Known for his larger-than-life personality and extravagant tastes, this Gilded Age figure—James Buchanan Brady—was as famous for his insatiable appetite for fine dining as he was for his impressive collection of diamonds. He lived lavishly, often indulging in sumptuous meals, and amassed jewels worth over two million dollars, a true testament to his wealth and flair for the dramatic. But beyond the glitz and glamour, James Buchanan Brady made a lasting impact through his generosity. He became a well-known philanthropist, most notably donating a significant portion of his fortune to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond business.
Before achieving such fame and influence, James Buchanan Brady started from humble beginnings. Born into a family of modest means in New York City, he didn’t have the advantages of wealth or privilege. His journey began at the bottom, working as a bellhop, but through determination and sharp instincts, James Buchanan Brady steadily climbed the ranks at the New York Central Railroad. That early hustle laid the foundation for his later success as a prominent railway businessman and savvy stock market investor.
Though James Buchanan Brady never married, his personal life drew public interest, especially his long-term relationship with the celebrated actress and vocalist Lillian Russell. Their connection spanned many years and added another layer to the public image of James Buchanan Brady—a man of both power and passion, remembered not just for his riches, but for the bold way he lived his life.
Well, you know, when they conducted the post-mortem examination, it turned out that his stomach was about six times larger than what you’d normally expect in an average person. I mean, honestly, that kind of finding wasn’t really surprising given his legendary eating habits—his name practically became synonymous with extreme consumption. His capacity for food had always been the stuff of stories, and now there was actual evidence to back it up. So yeah, in a way, his name being linked to such an extraordinary physical trait made perfect sense.