George Bruce Cortelyou (1862–1940) was an American politician, cabinet secretary, and businessman known for his service in the administrations of Presidents Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, and Theodore Roosevelt. He played a key role in modernizing the White House and managing the Panic of 1907 as Secretary of the Treasury.
Born in New York City, Cortelyou studied at Westfield State University and later earned law degrees from Georgetown University and George Washington University. He began his career in the U.S. Post Office Department, gaining recognition for his organizational skills.
As Secretary to the President (1900–03,) he streamlined White House operations. He later became the first U.S. Secretary of Commerce and Labor (1903–04,) Chairman of the Republican National Committee (1904–07,) Postmaster General (1905–07,) and Secretary of the Treasury (1907–09,) working to stabilize the economy during the financial crisis.
His career is examined in Charles Penrose’s George B. Cortelyou, 1862–1940: Briefest Biography of a Great American (1955.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by George B. Cortelyou
The greatest asset of any nation is the spirit of its people, and the greatest danger that can menace any nation is the breakdown of that spirit—the will to win and the courage to work.
—George B. Cortelyou
Topics: Work
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