Edwin Henry Fitler
| Edwin Henry Fitler | |
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| 75th Mayor of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | |
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In office April 4, 1887 – April 6, 1891 |
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| Preceded by | William B. Smith |
| Succeeded by | Edwin S. Stuart |
Edwin Henry Fitler (December 2, 1825 – May 31, 1896) 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.
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.
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 board of directors member 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 board of directors member of the North Pennsylvania Railroad.
During the American Civil War Fitler supported the Union. He was a director, vice president, and president of the Union League of Philadelphia, and his efforts included personally paying to recruit and equip a company from among the employees of his business.
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