1895 -1897
HISTORY
Edgar Boardman Jewett was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan
on December 14, 1843. In 1849 the family moved to Buffalo
His father, John Cotton Jewett, began a small manufacturing
concern, the John C.
Company, around 1850, when he decided to manufacture refrigerators,
implementing some of his own features. The Jewett refrigerators
became popular with consumers across the United States,
and eventually they exported large numbers.
Edgar attended the public schools of Buffalo
until he was 16 years old. At the age of 17 he sought a position
in his father's manufacturing plant.
The John C. Jewett Manufacturing
Company had one plant in Buffalo
and one in Canada, and sales offices in Chicago, Detroit, and
Montreal. The company tried diversifying through the years,
manufacturing other household conveniences including ice
chests, porcelain-lined coolers, water coolers, toiletware,
bird cages, cuspidors, bathing apparatus, and hospital and
laboratory equipment.
In 1861 the Civil War
had begun and Edgar, only working for his father's firm for
a year, decided to enlist in the service. He joined the
National Guard
as a private in Company C of the Seventy-fourth Regiment, under
the leadership of William F. Rogers
In May, 1863 he was promoted to Second Sergeant.
He held that rank during the period following General Lee's
invasion of Pennsylvania, from June to August, 1863.
Jewett returned to Buffalo
as First Sergeant on June 29, 1865, and was commissioned First
Lieutenant.
Upon his return to the city he returned to employment
at his father's company, which changed its name to John
C. Jewett & Son.
His service in the National Guard
continued for many years. On April 3, 1866 he was commissioned
as Captain. By October 9, 1870 he had become Inspector of
the 14th Brigade.
On April 11, 1877 Jewett was made a Major and appointed
Inspector of Rifle Practice of the 31st Brigade. On October
25, 1880 he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel and Chief of
Staff of the 14th Brigade.
The last position Edgar Jewett
achieved as a member of the New York National Guard
was that of Brigadier General of the 8th Brigade, on March 29,
1884.
He held that position until he resigned to accept
the position of President and General Manager of the John
C. Jewett & Son on December 7, 1885.
Jewett took no active part in city affairs until
March 1, 1894, when Mayor Bishop
appointed him to the Board of Police Commissioners, for a term
of five years.
General Jewett brought a military style discipline
into the Police Department and sought many changes that
were both despised and lauded by the people of Buffalo
It was said that since the time he came into power he "had
been unsparing in his efforts to weed out heelers and factionists."
By the summer of 1894 his name was already being
mentioned as a candidate for mayor and the Democrats were
trying to find a candidate who could defeat him.
The Republican City Convention
was held on October 16, 1894. Norris Morey stated, "The people
expect good nominations from the Republican party
The people now want a good mayor fo the next three years,
and I am here to present for that office one who is well
known to almost every one within sound of my voice - General
Edgar B. Jewett
He has no axes to grind, and with such a candidate we cannot
be defeated at the coming election."
Major John M. Farquhar then urged the nomination
of meat packer Christian Klinck
, "an East Side man."
Nathaniel W. Norton stated that "the Republican
party
knows no East or West Side. We did not come into this convention
with a candidate of any side; we are here with a candidate
from every side. I therefore second the nomination of Edgar
B. Jewett
"
After balloting, Jewett received 81 and Klinck just
12. Jewett's nomination was made unanimous. Jewett was found
and brought to the hall. He entered to a thunderous applause,
after which, he thanked the convention and accepted the
nomination.
The Democratic City Convention
met on October 17, 1894. As the nominations were about to be
made, Mayor Bishop
appeared and received an ovation. He gave an impressive speech
to the delegates and named Jacob Stern as his choice for
the mayoral nomination. This was seconded and carried by
acclamation.
The respective parties had 21 days to arouse support
for their candidates and General Jewett "had to break
lances every step of the way," but came through unscathed.
LIFE AS A MAYOR
Election day was on November 6, 1894. The entire
state, county, and city went Republican, with General Jewett
receiving enormous support from the citizens of Buffalo
In an unprecedented victory, he received 30,770 votes to
Jacob Stern's 21,191, or nearly 60% of the vote.
