Tappan, Arthur, 1786-1865, American abolitionist, b. Northampton, Mass. He made a fortune in the dry-goods business in New York City and with his brother and partner Lewis Tappan gave generously of his time and money to various causes, especially to the antislavery movement. He contributed to the establishment of Kenyon and Oberlin colleges in Ohio, was elected (1833) the first president of the American Anti-Slavery Society, and, after splitting with William Lloyd Garrison, helped organize (1840) and became president of the American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society.

(born May 22, 1786, Northampton, Mass., U.S.—died July 23, 1865, New Haven, Conn.) U.S. merchant and philanthropist. He operated various businesses, including a silk-importing firm in New York (1826–37) with his brother Lewis Tappan (1788–1873); they also founded the first commercial credit-rating service (1841). He used his wealth to support missionary societies and the abolitionist crusade, helping found the American Anti-Slavery Society and serving as its first president (1833–40). After breaking with William Lloyd Garrison, he created the American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society (1840). The Tappan brothers later supported the Underground Railroad.

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