Hetty Green, considered one of the most miserly women in history, amassed an estimated fortune of over $2.3 billion. Born in the United States in 1835, she was the only daughter of a wealthy businessman and inherited around $7.5 million. At the age of 21, she moved to New York to invest in Wall Street, where she earned the nickname “The Wicked Witch of Wall Street.”

Even after marrying a millionaire, Hetty maintained extremely frugal habits. She would collect leftover cakes and biscuits from grocery stores and argue to get free bones for her dog.

Despite being one of the richest women in the United States during the Gilded Age, Hetty was known for her extreme stinginess and thriftiness. From the age of 16, she sewed her own undergarments and refused to replace them for the rest of her life. She avoided spending money at all costs, never used hot water, wore the same black dress until it was completely worn out, and survived on cheap cakes that cost only a few cents.

One of the most infamous episodes of her life involved her son, who had to have his leg amputated because Hetty delayed seeking medical treatment, insisting on finding free healthcare services.

Hetty Green passed away in 1916 at the age of 81 in New York. She was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most miserly person in history. The cause of her death was a stroke, which occurred while arguing with her maid over a requested pay raise.

After her death, she left behind a vast fortune, but her children did not follow her extreme frugality. Instead, her daughter was so generous that she used part of her inheritance to build a free hospital.