The Board of Aldermen was set at 18 Republicans and
seven Democrats. The only Democratic candidate winning at
the polls was for the office of Police Justice.
General Jewett went to the Buffalo
Club
on election night and met an enthusiastic crowd of admirers.
He was brought into the billiard room, and Mayor Bishop
was joined beside him. Mayor Bishop
commented, "I have lived a long time as his neighbor and
I know him thoroughly."
Jewett, when asked for a speech, said, "I have
but one thing to say at this time. I have been chosen by
the people on the pledge that I will give them good government
in so far as I am able. I want to say to you that if I am
to govern Buffalo
, wisely, economically and honestly, you must stand by me.
Now that you have elected me to this office, you must not
desert me. Will you give me your help?"
"I will," shouted every man in the room.
As was stated by the Buffalo
Times on November 8, "General Jewett...will be backed by
a Common Council
strongly Republican in both branches. His party will have a
majority in the Board of Public Works. In short he will
be a monarch of all he surveys."
On November 12, 1894 Mayor-elect Jewett's 200 employees
held a "jollification" in his honor. Both plants
of Jewett's
company were closed, as the employees rejoiced as their
President was elevated to the highest office in the city.
The immediate and important question that many citizens
pondered was who Jewett would chose to be the new police
commissioner. The Mayor-elect decided to take a vacation in
Brooklyn with his wife, at the end of the year. He received
the oath of office before leaving, to comply with formal
requirements. Before leaving, he appointed Jacob M. Roesch
Clerk of the Markets, but no police
commissioner.
On January 7, 1895 the Board of Aldermen appointed
a committee to wait upon the Mayor. They returned with Mayor
Jewett
's Inaugural Message.
"Having been called by the people of Buffalo
to be their Chief Executive Officer, I take up the responsible
duties of the position as a citizen proud of the recent
progress and growth of the city, and a firm believer that
the signs of the times portend a still more remarkable advancement
in the near future.
"I direct your attention to the future, not
in the spirit of boasting, but to impress you with the added
responsibilities which devolve upon you in paving the way
for the Greater Buffalo
As the legislative branch of our city government, you have
it within your power either to retard or promote our municipal
progress. It is of more importance to them, as citizens
and taxpayers, that their business should be transacted
well, than that the people transacting it belong to one
party or another. For this reason I urge you to dismiss
all questions of partisanship from your official acts and
legislate with an eye single to the best interests of the
whole community.
"This principle, which I counsel you to follow,
I lay down unhesitantly for my own guidance. To me the city
of Buffalo
appears to be not a political hive, but a vast business corporation.
It collects and spends over six million dollars a year.
That money belongs to the people, and is to be used solely
for their benefit. They are the stockholders in this corporation;
we are their agents. The same principles which govern the
administration of a large interests everywhere should be
applied here. From the employees of the city reasonable
hours of service and diligence should be required. Contractors
should be held to the strict fulfillment of their contracts.
The various departments should be held to a rigid standard
of faithful service. I do not believe that any remissness,
much less dishonesty, on the part of a contractor, or city
employee, should be excused or condoned on account of any
political influence or 'pull.'
"I am pleased to state that I find the city,
upon my accession to office, in excellent financial condition.
"During the past year, in spite of an unusual
business depression, I think that the progress of the city
has not been materially checked. We have gained both in
population and resources, and are ready to move on with
still more rapid strides when the temporary depression passes
away, as it soon will.
"The death rate has been brought down to 16.70
per 1,000.
"The Grade Crossing Commissioners report that
36 people were killed by railroads at grade crossings in
this city during the year 1894. ...These commissioners have
been fighting the battle of the people for the abolition
of these deadly crossings for the last six years. They have
adopted a plan covering the most objectionable crossings
and have entered into an agreement with two railroads for
the carrying out of the work.
"Certain of the railroads have met the commissioners
with a determined opposition at every point. They have resorted
to every petty technical device to frustrate our citizens
in their righteous effort to regain control of their own
streets and make them safe for the people to travel upon.
The opposition of certain railroads now makes it seem probable
that the day of the abolition of the crossings is far in
the future. It therefore becomes necessary to revise the
ordinances and to make them far more stringent than at present.
