New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-07-25
OBITUARY.
E. j. III. T4MSEN DEAD.
Former Sheriff and Civic Reformer
Succumbs to Paralysis.

Edward J. H Hansen. who was Sheriff of New
York County from 1895 10 1897. died at his home.
No 331 East 18th street, yesterday morning, hav-
ing failed TO rally from stroke OF paralysis re-
Ceived week ago
Mr.. Hansen was born in Hamburg, Germany.
February %, lS49. Having served year in the
army and won promotion. he visited this country
as a traveller in 1863 and decided TO remain here.
IN 1870 his family purchased for him interest in
J. & c. Hansen, importers and binders Of books.
OF which firm he became the head six years later.
Mr.. Tamsen extended his business by adding
to II steamship passenger agency. advertising
exchange and banking department, and opened
branch in Hamburg.
He early began TO manifest an active interest IN
civic affairs as a reformer of the restless ener-
getic type. He took lively part in the fight
again Tammaly and TWeedism in the early los,
Joining the German American Independent Citizens
Reform Union, Of which he was five times elected
president He was twice president OF the House
Owners Union of the 10th. 18th and 18th Wards and
represented that organization in the Central Tax
payers Association. In 1888 and 1884 he was
member of the Citizens Committee Of Fifty, which
was active in those years in its efforts to obtain
municipal reform. He noted for the offices
and nominations that he decla>d: among them
that of County Clerk, President OF the Board OF
Aldermen ana State Senator
However. he accepted the unsalaried post or
school commissioner, offered 10 him BY Mayor
Grace. in 1sS& ana found Congenia outlet Tor MS
energies He served many important commit
tees. and was the chairman of that OF languages,
where he stoutly fought for the teaching Of Ger
man in the public schools He introduced the
German exercises in the schools. and brought
about the establishment OF an additional evening
school for women and OF evening high school
He active IN peTfeCting the system or IRE
drills In the schools, and at the time or the buTn-
ing of The Catholic school in East 4th street Wen
sixteen lives lost, he displayed great bravery
In rescuing twelve children from the names nc
was reappointed Tor second term py Mayor
Grace. 1885, and in 1892 Mayor Grant appolnteu
him the board for the third time. to MI the va
Caucy caused by the death Of Frederick kuehne.
MI Hansen was nominated for Sherin IN 1874. OF
the Committee of Seventys reform ticket. and was
elected His administration of the office, untortu-
nately is chiefly remembered for the escape rom
Ludlow street Jail OF three federal prisoners VINO
terrified OF the guards by threatening MIN VIII
a bunch OF keys pointed az him, In the manner OF
building They were not recaptured untl severn
years later. \ Iudcrous side 70 the occuFieI,e
was brought out By one Of the Sheriff German
American deputies who rushed into Mr. hansen
office CRYING. Der Chai is oUdt. ms Iel4ai -
was seized upon the basis for many Jokes a. el-
expense of the Sheriff, who SUFFERED AeeI'iS 4'O
the fun that was pohed at him -, 1000.
Although he at set TO work WIN ClstI &c
teristic energy TO apply his weI-NnoWn LeAOtii'
princpIes 10 the reorganization of the methodS an"
personnel - the shrievalry. the federal authoitgS
have persisted since that time in connnihs 'l'eii
prisoners in the ToInbs- -,..
Mr. Hansen married in ~ 10 fidli sI
Catherine Hee of FIensburg. They had tour cHII-
dreu three OF whom-two daughters ana son
arc living He was member OF the German
IIederkranz. the Arion Society and thc 'Te'I''l's
Society and was al various times dlrectoI OF
the Isabella Home for Aged Persons the Cnlo i
square and Aston Place banks, the New 1o'A
Plate Glass Insurance Company ana the Ge'Ii'''''
American Investment Company.
The funeral will take place at his nome to-IIot
row evening The burial which VIII ne private
Will take place on Saturday morning