Necker, Jacques

Jacques (1732-1804), a French minister of finance. He was a native of Geneva. He became a member of his uncle's banking house in Paris and acquired a fortune. He married a gifted Swiss lady, the same whom the historian Gibbon desired to wed. Madam Necker's salon, that is to say, parlor, was the resort of the literary people of the day. Buffon was a constant visitor. Franklin was a frequent caller. When Gibbon visited Paris, he did not hesitate to renew an old-time acquaintance. Necker was a writer of no mean caliber, especially on subjects of finance. Madame Necker was celebrated as a beauty, wit, and woman of learning. The famous Madame de Stael was their daughter. Madame Necker was ambitious and urged her husband to sell his banking interests for a chance at the game of politics. In 1777, during our Revolutionary War, Necker was made minister of finance. He discharged the duties of the position with fidelity, gaining the favor of the people rather than that of the king. Marie Antoinette disliked him. He was twice dismissed and as often recalled. He tendered his resignation finally in 1790, in the early years of the French Revolution, and retired to his country home near Geneva. See French Revolution