Stephen Girard (1750-1831). Merchant, financier, philanthropist. Born in France, he came to this city in 1776. Girard gave strong support to both the First and Second Banks of the United States. By his will he established Girard College, which opened in 1848. Gentilhommiere, located here, was his country house after 1797. Girard added the center and western sections of the house and operated a 583-acre farm here.