George Francis Gilman - an American businessman

A native of Waterville, Maine, George Francis Gilman (1826 – March 3, 1901) moved to Manhattan when he joined his father's leather tanning business. His father, Nathaniel Gilman, had become wealthy as a privateer and embargo runner during the War of 1812 and became involved in New York’s leather industry in 1834.

After his father died, Gilman decided to enter the more respectable tea and coffee business. A&P was started around 1860 when Gilman and Hartford founded the Great American Tea Company. Gilman and his partner purchased coffee and tea from clipper ships on the waterfront docks of New York City. By eliminating brokers, they were able to sell their wares at "cargo prices."

Within a few years the firm opened a small chain of retail tea and coffee stores in New York City, and operated a national mail order business selling tea and coffee. The enterprise was so successful that in 1869 they opened a series of stores under the name Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company. In 1871, he opened a store in Chicago, Illinois and within a few years operated stores in 16 cities.

Gilman retired to Bridgeport, CT in 1878. George was reputed to be worth 40 million at the time of his death. He died suddenly at his residence in Black Rock from an acute attack of Bright's disease at 3 o'clock in the morning.
George Francis Gilman - an American businessman