Robert Coleman

Robert Coleman was an American industrialist of Irish descendent known as Pennsylvania’s first millionaire.

Coleman arrived to Philadephia at the age of 16 and made a living by working as a clerk and bookkeeper. After he married the daughter of his former employer, James Old who owned Quittapanhilla and Speedwell Forges, Coleman was able to establish himself as an ironmaster at Elizabeth Furnace in Lancaster Country. During the Revolutionary War (1775–1783) he made a fortune as producer of munitions and other military supplies. In the 1780s he bought shares in several ironworks and forges (the Elizabeth furnace; the Cornwall and the Upper and Lower Hopewell Forges; and Speedwell Forges) which formed the industrial complex and base of his wealth.

Coleman was also an ardent politician and member of the Federalist Party for more than thirty years.