Alexander Turney Stewart (October 12, 1803 - April 10, 1876) was a successful entrepreneur who made his multi-million fortune in what was at the time the most extensive and lucrative dry goods business in the world. Stewart was born in Lisburn, Ireland, and abandoned his original aspirations of becoming a minister to come to New York City in the summer of 1823. He spent a short time teaching before returning to Ireland to receive the money his grandfather had left him, purchase some Belfast linens and laces, and return to New York to open a store.