Edgar J. Nathan (August 28, 1891 – April 30, 1965) was a New York Cityattorney and political figure who served as Manhattan Borough President from 1942 to 1946. He is to date the last Republican to serve as Manhattan Borough President.
In 1942 Nathan won election as Manhattan Borough President, and he served until 1946. During World War II Nathan was involved in the city's civil defense effort and was a leader of bond drives, metal salvage events and other activities.[10][11][12][13]
After leaving office Nathan returned to the practice of law briefly as a partner in Gale, Bernays, Falk, Eisner & Nathan. In 1946 Governor of New YorkThomas E. Dewey appointed Nathan to the New York State Supreme Court.[14][15] Nathan won election to a full fourteen-year term later that year, and was reelected in 1960.[16] The State Judicial Conference certified Nathan for continued service after he reached the mandatory retirement age for judges of 70, and he remained on the bench until his death.[17]
Nathan died in New York City on April 30, 1965.[18]
Family
Nathan was descended from Abraham de Lucena, one of the first 13 Jewish immigrants to the United States. In addition, his ancestors included RabbiGershom Mendes Seixas, who founded New York City's Shearith Israel congregation in 1654.[19] Nathan was President of Shearith Israel from 1951 until his death.[20][21]
Another Nathan ancestor from his Seixas line, Benjamin M. Seixas, served as an officer of the New York Militia during the American Revolution. As a result, Nathan was able to join the Sons of the American Revolution.[22]
In addition to being related to Benjamin Cardozo, Nathan was also a cousin of Emma Lazarus.[23]
References
^U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, entry for Edgar J. Nathan, Jr., accessed August 11, 2012
^U.S. World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942 entry for Edgar J Nathan Jr., accessed August 11, 2012