STRAUS HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC – Online Auction 2019
Auction Ends: Dec 22, 2019 10:00 PM EST

Books

Jesse Isidor Straus: A Biographical Portrait by Reginold Wright Kauffman

Item Number
120
Sold
80 USD to pc031bdc0

Item Description

Jesse Isidor Straus (1872-1936) was the eldest son of Isidor and Ida Straus. After his graduation from Harvard, Jesse began work as a clerk at Hanover National Bank and then joined the family firm of Abraham and Straus in Brooklyn, New York. In 1896, he joined R.H. Macy & Co. Jesse and his brothers, Percy and Herbert, assumed sole senior partnership at Macy’s in 1912. Jesse was a Macy’s partner until 1919 at which time he was elected president of the firm. He remained president until 1933.

In 1931, Jesse was appointed head of New York State Temporary Emergency Relief Administration (T.E.R.A.). He left that position in 1932 after realizing it had become a full time position. Although he resigned as chair of T.E.R.A., Jesse continued his civic work. He was a member of the executive committee of the Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the Salvation Army United Appeal general committee. In 1933, he was nominated and appointed the United States Ambassador to France, a position he held until ill health forced him to retire in 1936. Jesse died on October 4th, 1936, surrounded by family.

Item Special Note

This biography, commissioned by the family, was privately published. It is a hardcover, leatherbound text contained inside a protective fabric lined box. Shipping and processing fees will be added to the winning bid.