François Barthélemy Arlès-Dufour
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François Barthélemy Arlès-Dufour (3 June 1797 – 21 January 1872) was a French silk merchant and leading exponent of Saint-Simonianism. He was born to a poor family, had little formal education and began work in a shawl factory at the age of 16. Later he joined a silk company based in Leipzig, Germany, married into the owners' family and was placed in charge of its Lyon operations. Working first for his in-laws and then independently, he made a fortune in silk. Arlès-Dufour also became involved in banking, railways and the Suez canal project. He played an important role in the Lyon Chamber of Commerce, and as a member of the jury in various international expositions. He believed in free trade and in social institutions that would help the most disadvantaged social classes.
François Barthélemy Arlès-Dufour | |
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Born | François Barthélemy Arlès (1797-06-03)3 June 1797 Sète, Hérault, France |
Died | 21 January 1872(1872-01-21) (aged 74) Vallauris, Alpes-Maritimes, France |
Nationality | French |
Occupation(s) | Railway executive, humanist |
Known for | Saint-Simonianism |