Ellsworth, James W. (James William), 1849-1925

James W. Ellsworth was initially reluctant to participate in the development of a World's Fair in Chicago. After learning that the planners of the Exposition envisioned an international exposition, Ellsworth directed all his energies to the successful development of the "Dream City." Ellsworth's contributions to the Exposition ranged from working with the railroad companies to raise capital, purchasing the Lorenzo Lotto portrait of Columbus, participating on the Exposition's Board of Directors, Committee on Fine Arts and Bureau of Music, and securing the loans of great European artwork for the Fair.

From the description of James W. Ellsworth papers, World's Columbian Exposition Collection, [1890-1901]. (Chicago Public Library). WorldCat record id: 43896951