Dutilh & Wachsmuth (Philadelphia, Pa.)

The mercantile firm of Dutilh & Wachsmuth was established in Philadelphia in 1790 and was dissolved ca. 1798-1799.

Etienne Dutilh was born in France in 1748 and came to Philadelphia in 1783, after a career as a merchant in Rotterdam and London. Numerous members of the family were established as merchants in Holland, England, Smyrna, and the West Indies. E. Dutilh & Co. was established by 1784, trading primarily with the West Indies but also with Europe. John Godfried Wachsmuth was admitted to full partnership in 1790 under the style of Dutilh & Wachsmuth.

Wachsmuth seems to have had American connections, while Dutilh maintained the ties with Europe. Dutilh was away from Philadelphia a great deal, first at Cap François (1792-1793) and then in Holland (1793-1795), leaving the management of the Philadelphia house in the hands of Wachsmuth. Accounts for Dutilh & Wachsmuth continue through 1803, but the active partnership was apparently dissolved ca. 1798-1799. Wachsmuth then formed a partnership with John Soullier, an associate of Dutilh's, which continued through 1814. Dutilh anglicized his name to Stephen around 1804 and continued in business until his death in 1810. His widow married John G. Wachsmuth and raised Dutilh's three sons in his home at Germantown.

From the description of Records, 1772-1875. (Hagley Museum & Library). WorldCat record id: 122555353