Sigismund Stiebel

Probably the Sigismund Stiebel, West India and South American merchant in London, who died in 1859 and was the father of George Stiebel (1821-96), Jamaica's first millionaire of colour. Sigismund Stiebel was awarded compensation for 3 enslaved people in Kingston Jamaica, where he had apparently lived as a merchant.

1. If correctly identified, then born Germany c. 1791. Siegmund M. Stiebel & Co. of 32 Nicholas Lane (1847 directory); West India and South American merchant (1851). 'Previously he had lived in Jamaica where he was apparently a merchant.' Of 75 Guilford Street and Gordon Square (probate calendar). Married Eliza, a daughter [sic, in fact grand-daughter] of Abraham Mocatta (at least two sons) and had an illegitimate son with a 'native housekeeper' in Jamaica in 1821, George Stiebel, who became a shipowner and businessman in Jamaica. Left £120,000.

Kingston claim no. 1854 (where he is given as Segismund Stiebel).

1. William D. Rubinstein, Who were the rich? A biographical dictionary of British wealth-holders Volume Two 1840-1859 (MS) reference 1859/40.