James A. Stillman

James Alexander Stillman
Born	August 18, 1873 New York City
Died	January 13, 1944 (aged 70)
Education	Harvard University (1896)
Occupation	Chairman of National City Bank of New York
Spouse(s)	Anne Urquhart Potter (m. 1901–44)
Parent(s)	James Jewett Stillman

James Alexander Stillman (August 18, 1873 – January 13, 1944) was a chairman of National City Bank.^[1]

Biography

He was born on August 18, 1873 in New York City to James Jewett Stillman.

He graduated Harvard University in 1896.

He married Anne Urquhart Potter in 1901 at Grace Church. She was the daughter of James Brown Potter.

In 1918 his father who was chairman of National City Bank of New York died and the younger Stillman engaged in a fight with Frank A. Vanderlip to control the company.

In 1921 he filed for divorce saying that his wife's youngest child was the daughter of a half-blood Indian guide from Quebec. His wife denied the charges and accused him of fathering two illegitimate children with chorus girl Florence H. Leeds. After five years the court refused the divorce saying that he had misbehaved. His wife then filed for divorce but withdrew the contest after receiving a $500,000 necklace. They sailed to Europe to receive counseling from Carl Jung. The court case cost him more than $1 million but they ultimately remained married.^[1][2]

He died on January 13, 1944.^[1]

References

1. "James A. Stillman, A Banker 45 Years. Former Head of National City Dies. Figure in Sensational Divorce Case of 1920's". New York Times. January 14, 1944. Retrieved 2012-09-16. (subscription required (help)).
2. "James A. Stillman Asks Divorce. Wife Files Counter Suit. Referee Appointed and Hearings Begun at Poughkeepsie. $10,000 A Month Alimony. Mrs. Stillman, Who Is Daughter of Mrs. James Brown Potter, Asks $25,000 Counsel Fees. Guardian Named For Child. Counsel for Banker Says Net IncomeLast Year Was $220,000. Canadian Witnesses Called". New York Times. March 11, 1921. Retrieved 2012-09-16. (subscription required (help)). The marital differences between James A. Stillman, President of the National City Bank, and Mrs. Stillman, who was Miss Anne Urquhart Potter, daughter of Mrs. James Brown Potter, the actress, have culminated in an action for divorce by Mr. Stillman and a countersuit by his wife, it was learned yesterday.