Theodore W. Myers
Theodore Walter Myers | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age New York City, U.S. |
| Died | March 20, 1918 (aged 74) |
| Occupation(s) | Financier, politician |
| Years active | 1864–1902 |
| Known for | Comptroller of New York City |
Theodore Walter Myers (January 11, 1844 – March 20, 1918) was a Jewish-American financier and served as Comptroller of New York City.
Life
Born in New York City to Lawrence Myers, a distinguished wine importer, Theodore received his education at private institutions in New York, France, and Germany. Health issues prevented him from pursuing higher education. During the Civil War, he played a role in forming the Sickles Brigade and held the rank of captain in its Third Regiment. Subsequently, he also served as captain in the Ninth Regiment of the New York National Guard.
Myers launched his career in finance in 1864 with Polhemus & Jackson. He later became a partner at Camblos & Myers before establishing his own independent practice. Additionally, he was a special partner at M. E. DeRivas & Co. In 1886, he founded the banking firm Theodore W. Myers & Co.
A dedicated member of the Democratic Party, Myers was instrumental in creating the Cleveland-Hendricks Stock Exchange Campaign Club in 1884 and organized major political rallies. In 1887, Mayor Abram Hewitt appointed him to the Park Commission where he served as treasurer. That same year, running as the United Democracy candidate, Myers was elected New York City Comptroller. His proficient administration earned him unanimous backing for re-election in 1890 from County Democracy, Tammany Hall, and Republican factions alike. After completing two terms, he chose not to seek further nominations but was elected president of New York’s Business Men's Democratic Association. Notably, during his tenure as Comptroller, he secured a $14 million municipal loan at an unprecedented low interest rate of 2.5%.
By 1898, Theodore W. Myers & Co. had grown to include branches in Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago, among other cities. Although he retired in 1902, Myers continued involvement as a special partner with Arthur Lipper & Co. Around 1900, there were speculations that Charles Murphy considered him for the Democratic nomination for mayor.
Myers was connected to Congregation Shearith Israel and was a member of prestigious clubs such as the Manhattan Club and the Reform Club. In 1870, he married Rosalie Hart, granddaughter of Bernard Hart who was among the founders of the New York Stock Exchange; they had one son named George L. Following Rosalie’s passing, he remarried Rose Alexis Knight in 1915.
Myers passed away due to heart disease on March 20, 1918. His funeral took place at his residence and was attended by prominent figures from political and business circles; he was interred at Cypress Hills Cemetery.
References
- 1844 births
- 1918 deaths
- People of New York (state) in the American Civil War
- Jewish American military personnel
- Union army officers
- New York National Guard personnel
- 19th-century American Jews
- 20th-century American Jews
- Jewish American bankers
- Jewish American people in New York (state) politics
- American bank presidents
- 19th-century New York (state) politicians
- Politicians from Manhattan
- Commissioners in New York City
- New York City comptrollers
- New York (state) Democrats
- Burials at Cypress Hills Cemetery