Emlen Roosevelt
William Emlen Roosevelt | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date New York City, U.S. |
| Died | May 15, 1930 (aged 73) New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation | Banker |
| Known for | President of Roosevelt & Son; cousin of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt |
William Emlen Roosevelt (April 30, 1857 – May 15, 1930) was a distinguished banker based in New York City and served as president of Roosevelt & Son, the financial institution established by his father, James Alfred Roosevelt. He was also a cousin to United States President Theodore Roosevelt.
Early life
Born to James Alfred Roosevelt and Elizabeth Norris Emlen, William Emlen Roosevelt descended from notable families. His maternal lineage included William Fishbourne Emlen and Mary Parker Norris, while his paternal grandparents were Cornelius Van Schaack Roosevelt and Margaret Barnhill.
Career
Roosevelt held directorships at several prominent banks, including the Chemical Bank of New York, Gallatin National Bank, and Astor National Bank. Later in his career, he joined the boards of both the Grand Hanover and the Bank of New York. He also presided over Roosevelt Hospital, an institution founded by his distant relative James H. Roosevelt. Furthermore, he dedicated sixteen years to service in the National Guard, achieving the rank of major and acting as quartermaster for the First Brigade.
In the field of telecommunications, he was instrumental in founding the Mexican Telegraph Company along with the Central and South American Telegraph Company. His involvement extended to serving as a director for the International Telephone and Telegraph Company. Although he did not engage directly in politics, he was a trusted financial advisor to his cousin Theodore Roosevelt throughout the latter’s political endeavors.
Personal life
In 1883, William Emlen Roosevelt wed Christine Griffin Kean (1858–1936), daughter of Col. John Kean and Lucy (Halsted) Kean. Christine was also sister to U.S. Senators John Kean and Hamilton Fish Kean. The couple had five children:
- Christine Kean Roosevelt (1884–1913), who married James Etter Shelley in 1909.
- George Emlen Roosevelt (1887–1963), married Julia Morris Addison in 1914; following her passing, he wed Mildred Cobb Rich.
- Lucy Margaret Roosevelt (1888–1914), who succumbed to typhoid fever after traveling in South America.
- John Kean Roosevelt (1889–1974), married Elise Annette Weinacht in 1916.
- Philip James Roosevelt (1892–1941), who married his cousin Jean S. Roosevelt in 1925.
He was owner of the James Alfred Roosevelt Estate located at Cove Neck, New York. Together with his wife Christine, he contributed land for the creation of the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center in Oyster Bay, New York, established in 1923.
William Emlen Roosevelt passed away at his residence at 804 Fifth Avenue, New York City, on May 15, 1930, aged 73. His estate was appraised at more than $5.6 million, with significant inheritances left to his widow and sons. His funeral service took place at St. Thomas' Church and was attended by prominent individuals such as U.S. Senator Hamilton Kean and Col. Theodore Roosevelt, Governor of Puerto Rico.