Download or read book First Citizen written by Joseph Lambert, Jr. and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2022-10-27 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 1919, the doors of Youngstown's Butler Institute of American Art were opened for the first time. Dubbed "the lighthouse of culture," both the beautiful marble museum and the artwork inside were the gift of 19th-century industrialist Joseph G. Butler, Jr., in what was the crowning achievement of a long life. Butler earned his successes with hard work, a competitive spirit and business savvy. He earned a fortune in the iron and steel industry crowded by such figures as Andrew Carnegie, Henry Frick and Charles Schwab. Butler also took on politicians, promoted American interests, preserved American history and spearheaded projects to improve his community. To friends and admirers, he was affectionately referred to as "Uncle Joe." This biography chronicles Butler's early life through his career in the iron and steel industry, detailing his contributions to the art world, his philanthropic endeavors and his accomplishments as an author and historian.