Robert H. Foerderer

Robert Hermann Foerderer
Born	Bad Frankenhausen, Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt
Died	26 July 1903(1903-07-26) (aged 43) Torresdale, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, politician
Years active	1881–1903
Known for	Pioneer of chrome tanning method; founder of Robert H. Foerderer, Inc.; U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania

Robert Hermann Foerderer (May 16, 1860 – July 26, 1903) was an American entrepreneur and politician affiliated with the Republican Party. He represented Pennsylvania in the U.S. House of Representatives first at-large from 1901 until 1903, and subsequently for the state's 4th congressional district during 1903.

Foerderer was the proprietor of Robert H. Foerderer, Inc., a company specializing in leather products. He pioneered a chrome tanning method that enabled the creation of a trademarked leather known as Vici Kid.

His death occurred while in office in 1903, potentially caused by chromate poisoning linked to his exposure to chromium during his tanning process innovations.

Early life

Born in Bad Frankenhausen, Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, Foerderer entered the world to American parents temporarily visiting their native town. His father, Edward, was engaged in manufacturing Morocco leather. Robert received his education in Philadelphia but did not pursue higher education.

In 1881, he married Caroline Fischer, and together they had two children.

Business career

Foerderer initially held a position as a bank clerk before apprenticing within his father's morocco leather enterprise.

In 1885, he established Robert H. Foerderer, Inc., focusing on leather manufacturing. He developed an innovative chrome tanning technique utilizing chromium sulfate that shortened the tanning duration from several months to just weeks, resulting in supple leather suitable for items such as handbags, footwear, and gloves. The product was branded Vici Kid, combining the Latin term "Vici," meaning "I conquered," with "kid," denoting the goat skin used. Collaborating with Rohm & Haas, he replaced traditional dog dung softening agents with Oropon.

Starting from a modest single-room facility in Philadelphia's Frankford area, the business expanded to cover 17 acres, employing more than 4,000 workers and processing approximately 50,000 skins daily. The company also utilized by-products to manufacture hide glue and goat hair goods at adjacent plants.

The Vici Kid leather earned the grand prize and gold medal at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, greatly enhancing its market demand.

Beyond his leather enterprise, Foerderer held leadership roles including president and director of Keystone Telephone Company and board memberships with Philadelphia Rapid Transit, Columbia Avenue Trust Company, and Quaker City Trust. He participated actively in various business and social organizations such as Philadelphia’s Union League and New York’s Manhattan Club. Additionally, he was affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and attained the thirty-second degree in Freemasonry.

In 1895, he purchased a summer residence named Glengarry located in Torresdale, Philadelphia, which he renamed Glen Foerd.

Political career

In the 1900 election, Foerderer secured a seat as a Republican representative for Pennsylvania’s at-large congressional district during the 57th United States Congress. His committee assignments included banking and currency, enrolled bills, as well as ventilation and acoustics. He successfully ran for re-election in 1902 representing Pennsylvania’s 4th district and served until his death in 1903.

Death and legacy

Foerderer passed away while serving in office at his Torresdale home in 1903 and was laid to rest at Philadelphia’s Laurel Hill Cemetery. Although Bright's disease was cited as the official cause of death, it is believed that chromate poisoning from chromium exposure during his tanning work may have contributed.

Following his death, Reuben Moon was elected to complete Foerderer's congressional term. His son Percival assumed control of the family leather business and is recognized for developing the La Ronda mansion in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

Today, the Glen Foerd estate functions as a historic house museum accompanied by public parkland.

See also

• List of United States Congress members who passed away while in office (1900–49)