If we cannot have the grade crossings abolished, we can
at least abolish some of their dangers and inconveniences
by asserting our rights.
"The suggestion made by my immediate predecessor,
that the city should acquire title to the lake frontage
on the island, and proceed to erect upon it docks, piers,
and warehouses...is an excellent one, and fully meets my
approval. No reasonable excuse can be offered to the people
for delay in securing control of the admirable frontage
on this spacious harbor, and...the increased facilities
would greatly stimulate our commerce.
"In connection with this subject, it seems proper
that I should call your attention to the problem of making
adequate and safe provision for the needs of the excursion
traffic.
"It affords me especial gratification to speak
of the progress which has been made in the School Department.
The introduction of free text books, the adoption of an
improved course of study, the examination of partisan principles
in the management of the department...have all been of great
benefit. Public expectations will not be fully satisfied
until the Buffalo
school system is equal to that of any in the United States.
"According to the annual report of the Superintendent
of Education...the last school year opened with the astonishing
increase of 5,134 in the registration of pupils. This was
by far the largest increase ever realized in one year. During
the year seven new schools have been commenced, and plans
drawn for another. ...The new buildings will not provide
adequately for the 7,000 pupils now huddled and crowded
into inconvenient quarters. It becomes necessary, therefore,
to take steps to provide for the erection of more school
buildings, even before those under way are finished. I am
in favor of a liberal policy in regard to the schools, believing
that public money cannot be better expended than in the
education of our children.
"I recommend that the necessary legislative
permission for this be obtained at once, the bonds sold,
the sites purchased, and the construction of the schools
begun as soon as practicable.
"The cleanliness of the streets during the past
two years has been a source of pride and gratification to
the people of the city.
"A personal experience in the Police Department
leads to the conclusion that the past year has been marked
by an improvement in discipline and efficiency. The merit
system has prevailed in the appointment of members of the
force, and it has been found to be productive of good results.
It will...be the aim of this administration to keep the
conduct of police
affairs on a non-partisan basis.
"At present the department is greatly hampered
by lack of sufficient men. The growth of the city has been
so rapid that the Police Department has not kept pace with
it. The force has been seriously crippled by the adoption
of the three-platoon system. ...I would recommend that the
appointment of fifty additional members of the force...be
authorized by your honorable body.
"There is in the harbor about $5,000,000 invested
in lumber, etc., which is practically without police
protection. It seems to me that the time has come when steps
must be taken to organize a harbor police
to patrol the rivers, slips, basins and canals of the harbor,
during the season of navigation.
"At present the most pressing needs of the park
system are the completion of the South Park
, and of the work begun last year at the foot of Porter
avenue, being an improvement to 'The Front.'
"I would like to make one other suggestion,
which I deem important. About 18 months ago the city was
startled by the discovery that one of its trusted employees...had
defrauded it by an ingenious system of manipulation, of
over $60,000. I...advise that the sum of $3,000 a year be
added to the estimates of the Mayor's department, the same
to be expended for the employment of expert accountants,
from time to time, in the discretion of the Mayor. If the
accounts of each department were checked up twice a year,
possible frauds might be prevented.
"I recommend that a more liberal appropriation
be made for the work [of the civil service commission
] and that permanent quarters...be provided.
"In conclusion allow me to wish you success
in your labors for the coming year."
The request that Jewett made for $3,000 to have accounts
check the books of the city for fraud was met with massive
approval. One taxpayer went so far as to say, "Make
it $6,000 if necessary, Mr. Mayor."
In January, 1895, Mayor Jewett
finally made his choice for police
commissioner public. His choice of General James E. Curtiss
was not endorsed by the Republican's. But, as was said by
the Buffalo
Times, it "shows that Mayor-elect Jewett's assertion of
back-bone entitles him to the profound respect and admiration
of the entire community." Jewett was there for the
people, and his party would not affect his decisions.
Mayor Jewett
appointed a committee to discuss the matter of granting a franchise
to the Niagara Falls Power Company. Included on the committee
was Ansley Wilcox, E. H. Hutchinson, Joseph P. Dudley, T.
