[bell-cot]

Those 19th century Robber Barons were, some exceptions aside, notably less charitable than most sepia-toned histories makes them out to be. Their 19th century abuses of workers also make almost anything happening in the modern first world look like coddling by comparison.

And back then, mainstream Christian churches were a far more important social institution. Acting as the "generous Christian" was probably far more important to one's standing in "well-born" society.