I have always recognized that the object of business is to make money in an honorable manner. I have endeavored to remember that the object of life is to do good.

C. In addition the Union's library unlike the nearby Astor Mercantile and New York Society Libraries was open until 10:00 at night so that working people could make use of them after work hours. Throughout the depression from 1873–78 he said that usury was the foremost political problem of the day.

He designed and built the first steam locomotive in the U. and founded the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in Manhattan New York City.