William C. Redfield

William C. Redfield was an American politician and businessman who served as the first United States Secretary of Commerce under Woodrow Wilson, from 1913 to 1919, playing a crucial role in the development of the United States Department of Commerce alongside Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was the Assistant Secretary of the Navy at the time. Redfield's tenure was marked by significant events, including World War I and the passage of the Federal Reserve Act, which was signed into law by Woodrow Wilson in 1913. During his time in office, Redfield worked closely with other notable figures, such as Herbert Hoover, who was the head of the United States Food Administration, and Robert Lansing, who was the United States Secretary of State. Redfield's contributions to the Democratic Party and his involvement in various organizations, including the National Democratic Committee and the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, were also notable.

Early life and education

William C. Redfield was born in Albany, New York, and grew up in a family with strong ties to New York City and the Hudson River Valley. He attended Albany Academy and later graduated from Union College, where he was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, alongside other notable alumni, such as Chester A. Arthur and William Seward. Redfield's education and early life experiences were influenced by his connections to prominent individuals, including Grover Cleveland, who was a close friend of his family, and Theodore Roosevelt, who was a distant relative. After completing his education, Redfield began his career in the business world, working for companies such as General Electric and American Locomotive Company, which were major players in the industrialization of the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Business career

Redfield's business career spanned several decades and included involvement with various companies, such as United States Steel Corporation, General Motors, and DuPont, which were all major corporations in the United States at the time. He was also a member of the New York Stock Exchange and served on the boards of several organizations, including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the National Association of Manufacturers. Redfield's business experience and connections to prominent figures, such as J.P. Morgan and John D. Rockefeller, helped shape his views on commerce and industry, which he later applied during his tenure as United States Secretary of Commerce. Redfield's involvement in the business world also brought him into contact with other notable individuals, including Henry Ford, who was a pioneer in the automotive industry, and Thomas Edison, who was a renowned inventor and entrepreneur.

Political career

Redfield's entry into politics was marked by his involvement in the Democratic Party, where he worked closely with notable figures, such as William Jennings Bryan and Woodrow Wilson. He was a delegate to the 1912 Democratic National Convention, which nominated Woodrow Wilson for President of the United States. Redfield's political career was also influenced by his connections to other prominent politicians, including Theodore Roosevelt, who was a leader of the Progressive Party, and Elihu Root, who was a Republican Party leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Redfield's experiences in politics and business prepared him for his later role as United States Secretary of Commerce, where he worked to promote American business and industry during a time of significant change and growth.

Secretary of Commerce

As United States Secretary of Commerce, Redfield played a key role in the development of the United States Department of Commerce, which was established in 1913. He worked closely with other government agencies, such as the United States Department of State and the United States Department of the Treasury, to promote American trade and commerce. Redfield's tenure was marked by significant events, including World War I and the passage of the Federal Reserve Act, which was signed into law by Woodrow Wilson in 1913. During his time in office, Redfield worked with notable figures, such as Herbert Hoover, who was the head of the United States Food Administration, and Robert Lansing, who was the United States Secretary of State. Redfield's contributions to the Democratic Party and his involvement in various organizations, including the National Democratic Committee and the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, were also notable.

Later life and death

After leaving office in 1919, Redfield returned to his business career, serving on the boards of several companies, including General Electric and American Locomotive Company. He remained involved in politics and was a supporter of Franklin D. Roosevelt during his 1932 presidential campaign. Redfield's later life was also marked by his involvement in various organizations, including the Council on Foreign Relations and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He passed away on June 13, 1932, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent figure in American business and politics. Redfield's death was noted by prominent figures, including Herbert Hoover, who was the President of the United States at the time, and Owen D. Young, who was a leader in the business world and a close friend of Redfield's. Category:United States Secretaries of Commerce