2 Quotes & Sayings By Victor Lownes
Victor Lownes was the son of a wealthy tobacco baron in Cuba in the early 1800s. As with many children in his situation, he was sent to Europe to receive the educational advantages afforded by the best schools. He was sent to Germany to study at the University of Königsberg, where he received a doctorate in philosophy. Upon returning to Cuba, he began making a fortune by supplying sugar and coffee to American and British ships
In 1844, he became secretary of the Board of Health for Havana. In 1857, he founded Havana's first hospital, and later served as president of the board of directors of Havana's first bank. He was also active in civic and philanthropic affairs and served for many years as chairman of the board or trustee of various hospitals and orphanages.
Lownes was one of the founders of Havana's YMCA.