Edmund Platt

Summary

Edmund Platt (February 2, 1865 – August 7, 1939) was an American politician and corporate executive who served as the 4th vice chairman of the Federal Reserve from 1920 to 1930. A member of the Republican Party, he had represented New York's 26th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives for four terms from 1913 to 1920.

Edmund Platt
4th Vice Chairman of the Federal Reserve
In office
July 23, 1920 – September 14, 1930
PresidentWoodrow Wilson
Warren G. Harding
Calvin Coolidge
Herbert Hoover
Preceded byAlbert Strauss
Succeeded byJohn Thomas
Member of the Federal Reserve Board
In office
June 20, 1920 – September 14, 1930
PresidentWoodrow Wilson
Warren G. Harding
Calvin Coolidge
Herbert Hoover
Preceded byAlbert Strauss
Succeeded byEugene Meyer
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 26th district
In office
March 4, 1913 – June 7, 1920
Preceded byEdwin Albert Merritt
Succeeded byHamilton Fish III
Personal details
Born
Edmund Platt

(1865-02-02)February 2, 1865
Poughkeepsie, New York, U.S.
DiedAugust 7, 1939(1939-08-07) (aged 74)
Chazy, New York, U.S.
Resting placePoughkeepsie Rural Cemetery
Political partyRepublican
EducationEastman Business College
Harvard University (BA)

Biography edit

Born in Poughkeepsie, New York he attended a private school and Riverview Academy. He graduated from Eastman Business College in Poughkeepsie and learned the printer's trade. He graduated from Harvard University in 1888 and taught school and studied law.

Early career edit

He moved to Wisconsin and edited the Superior Evening Telegram in 1890 and 1891. He returned to Poughkeepsie in 1891 and engaged in editing and publishing the Poughkeepsie Eagle; he was also a member of the board of water commissioners of Poughkeepsie.

Congress edit

Platt was elected as a Republican to the Sixty-third and to the three succeeding Congresses and held office from March 4, 1913 to June 7, 1920, when he resigned to accept appointment by President Woodrow Wilson to the Federal Reserve Board.

While in the House of Representatives, he was chairman of the Committee on Banking and Currency (Sixty-sixth Congress).

Federal Reserve edit

Platt became vice chairman of the Federal Reserve Board in August 1920 and served until 1930 when he resigned. Ironically, as a congressman he voted against the creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913. [1]

Later career edit

He returned to Poughkeepsie and engaged in an extensive banking business.

Death and burial edit

Platt died in Chazy, New York while on a visit in 1939; interment was in the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.

References edit

  • United States Congress. "Edmund Platt (id: P000379)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

External links edit

  • Statements and Speeches of Edmund Platt
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 26th congressional district

1913–1920
Succeeded by
Preceded by Chair of the House Financial Services Committee
1919–1920
Succeeded by
Government offices
Preceded by
Albert Strauss
Member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors
1920–1930
Succeeded by
Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve
1920–1930
Succeeded by
John Thomas
  1. ^ https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/63-2/h73