment of the people. He was particularly generous in his gifts to the Roman Catholic Church, of which his wife was a member, and for his special benefactions to the Italians of his home town received the cordial thanks of Pope Pius X. He was passionately fond of horticulture, and justly proud of his greenhouses and his superb collection of chrysanthemums. Of quiet and somewhat reserved manner, Mr. Iselin was of peculiarly kindly and courteous disposition, and leaves many pleasant memories among our older members.

Edward Cary
1906 Century Association Yearbook