T. Ramsdell and George V. Forman.
The Mayor also announced his belief in water meters
to stop the waste of water, and public lavatories in densely
populated areas.
On March 23, 1895 Mayor Jewett
formed an advisory board made up of the heads of all the departments
to meet with him on a weekly basis.
On January 1, 1896 the new public bathhouse was opened.
Mayor Jewett
's Annual Message was made on January 6, 1896 to the Board
of Aldermen.
"In common with all of our citizens; I take
pride in noting the fact that the year just closed has been
marked by a substantial increase in the population and wealth
of our city. This is all the more gratifying because the
country has not yet fully recovered from a prolonged business
depression, and it shows that Buffalo
is the possessor of advantages peculiar to itself, which cause
it to grow and prosper, whether the conditions in other
parts of the country are favorable or adverse.
"Our bonded debt is small as compared with that
of other cities of about the same size...or only about 50
per cent of the limit allowed by the Charter.
"It is hoped that the members of your Honorable
Body will, in all your actions, be governed by a desire
to keep the taxes
down to the lowest possible rate during the year 1896.
"One of the great questions which has settled
during the past year was that of a franchise the companies
desiring to distribute and sell Niagara Falls electric power
in this city. The franchise which was adopted, and which
was approved by me on December 16, in my opinion meets the
approval of a majority of our citizens. It is confidently
expected that electric power from Niagara Falls will be
introduced in Buffalo
under this franchise during the coming year, and that it will
prove of great utility and materially promote the welfare
of the City.
"Electricity is becoming so potent a factor
in civilized life, and figures so conspicuously in municipal
problems, that it seems to me it would pay the City to employ
an electrical expert, to be appointed by the Board of Public
Works, and known as the City Electrician. Plenty of work
could be found for a City Electrician to do, and I believe
the creation of such an office would be a wise and desirable
step.
"Much progress has been made in the work of
freeing our streets from the deadly incumbrances of railroad
crossings at grade.
"A bill will soon be introduced in the Legislature...for
the erection of a new armory for the 74th Regiment.
"The Market Clerk has managed the markets on
business principles, making a record for honesty and efficiency
second to that of no other City employee. Under his careful
supervision the expenses have been diminished, while the
receipts have increased to an astonishing degree.
"A subject which the Common Council
should take up and deal with in a broad and comprehensive manner,
is the improvement of the sidewalks. There is no uniformity
as to grade width, or material, and too often the walks
are shabbily constructed and dangerous to pedestrians. I
recommend that a general ordinance covering this subject
be adopted.
"One of the cardinal sins of the present administration
is to increase the school facilities so as to provide accommodations
for all children whose parents desire the privilege of sending
them to the public schools. The Superintendent...shows that
the rapid growth of the city necessitates the building of
several more schools at once in the eastern and northeastern
parts of the city.
"The State Civil Service
Commission on their recent visit to this city awarded Buffalo
the high praise of being the 'model Civil Service city of the
State.'
"The discipline and efficiency of the Police
Department has been greatly improved during the year. The
Commissioners have been severe in dealing with delinquents,
and especially with the evil of intoxication. This policy
has weeded out many of the unworthy men, and has taught
the whole force that a strict attention in duty and compliance
with the rules of the department is expected from each and
every member.
"The Harbor Patrol, which was established last
year, has done excellent work in protecting property in
the harbor, and is a valuable addition to the department.
"During the year I visited personally every
fire engine house and chemical station, and made a thorough
inspection of the fire department. It is my belief that
it is in good condition, both as to discipline and efficiency.
"During my incumbency in office it has gradually
been forced upon my attention that the city enjoys no real
competition in the matter of pavements. It is common report
that a pool or combine exists among the companies by reason
of which the people are deprived of the low prices which
honest, competition would bring. I find that in most every
city there is genuine competition and prices are lower than
they are in Buffalo
...The prevailing tendency all over the country is towards
lower prices and longer guarantees. I have the names of
a number of companies whose reliability has been established
in other cities, and who would be glad to get a foothold
here.
"Since the City and County Hall
was completed the population of the City has increased 128 per
cent and the volume of public business has increased correspondingly.
