Joseph Jacob Van Geldern

Joseph Jacob van Geldern established himself as supplier and banker to the elector of Hanover, who had made Duesseldorf his capital. His surname indicates that the family originated from the Dutch province or from the village near Dusseldorf. Joseph Jacob maintained business connections with other prominent Jewish financiers, such as Leffman Behrends. He also had family connections with Jost Liebman, another financier. Joseph Jacob built a synagogue for the community, of which he was Obervorgaenger (“chief representative”) for more than 30 years; he paid one tenth of the community’s dues.