Hon Edwin W LADD

  General Notes:

Notes from Warren Ladd: From the Springfield Republican, March 30, 1887: "He was a native of Ellington, Ct, where he was born; but his father, Jacob Ladd, a farmer prominent in the life of that town, came to this city when Edwin was seven years old. The family settled on a farm at the head of the Water-shops pond, which was afterwards bought by the government and overflowed. There young Ladd was trained in those habits of industry and thrift which distinguished him always. His time for schooling was not long, for after he had attended the common schools and enjoyed a brief session at the Connecticut literary institution at Suffield, he began life for himself. Entering Eliphalet Trask's foundry he learned the moulder's trade. After three years in that establishment he went to Westfield and took charge of H B Smith's foundry, wherein he secured an interest. He went to Cleveland OH, about 1857, continueing in his trade, and was afterward engaged in the foundry buisiness in Hamilton, Ont, then in Agawam, and finally with the Wason Car Company in this city. *** He built and rented many houses, especially to people of moderate means, and his kindly quanlities made him an indulgent creditor and popular landlord. *** Edwin W Ladd was always a Democrat in politics, but he was at the same time a fair-minded man, who never became an aggressive politician or an illiberal partisan. He was elected to the lower branch of the city government of 1877, and was returned the following year. In 1879 he was promoted to the upper board, where his industry, good sense, and practical knowledge, made him a valuable member; and his reelection cam about as a matter of course. When the end of 1881 approached, Alderman Ladd rose into unexpected prominence. It was generally expected that Charles Marsh would be put up as the Democratic candidate for mayor against L J Powers, the Republican nominee, but at the caucus the workingmen unexpectedly turned the tables and placed Mr Ladd in nomination. He proved a strong candidate, was handsomely elected, and gave the city a conservative and successful administration. He was a working mayor, and his choce of Col John L Rice for city marshal bespoke a vigorous effort to enforce the laws. This early promise was in nowise abated during the year, and violators of the liquor law were followed with vigor, while the houses of ill-fame were broken up. With out making any attempt at parade, and modestly recognizing the limitations which he clearly understood, Mayor Ladd did his duty with credit to himself. He was renominated, but was defeated by Col H M Phillips."

Edwin married Mary L BAILEY on 21 Nov 1855. (Mary L BAILEY was born about 1833 in Springfield, Hampden Co, MA and died on an unknown date.)