Several years ago, my predecessor recommended to you that
steps be taken for the enlargement of the building, but
for some reason nothing was accomplished.
"It seems to me that the enlargement ought to
be made with the idea of providing enough accommodations
for at least 50 years."
One of Jewett's plans for alleviating the number
of families calling on the Poormaster for assistance was
by the so-called Detroit Plan. Using vacant land in the
city, families were given potatoes to begin farming. After
one season of hard work many families would no longer need
public assistance, since they could now be self-supporting.
Nearly 600 families were helped this way.
Mayor Jewett
delivered his final Annual Message on January 4, 1897.
"The city is growing rapidly and the increase
of public business is a material consequence. The past year
was a very active one so far as municipal affairs were concerned.
"A rapid survey of the municipal improvements
made during the past year shows that schools, fire houses
and other buildings have been constructed.
"The tax rate for the year was $15.88 per $1,000
of assessed valuation...the lowest rate since 1890.
"While the conditions during the past year have
not been favorable to a general expansion of business. It
cannot be said that stagnation has prevailed. The growth
of the city has not been checked. Although no census was
taken, this is indicated by the increase of 5,192 in the
registration of pupils in our public schools. The commerce
of our harbor was greater than it ever was in the history
of the city. Some very important events bearing upon the
future of the city have also occurred.
"First among these was the successful transmission
to Buffalo
of electric power from Niagara Falls. This was accomplished
on the 15th day of November, and one thousand horse power,
generated by the mighty cataract is now being regularly
delivered here. The practicability of the transmission of
large quantities of electricity for power purposes has been
established beyond doubt. ...It will not be long before
a large additional quantity of power will be available...it
will greatly reduce the use of steam, if not in course of
time wholly supersede it.
"The introduction of this electric power was
an event that has done more to bring this city to the favorable
notice of the entire civilized world, than any that ever
occurred here. I am very much mistaken if it does not mark
the beginning of an era of industrial growth and prosperity
which will make Buffalo
and vicinity the greatest manufacturing center in the world.
"Second only to it in importance was the authorization
by the National Government of a contract...for the completion
of our breakwater. This means that within a few years our
city will have one of the finest harbors in the Great Lakes.
The volume of this commerce, I am informed, is exceeded
by that of only three other ports in the world.
"I beg to recommend that an effort be made as
soon as possible to induce the National Government to include
the Buffalo
River and auxiliary canals in the list of navigable waters for
which it makes regular appropriations. Our present inner
harbor is of as much importance as Chicago's, and we have
never received a dollar for it from the Government.
"The third great event affecting the future
of Buffalo
was the action taken by the Legislature, appropriating money
and authorizing the...deepening and improving the Erie Canal
"There have been no radical changes in the Police
Department during the past year. The Commissioners have
been relieved of a portion of their duties by the enactment
of the Raines Liquor-tax law, which transferred the control
of excise matters to the State authorities.
"It is interesting to note that of the 469 patrolmen
now in service, 204, or 43 per cent, have been appointed
during the last three years from lists prepared.
"A year ago I recommended that steps should
be taken to change and improve the City and County Hall
Nothing has been done about it.
"The record made by the Market Clerk during
the two years of his administration is one of which he may
well be proud. He has made the markets self-sustaining for
the first time in the history of the city.
"The public is now enjoying the first benefits
of the vast improvement which has been undertaken by the
Grade Crossing Commission
"The method of relieving the poor by means of
the potato patch system was continued during the year.
"The venture proved to be a great success and
as a plan of relief for the poor. It is far superior to
the indiscriminate bestowal of charity upon them. Plots
of one-third of an acre each were given to 1,207 families.
The only cost to the city was for the seed potatoes, the
necessary labor in preparing the soil for planting, and
postage and printing.
"The crops were abundant, and I have received
many letters from people who had plots, saying they will
not be compelled to call upon the Poormaster for aid this
winter.
"It will be several years before any water can
be pumped from the new [water] plant, and...I would recommend
that a new 30,000,000-gallon engine be ordered by the city.
