Seth Low

Seth Low ( born January 18, 1850 in Brooklyn, New York, † September 17, 1916 in Bedford Hills, New York) was an American educator and politician ( Republican). He was the last mayor of the independent city of Brooklyn, president of Columbia University, a diplomatic representative of the United States of America and mayor of New York City.

Early life

Low was a student at the former Polytechnic Preparatory High School, today's Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn and at Columbia College. Low, Abiel Abbot Low whose father was one of the leading dealers in China, spent several years in the family business in the 1870s. In 1880 he married Anne Wroe Scollay Curtis. He was mayor of Brooklyn in 1881; so he followed his grandfather, who had also been mayor of Brooklyn. He ruled for two terms until 1885, but his support of Grover Cleveland in 1884 angered the population, which is why he was not re-elected for a third term.

President at Columbia University

After his time as mayor of Brooklyn Low took over in 1890 the presidency of Columbia College, which he held until 1901. During this time he managed the relocation of the establishment of Midtown Manhattan Morningside Heights and changed its name to " Columbia University ". The new campus was fully integrated into the city. Low was 1895 million dollars for a library that was built on the new campus of Columbia University. He dedicated it to his father, whose heir she was built and was opened in 1897. On July 4, 1899, he was one of the American delegates to attend the International Peace Conference in The Hague.

Mayor of New York City

Low ran for President of the University for mayor of the newly consolidated City of New York. During his election campaign, campaign, he had the support of humorist Mark Twain. With the support of both his own and the Democratic Party, he won the mayoral election. Some of his achievements include improving the education system of the city and the reduction of taxes. Despite this seemingly impressive performances he was mayor for one year only and was built in 1903, replaced by George B. McClellan, Jr., son of Civil War General McClellan.

Later life

He was chairman of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama from 1907 until his death in 1916. Starting in 1907, he was also chairman of the National Civic Federation. On September 17, 1916 Low died at his home in Bedford Hills.