Edward Eastman
Edward Eastman | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Randolph, Vermont, U.S. |
| Died | February 23, 1870 (aged 64) |
| Occupation(s) | Merchant, politician, postmaster, bookseller |
| Years active | Mid-19th century |
| Known for | First mayor of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; member of Wisconsin State Assembly; postmaster of Oshkosh |
Edward Eastman (born February 22, 1806, died February 23, 1870) was a prominent American merchant, politician, and early settler in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Known for his involvement in local and territorial governance, Eastman identified with the Democratic Party and later the Free Soil movement. In 1847, he became part of a legislative-approved partnership that constructed the first bridge spanning the Fox River in Oshkosh.
After Oshkosh was officially incorporated in 1853, Eastman was chosen as its inaugural mayor. Additionally, he held the position of postmaster multiple times through federal appointments. In 1850, he completed a one-year term in the Wisconsin State Assembly representing the Free Soil Party.
Following his political career, Eastman pursued business as a bookseller in Oshkosh. During the mid-1850s, he also served on the boards of directors for two regional railroads: the Oshkosh & Portage City Railroad and the Winnebago Railroad.
Early life, education and marriages
Edward Eastman entered the world on February 22, 1806, in Randolph, Vermont. He was born to Tilton and Experience (Smith) Eastman, both descending from English colonial ancestors. His education included attendance at an Episcopal seminary, which may have contributed to his nickname "Deacon." Eastman worked on his father’s farm and financially supported the higher education of his two younger brothers; one of them, George B., eventually became a minister based in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Eastman’s first marriage was to Sarah Tracey, with whom he had a son named George. After Sarah passed away prematurely, he remarried on June 3, 1841, to Catharine Granger (born 1824). Together they had four children.
Move to Wisconsin
During the mid-19th century, migration from New England and New York towards the Midwest surged following the completion of the Erie Canal. The Eastman family relocated to Wisconsin Territory in 1846; Edward Eastman initially stayed briefly in Dodge County before settling permanently in Oshkosh.
In Oshkosh, Eastman entered into a general merchandise venture alongside partner L. M. Miller. That same year, Democratic President James K. Polk appointed him as US postmaster for Oshkosh—a role he held until 1849 when the incoming Whig administration under President Zachary Taylor replaced many patronage positions. In 1847, Eastman joined other investors to establish a company authorized to construct a bridge over the Fox River at Miller’s Ferry in Oshkosh. On January 12, 1848, he was appointed as the first clerk of court for the circuit court of Winnebago County.
Elected office
As the Second Party System waned, Eastman transitioned from being a Democrat to aligning with the "Union Democratic Party," which eventually merged with the Free Soil Party. In 1850, he won election to the Wisconsin Assembly representing Winnebago County as a Free Soiler; however, party lines were somewhat fluid at this time—some records still listed him as a Democrat running alongside former Governor James Duane Doty. His legislative seat was taken over in 1851 by Whig representative Dudley Blodget, also hailing from Oshkosh.
In 1853, under Democratic President Franklin Pierce, Eastman was reappointed as US Postmaster of Oshkosh. That year marked his support for incorporating Oshkosh as a city and his election as its first mayor on a coalition ticket combining Democratic and Independent supporters. He subsequently served as an alderman on the city council. In the 1856 mayoral race running as a Democrat, Eastman narrowly lost reelection by a single vote to Thomas A. Follett.
Later life
Following the conclusion of the legislative session in the summer of 1851, Eastman established a book and stationery shop in Oshkosh. He held the position of Postmaster until 1861, when the newly elected Republican government led by Abraham Lincoln implemented fresh appointments.
Eastman was a key figure in Oshkosh's commercial sector and participated on the board of directors of both railroads created in Oshkosh in 1853: the Oshkosh & Portage City and the Winnebago lines. In 1854, he became a director alongside notable individuals such as James Duane Doty and his former associate Lucas Miller at the restructured Wisconsin Farmers' Insurance Company.
He passed away on February 23, 1870, aged 64, and was laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Oshkosh. His second wife, Catherine (Granger) Eastman, survived him and died in 1897.