Samuel Zemurray American businessman and philanthropist Date of Birth: 18.01.1877 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Career
2. Founding Cuyamel Fruit Company
3. Expansion and Consolidation
4. United Fruit Presidency
5. Retirement and Philanthropy
6. Legacy

Early Life and Career

Samuel Zemurraywas born Shmil Zmurain 1877 in Kishinev, Moldova, to a poor Jewish family. In 1892, his parents immigrated to the United States and settled in Selma, Alabama. Young Samuel, also known as Sam, began working odd jobs to support his family and later sold fruit from a pushcart.

In 1899, he moved to Mobile, Alabama, where he established a successful fruit business, primarily selling bananas. He expanded into wholesaling and shipping bananas, accumulating significant wealth and relocating to New Orleans.

Founding Cuyamel Fruit Company

In 1910, Zemurray partnered with Ashbell Hubbard of United Fruit Company to acquire two river steamers and transport bananas from Honduras to Mobile and New Orleans. They purchased 5,000 acres of banana plantations in Honduras and formed Cuyamel Fruit Company, with Zemurray as president. He earned the nickname "Sam the Banana Man."

Zemurray faced a conflict with Morgan Bank over its claim to tax trade in Latin America. He supported a coup in Honduras that brought former president Manuel Bonilla back to power, who revoked the concessions to European countries and Morgan Bank.

Expansion and Consolidation

Zemurray established an irrigation system for his banana plantations, acquired the Bluefields Fruit and Steamship Company in 1922, and expanded his trade operations. In 1929, Cuyamel Fruit Company owned 13 cargo ships and plantations in Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Caribbean.

In 1930, Earth Fruit Company sold its operations to United Fruit Company, making Zemurray a major shareholder and director of the larger company.

United Fruit Presidency

During the Great Depression, Zemurray was elected executive director and later president of United Fruit Company. He expanded into Costa Rica, constructing plantations, railroads, and storage facilities.

Under Zemurray's leadership, the company grew its fleet to 61 ships, with a global reach. It played a significant political role, particularly in "banana republics" in Central America. Zemurray's son, Samuel E. Zemurray Jr., died in World War II.

Retirement and Philanthropy

Zemurray retired in 1951 but remained president of the company's executive committee and pursued philanthropic interests. He established the Escuela Agrícola Panamericana, an agricultural school in Honduras; the Maya Organization for the Protection of Relics; and the Lancitilla Botanical Garden.

He founded the Maya Art Center and the Institute of Middle American Research at Tulane University, a child guidance clinic in New Orleans, and the Doris Zemurray Professorship in English at Radcliffe College in honor of his daughter.

Legacy

Zemurray was a major benefactor to Tulane University, supporting archaeological expeditions in Latin America and building several campus structures. His daughter, Doris Zemurray Stone, became a renowned archaeologist.

Zemurray Gardens, a former rice plantation, is now a Louisiana landmark. Zemurray Airport bears his name. He passed away in 1961, leaving a legacy as a successful businessman and philanthropist.