Edwin Henry Fitler

Edwin Henry Fitler (December 2, 1825 – May 31, 1896) was an American businessman and politician from Pennsylvania. He founded Edwin H. Fitler & Company, the largest cordage manufacturer in the United States at the time, and served as a Republican Presidential Elector for Pennsylvania in 1876 and mayor of Philadelphia from 1887 to 1891.

Early life Fitler was born in the Kensington neighborhood

He received his 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.

In 1850, Fitler married Josephine R. Baker. Fitler was also active in other businesses, including as a member of the board of directors of the National Bank of the Northern Liberties. and his efforts included personally paying to recruit and equip a company from among the employees of his business.

Political career 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 US president and received the votes of the Philadelphia delegation on the first ballot at that year's Republican national convention.

Fitler Square, an elementary school in Philadelphia and Fitler Street, in Philadelphia's Torresdale neighborhood, are named in his honor.

A residence hall in The Quadrangle's Fisher Hassenfeld College House at the University of Pennsylvania bears his name.

He is the great-grandfather of Happy Rockefeller, second wife of Vice President Nelson Rockefeller.