Edward Eicher

Edward Eicher was a prominent American politician and jurist who served as a U.S. Representative from Iowa's 1st congressional district during the 1930s. A member of the Democratic Party, Eicher was known for his alignment with New Deal policies and his contributions to federal governance during a transformative period in American history. Following his tenure in the House of Representatives, he held significant roles in federal regulatory and judicial capacities, including as a member and chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission and later as Chief Justice of the District Court for the District of Columbia.

Early life and career

Edward Clayton Eicher was born on December 16, 1878, on a farm near Noble, Iowa. He was raised in a family with a strong religious background; his father, Benjamin Eicher, served as a Mennonite bishop. Eicher's educational journey began in public schools before he attended Washington Academy in Washington, Iowa, and later Morgan Park Academy in Chicago, Illinois. He pursued higher education at the University of Chicago, where he earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in 1904. Eicher continued his studies at the University of Chicago Law School, laying the groundwork for his future legal career.

After being admitted to the bar in 1906, Eicher began practicing law in Washington, Iowa. His early career included a brief stint as the assistant registrar at the University of Chicago. In 1909, he returned to Burlington, Iowa, where he worked as an assistant attorney for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad until 1918. Following this role, Eicher resumed private practice, forming a partnership in the law firm Livingston and Eicher in Washington, Iowa. His legal experience and connections in the community would later serve him well in his political career.

Eicher's political involvement began to take shape when he served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1932. His engagement with the party and the political landscape of the time positioned him for a congressional run.

House tenure

In 1932, Eicher was elected as a Democrat to represent Iowa's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. His first term commenced on March 4, 1933, during a period marked by the Great Depression and significant governmental reform under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. Eicher was re-elected twice, serving a total of three terms in Congress until he decided not to seek re-election in 1938.

Throughout his time in the House, Eicher was recognized for his commitment to the Democratic Party's progressive agenda, which aimed to address the economic challenges facing the nation. His legislative efforts were aligned with the broader goals of the New Deal, which sought to provide relief, recovery, and reform to a struggling economy. Eicher's tenure in Congress concluded on December 2, 1938, when he withdrew from the race for the Democratic nomination for his seat. His departure from Congress was noted by contemporaries, including Time magazine, which referred to him as "a wheelhorse in a pasture of mavericks," highlighting his role within the party during a time of significant political change.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House of Representatives, Eicher's legislative focus was largely influenced by the pressing issues of the era, particularly those related to economic recovery and regulatory reform. As a member of the Democratic Party, he supported various initiatives aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by Americans during the Great Depression. His alignment with the New Deal policies underscored his commitment to government intervention in the economy, which was a hallmark of the Roosevelt administration.

After concluding his congressional service, Eicher was appointed by President Roosevelt to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 1938. He served as a commissioner until 1942, and during this time, he held the position of chair from 1941 to 1942. His role at the SEC was significant, as the commission was tasked with regulating the securities industry and protecting investors, particularly in the wake of the stock market crash of 1929 and the subsequent economic turmoil.

Following his tenure at the SEC, Eicher's judicial career began when he was nominated by President Roosevelt to serve as Chief Justice of the District Court of the United States for the District of Columbia. He was confirmed by the Senate in January 1942 and took on a critical role in the federal judiciary. His service on the bench was marked by high-profile cases, including presiding over a major sedition trial involving suspected Axis conspirators and sympathizers during World War II. This trial garnered significant media attention and was described as one of the most notable sedition trials in U.S. history.

Eicher's judicial career was cut short by his untimely death on November 30, 1944, from a heart attack in Alexandria, Virginia. At the time of his passing, he had been overseeing the aforementioned trial for several months. His death resulted in a mistrial, and the subsequent decision by the government not to pursue further prosecution led to the dismissal of charges against the defendants involved. Eicher was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery in Washington, Iowa.

Edward Eicher's life and career reflect a commitment to public service through both legislative and judicial avenues. His contributions to the New Deal era and his later role in federal regulation and the judiciary illustrate the diverse ways in which he sought to impact American society during a time of significant change.