Liebermann, Benjamin:

By: Isidore Singer , Gotthard Deutsch

German manufacturer; born at Märkisch Friedland Feb. 4, 1812; died in Berlin Jan. 15, 1901. In 1825 his family moved to the latter city; and Liebermann, after completing a school course, entered the employ of a firm in London. Upon his return to Berlin he was taken into his father's business, which he soon developed into the largest calico-manufactory in Germany. That his ability was recognized is shown by the fact that he was elected to the presidency of the German merchants' association (Deutscher Handelstag). According to an anecdote he introduced himself to King Frederick William IV. as "the Liebermann who drove the Englishmen from the Continental calico market." For many years he held the office of president of the Gesellschaft der Freunde, and he was treasurer of the Lehranstalt für die Wissenschaft des Judenthums at the time of its foundation.