Edwin Einstein
Edwin Einstein was a notable figure in the late 19th century, primarily known for his involvement in both business and politics in New York City. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1842, he moved to the East Coast at a young age and pursued education at the College of the City of New York and later Union College, although he did not graduate. His political career began in 1879 when he was elected as a Republican congressman, serving one term in the Forty-sixth Congress, marking a rare Republican victory in his district during that period. Despite his political ambitions, including an unsuccessful campaign for mayor in 1892, Einstein found greater success in the business world, particularly in investment firms and manufacturing.
He held various significant positions, including president of the New River Mineral Company and director of multiple businesses, demonstrating his influence in the mercantile sector. Edwin Einstein passed away on January 24, 1905, from heart failure and was buried in Brooklyn, New York. While his political achievements may not have been substantial, his business contributions and community presence left a mark that was acknowledged by his contemporaries.
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Subject Terms
Edwin Einstein
Politician, investor, and member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1879-1881)
- Born: November 18, 1842
- Birthplace: Cincinnati, Ohio
- Died: January 24, 1905
- Place of death: New York, New York
A politician and investor who once served in the U.S. House of Representatives and ran for mayor of New York City, Einstein worked with investment companies, becoming president or director of several organizations.
Early Life
Edwin Einstein (IN-stin) was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1842. Despite spending his early years in the Midwest, Einstein moved across the country to were chosen with his parents when he was only four years old. When he grew up, he worked as a store clerk and studied at the College of the City of New York. The college, associated with the City University of New York, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the city.
After city college, Einstein attended Union College in Schenectady, a city in the eastern portion of New York. Unlike the public institution Einstein had attended in New York City, Union College was a private liberal arts college. Even with all his time spent studying at the university level, Einstein still did not graduate from Union College. He left academics to work in the manufacturing business for a time.
Life’s Work
In 1879, at the age of thirty-six, Einstein became involved in the political scene in New York City. His first attempts at becoming a politician did not last long. He was elected as a Republican congressman and served in the Forty-sixth Congress from 1879 to 1881—just one term. However, it is notable that Einstein’s election represented one of the only times a Republican was elected in the Seventh District of New York in that time period. Einstein’s win in the district was the first time in eight terms that a Republican had been elected in the area. George Briggs, a former Whig Party member, had been the last, serving from 1859 to 1861. Einstein’s term was followed by another long Republican drought. Eight Democrats took over the seat after Einstein’s term was completed before Republican Montague Lesser gained the seat in 1903.
After serving as a representative, Einstein was not a candidate for renomination. He had an unsuccessful attempt at gaining political power in the area, running for mayor of New York City against Thomas Gilroy in 1892. Gilroy so trounced Einstein in the race for votes that, in one district on the lower East Side, almost four hundred votes went to Gilroy while the other candidate—not confirmed to be Einstein—received a mere three votes. Gilroy’s term, however, was not long-lived. He served as mayor only from 1893 to 1894.
Einstein did enjoy time spent being a dock commissioner in the city in 1895. His lack of success in politics was contrasted by his success in the mercantile market, investment companies, and wool factories. For example, only five years after joining a banking house, he became a member of the firm.
Einstein died on January 24, 1905, only about fifteen years after his unsuccessful run for New York City mayor. Around 4 p.m., while in his apartment, he started complaining of trouble with his heart, and he died an hour later from heart failure. He was buried in Shearith Israel Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.
Significance
While Einstein did not have a profound impact on political and managerial history, his presence did not go unnoticed by New York City. When he died, Einstein was president of the New River Mineral Company, director of the Alabama Mineral Land Company and the Raritan Woolen Mills, and a trustee of the Texas Pacific Land Trust. Even if his political success was limited, he was well-respected by several investment companies. While a 1905 obituary from The New York Times highlighted his failed attempt at becoming mayor, it was Einstein’s work with investment and mercantile companies where he truly shined. Still, Einstein’s accomplishments were certainly noticed by city officials, who offered him the job of dock commissioner even after his huge mayoral defeat.
Bibliography
“Dock Board Reorganized; Edwin Einstein Made a Commissioner by Mayor Strong.” The New York Times, March 24, 1895. A brief newspaper announcing Einstein’s appointment as dock commissioner, which is described as both “a surprise to the politicians” and “a surprise to Mr. Einstein.”
“Edwin Einstein Dead: Collapsed from Heart Trouble—Once Ran for Mayor.” The New York Times, January 25, 1905. A short obituary about Einstein and his life, with a summary of his accomplishments.
“Einstein, Edwin.” In Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Lanham, Md.: Bernan, 2000. A brief article with information about Einstein’s life. Contains what is probably the most descriptive accounts of his life, including some information on his early accomplishments. Lists the dates of several of Einstein’s professions.