Joseph Peabody was one of the wealthiest men in the United States at the time of his death in 1844 .
His great - grandfather was Salem shipowner and privateer Joseph Peabody , who made a fortune importing pepper from Sumatra .
Joseph Peabody was Joseph Peabody of the wealthiest men in the United States at the time of his death in 1844 .
His great - grandfather was Salem shipowner and privateer Joseph Peabody , who made a fortune importing pepper from Sumatra .