Seth Low

Seth Low was a renowned American politician, educator, and diplomat who served as the Mayor of New York City from 1902 to 1903 and as the President of Columbia University from 1890 to 1901. He was a prominent figure in New York City politics and education, known for his Progressive Era reforms and his commitment to public service. Low was a member of the Republican Party and was influenced by the ideas of Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Elihu Root. He was also a close friend and advisor to J.P. Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, and other prominent business leaders of the time.

● Early Life and Education

Seth Low was born on January 18, 1850, in New York City, New York, to Abiel Abbot Low and Ellen Almira Dow. His father was a successful merchant and philanthropist who was involved in the China trade and was a member of the New York City Council. Low attended Columbia College and graduated in 1870, where he was a member of the Philolexian Society and was influenced by the ideas of Francis Lieber and Charles Kendall Adams. He then attended Columbia Law School and graduated in 1872, where he was a student of Theodore Dwight Woolsey and Joseph Hodges Choate. Low was also a member of the New York State Bar Association and the American Bar Association.

● Career

Low began his career as a lawyer in New York City and quickly became involved in politics. He was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1880 to 1881 and served on the New York City Board of Education from 1881 to 1884. Low was also a member of the National Education Association and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was a close friend and advisor to Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, and other prominent politicians of the time. Low was also involved in the Spanish-American War and served as a member of the United States Commission to the Paris Exposition in 1900.

● Mayor of New York City

Low was elected as the Mayor of New York City in 1901 and served from 1902 to 1903. During his tenure, he implemented several Progressive Era reforms, including the creation of the New York City Department of Health and the New York City Department of Education. Low was also a strong supporter of public transportation and oversaw the development of the New York City Subway system. He was a member of the National Municipal League and the American Society for Public Administration. Low's administration was also marked by his efforts to reduce corruption and increase transparency in government, which was influenced by the ideas of Muckrakers like Ida Tarbell and Lincoln Steffens.

● President of Columbia University

Low served as the President of Columbia University from 1890 to 1901, where he oversaw a period of significant growth and development. During his tenure, he established the Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Columbia University School of Law. Low was also a strong supporter of academic freedom and oversaw the development of the Columbia University Libraries and the Columbia University Press. He was a member of the Association of American Universities and the American Council on Education. Low's presidency was also marked by his efforts to increase diversity and inclusion on campus, which was influenced by the ideas of W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington.

● Personal Life and Legacy

Low married Anne Wroe Scollay Curtis in 1875 and had several children. He was a member of the Episcopal Church and was involved in several philanthropic organizations, including the New York City Mission Society and the American Red Cross. Low was also a close friend and advisor to Woodrow Wilson, Herbert Hoover, and other prominent politicians of the time. He died on September 17, 1916, in Barrington, Rhode Island, and was buried in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York. Low's legacy continues to be felt in New York City and Columbia University, where he is remembered as a pioneering figure in education and public service. He was also a recipient of the Honorary degree from Harvard University, Yale University, and Princeton University. Category:American politicians