Edwin Henry Fitler was a Pennsylvania businessman and politician. A Republican, he served as Presidential Elector for Pennsylvania in 1876 and Mayor of Philadelphia from 1887 to 1891.
Early life
Fitler was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 2, 1825, the son of the son of Elizabeth Wonderly Fitler and William Fitler, who ran a successful leather tanning and manufacturing business. The younger Fitler received an academic education in Philadelphia, and studied law with attorney Charles E. Lex, but decided on a business career and obtained a position in his brother-in-law's cordage manufacturing business, George J. Weaver & Company.
Early career
Fitler became a partner in Weaver's business two years later, and it was renamed Weaver, Fitler & Company. Displaying an aptitude for mechanics, Fitler developed several inventions to improve and speed up rope making, which made the business more profitable by saving both time and money. Over time Fitler bought out the other partners in Weaver, Fitler & Company, and by 1870 the business was again renamed, this time to Edwin H. Fitler & Company. His success continued, and his company eventually became one of the largest cordage manufacturers in the United States. Recognized as a leader in his industry, Fitler served as president of the American Cordage Manufacturers Association. Fitler was also active in other businesses, including member of the board of directors of the National Bank of the Northern Liberties. Fitler also served as president of the board of trustees of the Thomas Jefferson Medical College, a member of the board of managers of the Edwin Forrest Home, and a member of the board of directors of the North Pennsylvania Railroad.
Fitler was a Republican and served as one of Pennsylvania's presidential electors in 1876. In 1887 Fitler was elected Mayor of Philadelphia, and he served one term, 1887 to 1891. Though he was not an active candidate, in 1888 Fitler was nominated for President and received the votes of the Philadelphia delegation on the first ballot at that year's Republican national convention.
, an elementary school in Philadelphia and Fitler Street, in Philadelphia's Torresdale neighborhood, are named in his honor. A residence hall in The Quadrangle bears his name.
