J. E. Meyers

J. Edward Meyers (December 22, 1862 – June 11, 1944) was an American insurance salesman, philanthropist, and politician and the 27th mayor of Minneapolis.

J. Edward Meyers
J. Edward Meyers, 1919
27th Mayor of Minneapolis
In office
1919–1921
Preceded byThomas Van Lear
Succeeded byGeorge E. Leach
Personal details
Born(1862-12-22)December 22, 1862
Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
DiedJune 11, 1944(1944-06-11) (aged 81)
Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
Political partyLoyalist
Alma materUniversity of Minnesota Law School
Professioninsurance salesman

Early life and education

Meyers was born in Dayton, Ohio and moved to Minneapolis to attend the University of Minnesota Law School.

Career

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

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]

References
  1. "J. E. Meyers, Former City Mayor, Dies". Minneapolis Star. 12 June 1944.
  2. "Former Mayor J. E. Meyers Dies". Minneapolis Tribune. 12 June 1944.
  3. "J. Edward Meyers (1863–1944)". Find A Grave.
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