Tom Lamont

Thomas William Lamont was a partner of the J.P. Morgan bank in the early 20th century, ascending to the position of chairman after J.P. Morgan, Jr.'s death in 1943. Engaged in a variety of progressive causes, Lamont nonetheless conspicuously played down the threats first of Japanese militarism and then of Italian fascism in the years leading to the Second World War, remaining close to prominent leaders in both countries (including Mussolini) until the eve of American engagement.

Lamont and his wife owned an estate in the Palisades, which they donated to Columbia University (where Mrs. Lamont had earned a graduate degree). This became the university's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.

Lamont was a longtime summer resident of North Haven, Maine

Their son, Corliss, was a member of the Communist Party and, like, his father embraced progressive politics during his lifetime; he taught classes at Columbia University and endowed a number of programs there.