J. E. Meyers
J. E. Meyers | |
|---|---|
 J. Edward Meyers, 1919 | |
| 27th Mayor of Minneapolis | |
| In office 1919–1921 | |
| Preceded by | Thomas Van Lear |
| Succeeded by | George E. Leach |
| Personal details | |
| Born | J. Edward Meyers December 22, 1862 Dayton, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | June 11, 1944 (aged 81) Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Political party | Loyalist |
| Alma mater | University of Minnesota Law School |
| Profession | insurance salesman |
J. Edward Meyers (December 22, 1862 – June 11, 1944) was an American insurance salesman, philanthropist, and politician and the 27th mayor of Minneapolis.
Early life and education
[edit]Meyers was born in Dayton, Ohio and moved to Minneapolis to attend the University of Minnesota Law School.
Career
[edit]After a brief period spent in Duluth, Minnesota, he returned to Minneapolis in 1888 and began a career in the insurance business with Aetna. In 1918, Meyers ran for mayor on a patriotic platform supporting America's soldiers in World War I dubbed the "Loyalty Party." He defeated socialist incumbent Thomas Van Lear and served for a single term, working particularly hard to ensure returning military veterans were able to find housing and jobs. He did not run for re-election but later became involved in the city's board of education and board of estimate.[1][2]
Personal life
[edit]Meyers died in 1944. Just a month before his death, it was revealed that Meyers has been the anonymous benefactor behind a Minneapolis-based group called "Youth, Incorporated" which provided Americanist materials to Minneapolis children. He is buried in Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis.[1][2][3]