Edwin Henry Fitler

Edwin Henry Fitler
Born	Template:Birth date Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	May 31, 1896(1896-05-31) (aged 70) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, politician
Known for	Founder of Edwin H. Fitler & Company; Mayor of Philadelphia (1887–1891)

Edwin Henry Fitler (December 2, 1825 – May 31, 1896) was a prominent American entrepreneur and political figure from Pennsylvania. He established Edwin H. Fitler & Company, which became the foremost rope manufacturing enterprise in the United States during his era. Fitler also acted as a Republican Presidential Elector representing Pennsylvania in 1876 and held the office of mayor of Philadelphia from 1887 until 1891.

Early life

Born on December 2, 1825, in Philadelphia’s Kensington district, Fitler was the son of Elizabeth Wonderly Fitler and William Fitler, who successfully ran a leather tanning operation.

He received his education in Philadelphia and apprenticed in law under attorney Charles E. Lex; however, he opted for a commercial path by joining the cordage manufacturing firm owned by his brother-in-law, George J. Weaver & Company.

In 1850, he married Josephine R. Baker.

Business career

Fitler became a partner in George J. Weaver & Company in 1852, prompting the firm’s rebranding to Weaver, Fitler & Company. Utilizing his mechanical aptitude, he introduced innovations that enhanced the efficiency and profitability of rope production.

By 1870, after acquiring full control by purchasing other partners’ shares, the business was renamed Edwin H. Fitler & Company. He moved the manufacturing facility to Philadelphia’s Bridesburg area and expanded it to cover more than 15 acres. Under his leadership, the company grew to be the largest rope manufacturer nationwide. Fitler also served as president of the American Cordage Manufacturers Association and collaborated with William Deering to refine Deering’s twine binder invention.

Beyond cordage production, Fitler held various executive roles: he was a director of the National Bank of the Northern Liberties, president of Thomas Jefferson Medical College’s board of trustees at Thomas Jefferson Medical College, a trustee for the Edwin Forrest Home, and sat on the board of directors for the North Pennsylvania Railroad.

Civic activism

Throughout the American Civil War, Fitler was an ardent supporter of the Union, occupying leadership positions such as director, vice president, and president within the Union League of Philadelphia. He personally funded recruitment efforts and outfitted a company comprised of his employees. Additionally, Fitler played an instrumental role in organizing the 1876 Centennial Exposition, co-founded the Philadelphia Art Club, and was affiliated with The Philadelphia Club.

Political career

As a member of the Republican Party, Fitler acted as a presidential elector for Pennsylvania in 1876. He was elected to serve as Mayor of Philadelphia in 1887 and completed one term in office by 1891. Although not actively campaigning, he received votes from Philadelphia delegates during the initial ballot at the 1888 Republican national convention.

Death and legacy

Fitler passed away on May 31, 1896, at his residence located in Philadelphia’s Torresdale neighborhood, leaving behind an estate valued at approximately $3 million. He was laid to rest at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

His legacy remains visible through landmarks such as Fitler Square, a local elementary school bearing his name, and Fitler Street in Torresdale. The University of Pennsylvania honors him with a residence hall within its Quadrangle Dormitories named after him.

Fitler is also recognized as the great-grandfather of Happy Rockefeller, who became the second spouse of Vice President Nelson Rockefeller.

External links

• Biography of Edwin Henry Fitler