"Our Buffalo
Library, which has been built up and maintained as a private
institution for many years, finds that through the operation
of a law passed by the last Legislature, it will henceforth
be deprived of a considerable amount of its annual revenue.
This law requires the taxation of all property held by religious
and benevolent institutions, not actually used for the purposes
of such institutions. Hereafter the Library Association
will be obliged to pay taxes
upon this property.
"If we believe in free popular education...we
ought also to believe in a free library and reading room.
"The trustees of the Grosvenor Library
call my attention to the fact that the city's annual appropriation...is
too small. They ask that this amount be increased.
"In August of the present year our city will
act the part of host of the greatest gathering ever known
in its history, [G.A.R. Encampment].
"The authorities have made extraordinary efforts
during the past two years to catch up with the growth of
the city in the matter of building schools. The deplorable
overcrowding...has almost entirely been done away with.
"Many of our city departments are known far
and wide for their good work, and I think it is a fact that
few, if any, municipalities in the United States have a
better reputation for honest, efficient and economical government."
On March 1, 1897 Mayor Jewett
signed the document making the Buffalo
Library free. Also during the year, Mayor Jewett
signed the 'No More Smoke' bill to abolish the nuisance. Lastly,
the Mayor signed a bill to provide a piece of park property
for the building of the Buffalo
Historical Society
During his term the Masten Park
High School was constructed, as were 11 other schools.
In 1897, after the Buffalo
Library had become free, Jewett was appointed a Library Board
member, ex-officio, by designation of his position as Mayor.
Mayor Jewett
chose to run for re-election in 1897, and James Menzies was
put in charge of his reelection campaign, with campaign
offices secured in the Guaranty Building. However, at the
Republican Convention, J. N. Scatcherd was the choice of
the party. Therefore, Jewett abandoned his
campaign and returned to his business. When the election
neared Jewett was in Cambridge Springs, New York. He sent
a telegram, to who it is not known, stating the following:
"No truth in the story that I will not be home to vote.
I will be home on election day to vote for John N. Scatcherd
, as all Republicans who have the best interests of the
city at heart should do. (Signed) Edgar B. Jewett
" For many years it was believed the telegram was a
hoax, and it was printed in the press and believed that
Jewett would not vote for Scatcherd. But Jewett acknowledged
in 1920 that he had voted for Scatcherd.
PERSONAL LIFE
Edgar Jewett
was married to Elizabeth Foster Danforth on October 3, 1865.
They had four children. Mrs. Jewett died on August 9, 1905.
On January 6, 1909 Jewett married Augusta Elizabeth Fisher.
During Jewett's tenure as mayor he lived at 210 Summer
Street. After his second marriage he moved to 148 Morris
Avenue.
Over the years, the Jewett company changed names
several times. Either in 1885, or after the closing of John
C. Jewett & Son in 1917, the Jewett Refrigerator Company
was formed, with a plant located at 27 Chandler Street.
This company was purchased by Ruslander & Sons in 1949.
Jewett continued in his position as President and
General Manager of the company until the firm was dissolved.
He was also the vice-president of the Cary Safe Company.
Jewett was elected President of the Columbia National
Bank during 1897.
He was a member of the Masonic
order, affiliated with Ancient Landmark Lodge, Free and Accepted
Masons; a companion of the Royal Arch Chapter, a Knight
Templar; a member of the Consistory (32nd degree), and a
noble of the Mystic Shrine. He was a member of the Acacia
Club and Buffalo
Club
, and other fraternal and social organizations.
Jewett formed the Jewett Family of America, a group
devoted to preserving the Jewett name throughout the United
States. He welcomed the group to Buffalo
for a reunion on July 3, 1914
In 1923, at 80 years old, he went to the mountains
for a vacation. While there he was stricken with a cold
which, because of his age, drained his vitality. He was
sent to the Clifton Springs Sanitarium where he had hoped
to recover.
On March 28, 1924, Jewett died while at Clifton Springs.
He was buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery
accompanied by a company of soldiers from the 144th Regiment,
while a bugler played taps.
In March, 1925, the Buffalo
Historical Society
received a bronze wall tablet in memory of Jewett. It was presented
by Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. White, Mrs. White being Jewett's
daughter, Mabel.
