Kessler George

The American businessman, wine merchant, millionaire and philanthropist George Alexander Kessler (1863-1920) was the owner of the international wine import company George A. Kessler and Company in New York City. Because of his profession and extravagant lifestyle, he was named the "Champagne King". In 1902 he was involved in the so-called "Champagne War" at a ship christening (see there), which caused a worldwide sensation. During the First World War, Kessler boarded the Cunard steamer RMS Lusitania in New York on 1 May 1915. He carried 2 million dollars in stocks and securities. On May 7th, the Lusitania was torpedoed by the German submarine U 20. After he helped many women and children into the lifeboats, he also got on a boat and survived as one of the few inmates. After Kessler was reunited with his wife Cora Parsons Kessler in Paris, he founded the British, French and Belgian Permanent Blind Relief War Fund to support soldiers blinded by battle injuries.

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Kessler George

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