Robert L. Stuart

Alexander, who was the engineer, lived in the house next door at 167 Chambers Street and this enabled him to monitor the processing night or day.

The factories at their peak were producing 44,000,000 pounds of sugar per year, and due to the new production process they were able to undercut their competitors.

Being strict Presbyterians, the brothers did not permit Sunday working and new employees were provided with a bible when they started at the company.

During the New York City draft riots of 1863 the workers defended the factories, setting up barricades and arming themselves with clubs.

Robert had amassed a great collection of books, fine art and objet d'art during his lifetime.

[4] These were on display in his house and included 11,888 books, 1,963 pamphlets, 240 paintings and cabinets for natural history – rock, minerals and archaeological fragments.

They made large contributions towards the Civil War effort and supported soldiers who were injured and disabled.