BLEICHRODER, GERSON VON

(1822-93)

   German banker. Born in Berlin, he entered his father's banking business and eventually became head of the firm. He became involved in the metallurgical industry and in railroads. In 1859 he was co-founder of a syndicate to finance Prussian mobilization during the Franco-Austrian war. When Bismark became premier in 1862, he became his financial adviser. In 1872 he was raised to the hereditary noblility and was appointed British consul general in Berlin.