Jacob Riis

Date of Birth: May 3, 1849

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: May 26, 1914

Biography

Jacob August Riis was a Danish-American social reformer, “muckraking” journalist, and social documentary photographer. Born in Ribe, Denmark, Riis immigrated to the United States in 1870. He is best known for his work in exposing the harsh living conditions in New York City’s slums in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His groundbreaking book, “How the Other Half Lives,” published in 1890, used both written accounts and photography to highlight the plight of the poor. Riis’s work significantly influenced urban reform and the development of housing policies in New York City. He was a close ally of Theodore Roosevelt, who was then the New York City Police Commissioner, and later President of the United States. Roosevelt credited Riis with helping him understand the issues faced by the city’s poor, leading to significant reforms.

5 Interesting Facts about Jacob Riis

1. Jacob Riis was one of the first photographers to use flash powder, which allowed him to capture images in the dark tenements of New York City.

2. Riis worked as a police reporter for the New York Tribune, where he began his crusade for social reform.

3. His book “How the Other Half Lives” inspired future generations of photojournalists and social reformers.

4. Riis was a personal friend of Theodore Roosevelt, who called him “the best American I ever knew.”

5. Riis founded the Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement House in 1889, which continues to serve New Yorkers today.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jacob Riis

1. “I have seen more misery than I ever dreamed could exist in the world.”

2. “The slum is the measure of civilization.”

3. “In self-defence, you know, all life eventually accommodates itself to its environment, and human life is no exception.”

4. “When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it.”

5. “I hope to be remembered as a journalist who helped awaken the conscience of the people.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jacob Riis did not amass significant personal wealth from his work. His highest net worth is not well-documented, but his influence and legacy were far more significant than his financial status.

Children

Jacob Riis had five children with his wife, Elisabeth Gjørtz Riis. Their names were John Riis, Clara C. Riis, Edward V. Riis, Roger W. Riis, and Anna Riis.