Edwin Henry Fitler | |
|---|---|
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| 75th Mayor of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | |
| In office April 4, 1887 – April 6, 1891 | |
| Preceded by | William B. Smith |
| Succeeded by | Edwin S. Stuart |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1825-12-02)December 2, 1825 Philadelphia,Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | May 31, 1896(1896-05-31) (aged 70) Torresdale,Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Resting place | Laurel Hill Cemetery,Philadelphia,Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Josephine R. Baker (m. 1850) |
| Relations | Happy Rockefeller (great-granddaughter) |
| Occupation | Cordage company president |
Edwin Henry Fitler (December 2, 1825 – May 31, 1896) was an American businessman and politician fromPennsylvania. He founded Edwin H. Fitler & Company, the largestcordage manufacturer in the United States at the time, and served as aRepublican Presidential Elector for Pennsylvania in 1876 andmayor of Philadelphia from 1887 to 1891.
Fitler was born in theKensington neighborhood[1] ofPhiladelphia on December 2, 1825, the son of Elizabeth Wonderly Fitler and William Fitler, who ran a successful leather tanning and manufacturing business.[2]
He received his education in Philadelphia, and studied law with attorneyCharles E. Lex, but decided on a business career and obtained a position in his brother-in-law's cordage manufacturing business, George J. Weaver & Company.[3]
In 1850, Fitler married Josephine R. Baker.[2]
Fitler became a partner in Weaver's business two years later, and it was renamed Weaver, Fitler & Company. Displaying an aptitude for mechanics, Fitler developed several inventions to improve and speed up rope making, which made the business more profitable.
Over time Fitler bought out the other partners in Weaver, Fitler & Company, and by 1870 the business was renamed again to Edwin H. Fitler & Company. He relocated the factory to theBridesburg neighborhood of Philadelphia where it covered more than 15 acres of land.[4] His success continued, and his company eventually became the largest cordage manufacturer in the United States. Recognized as a leader in his industry, Fitler served as president of the American Cordage Manufacturers Association.[2] He partnered withWilliam Deering to conduct experiments to improve atwine binder being developed by Deering.[5] Fitler was also active in other businesses, including as a member of the board of directors of the National Bank of the Northern Liberties.[4]
Fitler also served as president of the board of trustees of theThomas Jefferson Medical College, a member of the board of managers of theEdwin Forrest Home, and a member of the board of directors of theNorth Pennsylvania Railroad.[3]
During theAmerican Civil War, Fitler supported theUnion. He was a director, vice president, and president of theUnion League of Philadelphia,[4] and his efforts included personally paying to recruit and equip acompany from among the employees of his business.[2]
Fitler was a leader in planning and organizing the 1876Centennial Exposition. He was also one of the founders of the Philadelphia Art Club and a member ofThe Philadelphia Club[6]
Fitler was aRepublican and served as one of Pennsylvania's presidential electors in 1876. In 1887 Fitler was electedMayor of Philadelphia, and he served one term, 1887 to 1891. Though he was not an active candidate, in 1888 Fitler was nominated for US president and received the votes of the Philadelphia delegation on the first ballot at that year's Republican national convention.[2]
Fitler died on May 31, 1896, at his estate in theTorresdale section of Philadelphia. His net worth was estimated to be $3 million.[7] He was buried atLaurel Hill Cemetery.[1]
Fitler Square,[8] an elementary school in Philadelphia and Fitler Street, in Philadelphia's Torresdale neighborhood, are named in his honor.
A residence hall inThe Quadrangle's Fisher Hassenfeld College House at theUniversity of Pennsylvania bears his name.[9]
He is the great-grandfather ofHappy Rockefeller, second wife of Vice PresidentNelson Rockefeller.[7]
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)| Political offices | ||
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| Preceded by | Mayor of Philadelphia 1887–1891 | Succeeded by |
Mayors ofPhiladelphia (chronologically) | ||
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| Colonial era (1691–1776) |
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| Pre-Act of Consolidation (1789–1854) | ||
| Post-Consolidation (since 1854) | ||
