Fugger

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

the name of a rich and illustrious family of Suabia, descended from a weaver, who originally lived in the environs of Augsburg, about 1300. They were at first successful in selling clothes, but afterward extended their dealings, and became merchants, accumulating an immense fortune. Reaching the height of their affluence at the commencement of the 16th century, they rendered considerable services to the Emperors Charles V. and Maximilian, by making them large advances. These princes bestowed titles of nobility on the Fugger family, and they soon became connected with the best blood of Germany. Promoted to the highest dignities of the empire, they did not any the more neglect the pursuits of commerce. Their riches were always forthcoming for the improvement of their birthplace, Augsburg. The best known of them are the three brothers, Ulric, James and George; and afterward Raymond and Antony, both sons of George. ULRIC received for his loans to Maximilian the countship of Kirchberg, and the seigniory of Weissenhorn, which afterward remained in the possession of his family. He was a great encourager of learning. ANTONY and RAYMOND bore, to a great extent, the expenses of the expedition of Charles V. against Algeria, obtaining from him the permission to coin money. Several of this family still exist, and Augsburg owes its position on the Continent, as a financial center, to the energy and talent of the Fuggers. which was enacted by the Congress of dinary favor. The French Government the United States in 1850. By its pro- 1907. visions a slave escaping from his master into another State was to be seized and restored to his owner, and any person aiding in his flight was to be deemed guilty of having committed a penal offense. The most noted case arising during this exciting period of national history was that of Dred Scott.