Edward Schell
Edward Schell | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Rhinebeck, New York, U.S. |
| Died | December 24, 1893 (aged 74) New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, financial executive |
| Known for | President of Manhattan Savings Institution; 30th President of the Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York |
Edward Schell (November 5, 1819 – December 24, 1893) was a prominent American businessman and financial executive.
Early life
Born in Rhinebeck, New York, Schell was the son of Christian Schell, a merchant, and Elizabeth (née Hughes) Schell. He was sibling to notable figures including U.S. Representative Richard Schell, Collector of the Port of New York Augustus Schell, and Robert Schell, a distinguished entrepreneur in New York. His education began at the Starr Institute in Rhinebeck, which he attended until the age of ten.
Career
Schell initiated his professional journey with Littlefield & Shaw, a New York City firm specializing in Irish linen imports. Subsequently, he was assigned to England to act on behalf of the company. By the time he reached twenty-six years old, he had become a junior partner at Lewis S. Fellows & Schell (which later became Schell, Fellows & Co.), a jewelry enterprise where he remained engaged for two decades until its closure.
Following his tenure in retail, Schell shifted focus to banking. He took on roles as trustee and treasurer at the Manhattan Savings Institution before ascending to its presidency in 1876, a capacity in which he served for over three decades. His leadership spanned significant events such as the 1878 bank robbery that caused considerable financial damage.
In addition to his role at Manhattan Savings, Schell held trusteeship at Union Trust Company and directorships at National Citizens Bank, Manhattan Life Insurance Company, Citizens Fire Insurance Company, and Park Fire Insurance Company. His influence extended into civic organizations where he held executive positions at the New York Society Library, Institution for the Blind, St. Luke's Hospital, and governed the Manhattan Club.
His commitment to religious communities included serving as vestryman at New York City's Church of the Ascension and as warden of Christ's Church in Rye. He was also a lifelong member of both the New-York Historical Society and the Century Association.
Between 1882 and 1883, Schell was president of the Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York—the organization’s 30th president—having previously fulfilled duties as its treasurer from 1871 through 1888.
Personal life
In 1847, Schell wed Jane Lamberson Heartt (1825–1880), daughter of Jonas Coe Heartt, who served as mayor of Troy, New York, and Speaker of the New York State Assembly. Together they had four children:
- Edward Heartt Schell (1848–1910), who married Cornelia Evarts Barnes in 1886.
- Jonas Heartt Schell (1850–1852), who passed away during childhood.
- Catherine Elizabeth "Kate" Schell (1855–1882), wife of Samuel Cragin; their daughter Elizabeth Schell Cragin later married Harold Heartt Foley.
- Mary Emily Schell (1857–1926), remained single and was known for her philanthropic efforts.
Death
Edward Schell passed away on December 24, 1893, at his home located at 53 Clinton Place in New York City. His funeral service took place at the Church of the Ascension and drew notable attendees such as Cornelius Vanderbilt II and Chauncey Depew. He was interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.